Visakhapatnam: Rushikonda beach has been given ‘Blue Flag’ certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education with its headquarters in Denmark, on Saturday. The certification is given for beach, marina or boating tourism.
GVMC commissioner C.M. Saikant Varma and joint collector K.S. Viswanathan unfurled the Blue Flag on the beach.
Speaking to media persons, Varma said that of the 13 beaches in India, Rushikonda was only one to get the tag. He said more beaches in the city would be developed to international standards.
Viswanathan said the certification was based on 33 parameters. The main objectives of the certification are to make coastal systems more inclusive with infrastructure, beach safety centers and greater awareness among the public on the ways of the sea and surf.
Due to lack of development of safety systems on most Indian beaches, there have been frequent drowning instances, usually involving the young and uninformed.
The ‘Blue Flag’ criteria fulfils a long standing requirement to make beaches clean, safe and environment-friendly, complete with a modern system of surveillance and safety cover.
