Eight Indian beaches bag 'Blue Flag' certification; PM Modi, Javadekar laud achievement

In a great hour for India, an international jury has awarded coveted "Blue Flag" to eight Indian beaches spread across five states and two union territories. As news broke, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to laud great success. He said achievement showcases importance India gives to protecting such crucial spots and furring sustainable development. 

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As per reports, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar also lauded achievement and said that it is a proud moment for India. Javadekar ted that beaches of Shivrajpur (Dwarka-Gujarat), Ghoghla (Diu), Kasarkod and Padubidri (Karnataka), Kappad (Kerala), Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh), Golden Beach (Odisha) and Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) have bagged awards. He added that it an exemplary achievement for India as Blue Flag bearing nations have ever been awarded for 8 beaches in just a single attempt. 

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Blue Flag beaches

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change also said that India has been awarded Third Prize by International Jury under "International Best Practices" for curbing pollution in coastal regions. 

A press release issued by Environment Ministry read: "Japan, South Korea and UAE are only or Asian nations who have been conferred with a couple of Blue Flag beaches, however, in a time frame of about 5 to 6 years! India is w in league of 50 "BLUE FLAG" countries and we take pride in this hour to our Nation, planning to taking this journey forward to 100 such beaches in country in next five years." 

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Earlier in September, Ministry had anunced that for first time ever, eight Indian beaches have been minated for coveted international eco-label. Javadekar, who was present for anuncement via video conference, had said "Clean beaches are a testimony of environment in coastal areas. issue of marine litter and oil spilling has caused disturbances to aquatic life and Government of India is undertaking various efforts for sustainable development of coastal regions”.

As per reports, event also had a flag hoisting ceremony at all eight beaches simultaneously with #IAMSAVINGMYBECH being hashtag for event. While virtual flag hoisting was done by ministry, physical flag hoisting at beaches was done by respective MLAs or Representatives of Beach Manment Committees (BMCs).

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Inputs: ANI