Kovalam beach retains Blue Flag certification for fifth year in a row

Kovalam beach in Tamil Nadu’s Chengalpattu district has been awarded the International Blue Flag certification for the fifth consecutive year.

According to an official release, the communication from Blue Flag India to the Chengalpattu Collector conveyed that Kovalam beach had once again met the stringent global standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark. The Blue Flag is an internationally recognised eco-label that promotes sustainable tourism and responsible coastal management.

Finance and Environment Climate Change Minister Thangam Thennarasu said in a post on social media platform X, “It is a matter of great pride that Kovalam beach in Tamil Nadu has received the prestigious International Blue Flag Certification for 2025-26, marking its fifth consecutive year of recognition.”

The certification, renewed annually after detailed inspections by national and international committees, assesses compliance with 33 criteria covering water quality, environmental education, safety, waste management, cleanliness, and eco-friendly infrastructure.

Kovalam beach first earned the recognition on September 21, 2021, becoming Tamil Nadu’s first Blue Flag-certified beach. During 2024–25, it recorded a footfall of over 5.5 lakh visitors, reflecting its growing appeal as a model eco-beach destination, the release said.

Encouraged by this success, the Tamil Nadu government has taken up initiatives to secure Blue Flag certification for 10 beaches across the State. Among them, Marina beach (Chennai), Silver Beach (Cuddalore), Kameshwaram beach (Nagapattinam), and Ariyaman beach (Ramanathapuram) are in the final stages of evaluation. Steps are also being expedited for Saamiyarpettai beach (Cuddalore), Kulasekarapattinam beach (Thoothukudi), Keelpudhupattu beach (Villupuram), and the beaches of Palavakkam, Thiruvanmiyur, and Uthandi in Chennai, the release added.