Blue Flag initiative in Tamil Nadu
Blue Flag Expansion in Tamil Nadu: The Environment, Climate Change, and Forest Department of Tamil Nadu has identified six beaches for achieving the Blue Flag certification. This recognition is awarded to beaches that meet the highest international standards of cleanliness, safety, and sustainability.
The selected beaches are Tiruvanmiyur, Palavakkam, and Uthandi in the Chennai Metropolitan Area, along with Kulasekarapattinam in Thoothukudi, Keezhputhupattu in Villupuram, and Samiyarpettai in Cuddalore.
Static GK fact: The Blue Flag certification program was started in 1985 in France and is run internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
Funding under TN-SHORE scheme
Each of the six selected beaches will receive ₹4 crore, totalling ₹24 crore for upgradation and eco-friendly development. The funding is allocated under the Tamil Nadu Sustainable Harnessing Ocean Resources and Blue Economy (TN-SHORE) scheme, which aims to combine tourism promotion with environmental protection.
Static GK fact: The concept of Blue Economy was popularized at the Rio+20 Conference in 2012 as a sustainable development model for ocean resources.
Standards for certification
The Blue Flag certification requires compliance with 33 international criteria. These include parameters such as marine water quality, environmental education, beach safety, solid waste management, and tourist facilities.
Static GK Tip: Blue Flag beaches are inspected annually, and certification is withdrawn if standards are not maintained.
Previous achievements in Tamil Nadu
Earlier, Marina Beach, Silver Beach, Kameshwaram Beach, and Ariyamaan Beach were approved by the Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority for Blue Flag development. However, the first Tamil Nadu beach to receive this certification was Kovalam Beach in Chengalpattu in September 2021.
Static GK fact: India joined the Blue Flag program in 2018 and currently has certified beaches across states such as Odisha, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.
Importance of the expansion
The expansion of Blue Flag-certified beaches in Tamil Nadu highlights the state’s commitment to sustainable coastal tourism and marine ecosystem conservation. It also enhances the global reputation of Tamil Nadu’s coastline, attracting both domestic and international tourists.
Static GK fact: India’s longest natural urban beach is Marina Beach in Chennai, stretching about 13 km.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Blue Flag Expansion in Tamil Nadu:
| Topic | Detail |
| Scheme funding | ₹4 crore per beach, total ₹24 crore |
| Implementing department | Environment, Climate Change, and Forest Department of Tamil Nadu |
| Certification criteria | 33 international standards |
| Beaches selected in Chennai | Tiruvanmiyur, Palavakkam, Uthandi |
| Beaches in other districts | Kulasekarapattinam (Thoothukudi), Keezhputhupattu (Villupuram), Samiyarpettai (Cuddalore) |
| First certified beach in Tamil Nadu | Kovalam Beach, Chengalpattu (September 2021) |
| Global body managing Blue Flag | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark |
| Year Blue Flag started | 1985 in France |
| India joined program | 2018 |
| World focus | Sustainable tourism and coastal conservation |
