Lady Tourist Formally Hoisting of Blue Flag at Radhanagar

Port Blair, Dec. 28: The formal hoisting of the Blue Flag at Radhanagar beach, Swarajdweep was held in a simple ceremony by a woman tourist, who was on visit to the Radhanagar Beach. The Radhanagar beach, the pride of these islands is one among the eight beaches of the country that has been awarded the prestigious “Blue Flag Certificate”. Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Deputy Commissioner (SA) graced the function as Chief Guest accompanied by the Additional District Magistrate, Assistant Commissioner (S), Divisional Forest Officer, community representatives and officials of the Revenue & Forest Department.

The Blue Flag certification has been awarded to eight beaches spread across five states and two union territories and is accorded to beaches by an international jury comprising of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Denmark-based NGO Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

This certification is also a global recognition of India’s conservation and sustainable development efforts. The Blue Flag certification is a globally recognised eco-label accorded by "FEE, Denmark" based on 33 stringent criteria under four major heads; environmental education and information, bathing water quality, environment management and conservation, and safety and services at the beaches.

The government had on September 2018 recommended eight beaches for the coveted international eco-label, Radhanagar being one of them. Japan, South Korea and the UAE are the only other Asian nations who have been conferred with a couple of Blue Flag beaches.

Blue Flag beach is an eco-tourism model endeavouring to provide the tourists or beachgoers clean and hygienic bathing water, facilities, safe and healthy environment and sustainable development of the area. The tourists present at the beach commended the efforts of the Administration in maintaining such high standards at the beach.

In his address, the DC(SA) laid emphasis on the active participation of the tourists and locals for maintaining the standards set by FEE for all Blue Flag Beach. He further urged the general public, tour operators etc. to take active participation in maintaining the assets created at Radhanagar Beach. Ex-PRI member appreciated the efforts of the Administration for creating world class tourist amenities at the beach.

Earlier, Shri Ramachandra, Member Secretary, Beach Management Committee (BMC) welcomed the gathering and the vote of thanks was proposed by Shri Rajendra Verma, Nodal Officer, BMC, Blue Flag Beach, Radhanagar.