Context: Two beaches in the Karnataka State are among the eight in the country that have bagged the coveted eco-label ‘Blue Flag’ from the international agency Foundation for Environment Education, Denmark.

• The two are Kasarkod beach near Honnavar in Uttara Kannada and Padubidri beach near Udupi.
• The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change had embarked upon a programme for ‘Blue Flag’ certification for select 13 beaches in the country.

“Blue Flag” beach

• It is an eco-tourism model to provide tourists clean and hygienic bathing water, facilities/amenities, safe and healthy environment and sustainable development of the area.
• The certification is awarded by the Denmark-based agency based on 33 stringent criteria in four major heads that is
  • environmental education and information,
  • bathing water quality,
  • environment management and
  • Conservation and safety and services in the beaches.

Kasarkod and Padubidri beaches

• Kasarkod and Padubidri beaches have grey water treatment plants, solid waste management plants, disabled-friendly equipment to enable them to enter seawater, seating arrangements, clean drinking water, washroom, changing room, bathing facility, disabled-friendly and general toilets, parking facilities, solar power plant, solar lighting etc.
• This certification will encourage other beach authorities to develop more beach to attract a large number of tourists for promoting tourism in the country.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/kasarkod-padubidri-beaches-accorded-blue-flag-tag/article32827723.ece?homepage=true

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