List of Cleanest Beaches in India with Blue Flag Certified

Beaches in India serve as major tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the world. Coastal regions such as Visakhapatnam, Mumbai, Chennai, Goa, Kerala, and Odisha witness a high influx of tourists throughout the year. While these beaches boost the local economy and provide livelihoods to many, they face pressing challenges such as pollution, overcrowding, and improper waste management. To combat these issues, authorities and communities are actively engaging in cleanliness drives and sustainable waste management initiatives.

Glad to share that Golden Beach of #Puri has received coveted #BlueFlag certification by FEE Denmark by conforming to the stringent environmental norm and ensuring world class sustainable tourist amenities. The renowned eco-label will add to the charm of the #WorldHeritageCity. pic.twitter.com/b7o6GWKxV1

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) October 11, 2020

How many beaches got Blue Flag Certified in India?

According to a PIB source, in India, 12 beaches are certified with Blue Flag. Here is the full list of Blue Flag-certified beaches in India

Why Visit These Beaches?

1. Environmentally Friendly Tourism

• These beaches follow strict environmental protocols, ensuring sustainability.
• They promote waste management, energy conservation, and marine protection.

2. Safe & Clean Ambience

• Regular monitoring ensures clean bathing water.
• Lifeguards and first-aid facilities are available for safety.

3. World-Class Amenities

• Well-maintained changing rooms, restrooms, and showers.
• Special access for persons with disabilities.
• Parking and eco-friendly transport facilities.

What is the Blue Flag Certification?

The Blue Flag Certification is an international award given to beaches, marinas, and sustainable tourism boats that meet stringent environmental, safety, and cleanliness standards. The certification is issued by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark, and ensures:

• Clean and hygienic bathing water
• Sustainable tourism and environmental management
• Safety and accessibility for visitors
• Conservation of natural ecosystems

To earn this certification, a beach must meet 33 stringent criteria covering aspects like water quality, waste management, safety services, and environmental education.

Source:blueflag.global

How is a beach awarded the Blue Flag?

Process of Certification:

1. Application by Local Authorities: The local municipality applies the National Jury.
2. National-Level Evaluation: The National Jury reviews and recommends beaches to the International Jury.
3. Final Assessment by the International Jury: Comprising members from UNESCO, UNEP, UNWTO, the European Union for Coastal Conservation, and other international bodies, the jury evaluates the beach on various parameters before awarding the certification.

Key Assessment Criteria:

• Proper waste disposal and management
• Availability of clean bathing water
• Presence of first-aid and safety services
• Disability-friendly infrastructure
• Solar-powered lighting
• Parking and public facilities

Over 5,000 beaches, marinas, and boats across 51 countries received the Blue Flag certification in 2024, ensuring global recognition for sustainable coastal management.

What are the challenges faced by Indian Beaches?

India beaches face various challenges like pollution, overcrowding, inadequate waste management, and environmental degradation that impact marine ecosystems and lead to harm to marine life. Below is the table, given its challenges and impacts:

Initiatives for Cleaner Beaches

1. Community Participation & Awareness

• Plogging Activities: Citizens and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are promoting plogging (jogging while collecting litter) to keep beaches clean.
• Volunteer Participation: Organizations like the Afroz Shah Foundation and Bhumi are conducting beach cleanup drives with the support of volunteers and corporate bodies.

2. Government-Led Beach Cleaning Programs

• Swachh Bharat Mission Urban: Focuses on maintaining hygiene and waste management in urban areas, including coastal regions.
• Blue Flag Certification: India has 12 Blue Flag-certified beaches, ensuring adherence to international cleanliness standards.
• Eco Vizag Campaign: Implements pollution control measures in Visakhapatnam’s beaches.

What are the mechanised initiatives used for cleaning the beaches in India?

Advanced cleaning technology is used in all coastal areas in India. Below is a list of cities and their efforts to clean their beaches

Volunteer & Corporate-Led Cleanup Drives

• Afroz Shah Foundation: Led massive cleanups at Versova Beach, removing 80,000 kg of waste.
• Project Mumbai: Conducted Jallosh-Clean Coasts initiative, clearing 16,000 kg of waste from beaches, rivers, and mangroves.
• Bhumi (Chennai): Organised cleanup drives at Vettuvankeni and Besant Nagar beaches.
• Environmentalist Foundation of India: Active in Chennai, Kochi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.
• Corporate Participation: Tata Power employees collected 40,000 kg of trash from Chimbai Beach in Mumbai.

Key initiatives taken by PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Initiative for "Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath" is for the adoption of clean beaches in India. In this initiative

• Over 9 lakh sites were adopted for cleanliness drives.
• Indian Coast Guard cleaned Chattan Beach in Andaman.
• Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. participated in RK Beach cleanup in Vizag.
• Celebrities and citizens united to clean Juhu and Versova beaches in Mumbai.

Importance of Wastewater Treatment for Coastal Towns

• Urbanisation Impact: Growing urbanisation leads to increased wastewater discharge into oceans.
• Swachh Bharat Mission Urban: Ensuring proper wastewater treatment to protect marine ecosystems.
• Sustainable Solutions: Investing in wastewater treatment plants and promoting eco-friendly practices among coastal communities.

Conclusion

India’s Blue Flag beaches set an example of how conservation and tourism can go hand in hand. These 12 pristine coastal destinations offer travellers an eco-conscious experience without compromising on beauty and relaxation. Whether you are looking for adventure, tranquillity, or sustainable tourism, these beaches should be on your must-visit list!