Adding another feather to India’s cap for protecting and conserving the pristine beauty of coastal and marine ecosystems, two new beaches – Minicoy Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach – have been accorded the globally recognised “Blue Flag”. With this addition the number of beaches with Blue Flag certification in the country becomes 12.

Incidentally both these beaches are in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.

Bhupender Yadav, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced this news on Twitter.

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi sharing the same tweet congratulated the people of the UT as the two beaches made it to the coveted list of eco-label exclusive club of the world’s cleanest beaches.

This is great! Congratulations, particularly to the people of Lakshadweep, for this feat. India’s coastline is remarkable and there is also a great amount of passion among our people to further coastal cleanliness. https://t.co/4gRsWussRt

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 26, 2022

The Thundi Beach boasts of white sand which is lined by turquoise blue water of the lagoon. Besides being one of the most pristine and picturesque beaches in the Lakshadweep archipelago it is greatly favoured by swimmers and tourists alike.

Kadmat Beach is a popular haunt of the cruise tourists who visit the island for water sports and also nature lovers. It stands out for its pearl white sand, blue lagoon waters, moderate climate and friendly locals.

The two beaches have designated staff for beach cleanliness and maintenance; and for safety and security of swimmers. They also comply with all the 33 criteria as mandated by Denmark’s Foundation for Environment Education which accords the Blue Flag certification.

Other beaches in India which are Blue Flag certified include Gujarat’s Shivrajpur; Diu’s Ghoghlal; Kasarkod and Padubidri in Karnataka; Kerala’s Kappad; Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha’s Golden beach; Radhanagar in  Andaman and Nicobar; Kovalam in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry’s Eden.

To be recognised by FEE a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related criteria must be met and maintained. Blue Flag is aimed to promote sustainability in the tourism sector, through environmental education, environmental protection and other sustainable development practices.

Also read: What you need to know about India’s 10 International Blue Flag beaches