Global Certification Renewed
Odisha Beaches Renew Global Blue Flag Recognition: Odisha’s Sunapur and Puri Golden Beach have once again secured the Blue Flag Certification for 2025–26, confirming their position among India’s cleanest and best-managed beaches. The recognition is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in Denmark, known for enforcing some of the world’s strictest coastal environmental standards.
This repeated achievement highlights Odisha’s long-term commitment to environmental protection, tourism quality, and adherence to global guidelines on beach safety and hygiene.
Static GK fact: The Blue Flag programme began in 1985 in France before expanding globally.
Performance in Global Assessments
Sunapur beach in Ganjam district earned the certification for the third straight year, while Puri’s Golden Beach secured it for the seventh consecutive year. Such consistency indicates strong monitoring systems and proactive implementation of environmental safeguards.
The certification evaluates 33 parameters, including water quality, waste disposal, safety equipment, and public environmental education, making it one of the most demanding assessments in the world.
Static GK Tip: India joined the Blue Flag programme through the Environmental Information System (ENVIS) under the Ministry of Environment.
National Level Recognition
Across India, 13 beaches were recognised for 2025–26, with 12 receiving full certification. Odisha features prominently in this list, reflecting the state’s efficient coastal governance and consistent compliance with international criteria.
Regular audits by national agencies ensure that certified beaches maintain standards related to sewage treatment, plastic management, and visitor safety.
Static GK fact: India’s first Blue Flag beach was Chandrabhaga Beach in Odisha.
Eco-Tourism and Community Role
The Blue Flag model promotes eco-friendly tourism by providing clean bathing zones, well-maintained visitor facilities, and a safe beach environment. Officials in Odisha highlight that local community engagement has played a major role in maintaining Sunapur’s high standards.
Sunapur’s location at the confluence of the Bahuda River and the Bay of Bengal adds ecological value, supporting biodiversity and offering a rich natural landscape. Community-led cleanliness drives have become a key component of the beach’s maintenance.
Static GK Tip: Odisha has a 480 km coastline along the Bay of Bengal.
Facilities and Environmental Standards
The certified stretch at Sunapur covers about 800 metres and includes features like wheelchair-friendly pathways, trained paramedics, lifeguard towers, and CCTV-based surveillance. Zero liquid waste discharge systems ensure that no pollution enters the sea.
A district-level beach management committee oversees daily operations, ensuring that all global criteria are followed without interruption. This structured oversight framework helps Odisha remain a national leader in coastal conservation.
Static GK fact: The Bay of Bengal is the largest bay in the world.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Odisha Beaches Renew Global Blue Flag Recognition:
| Topic | Detail |
| Sunapur certification year | Third consecutive year |
| Puri Golden Beach certification | Seventh consecutive year |
| Blue Flag programme criteria | 33 parameters |
| Total recognised beaches in India | 13 for 2025–26 |
| Certifying body | Foundation for Environmental Education |
| Sunapur certified stretch | 800 metres |
| Key facilities | Lifeguards, wheelchairs, CCTV |
| Location feature | Confluence of Bahuda River and Bay of Bengal |
| State coastline | 480 km |
| Zero discharge system | Implemented at Sunapur |
