Odisha’s government recently made headlines over its controversial plan to secure the Blue Flag Certification for five more beaches. This proposal was met with resistance from local fishermen due to concerns over their livelihoods. The following sections detail the situation.
The Fishermen’s Concerns
The Odisha government’s proposed land for the certification is currently utilized by fishermen to anchor their boats. An essential point of contention is their demand for a permanent sea mouth where they can securely anchor their fishing vessels. They further insist on reassurance that their livelihoods will not be compromised and demand the reopening of a new fishing jetty for their use.
Understanding Blue Flag Certification
Blue Flag beaches are widely regarded as the cleanest and most eco-friendly beaches globally. The Blue Flag itself is a voluntary eco-label awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), a non-profit organization founded in France in 1985. Beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators striving for this recognition must meet and maintain a series of strict environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility standards.
Criteria for Certification
To qualify for Blue Flag certification, a beach must fulfill approximately 33 criteria. Examples include maintaining specific water quality standards, providing waste disposal facilities, ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities, offering first aid equipment, and restricting pet access to primary beach areas. While some of these criteria are voluntary, others are obligatory.
Blue Flag Program and Responsible Organizations
The prestigious Blue Flag Program is managed by FEE. In addition to this international certification, India has introduced its eco-label dubbed BEAMS (Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services). Launched under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) project, the program is administered by the Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM) and the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Objectives of the BEAMS Program
The BEAMS initiative primarily aims to reduce pollution in coastal waters, encourage sustainable development of beach facilities, protect and conserve coastal ecosystems and natural resources. Additionally, it endeavors to maintain high cleanliness, hygiene, and safety standards for beachgoers, in compliance with coastal environment regulations.
Indian Beaches with Blue Flag Certification
There are currently eight Indian beaches that have earned the Blue Flag Certification. These include Shivrajpur in Gujarat, Ghoghla in Daman & Diu, Kasarkod and Padubidri beach in Karnataka, Kappad in Kerala, Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh, Golden beach of Odisha, and Radhanagar beach in Andaman and Nicobar.