Nagai, Ramnad beaches join Blue Flag drive

Trichy: In a fillip to tourism and local communities, Kameshwaram beach in Nagapattinam district, Ariyaman beach in Ramanathapuram district and Silver beach in Cuddalore district were upgraded as Blue Flag beaches by the state govt on Friday. The initiative aims to promote sustainable development in coastal areas by integrating environmental protection with improved public access and tourism facilities. Minister for finance and environment Thangam Thennarasu inaugurated the upgraded beaches developed at Rs4 crore each on Friday evening. The Blue Flag eco-label is considered a global benchmark for responsible coastal management, recognising beaches that meet strict standards in cleanliness, safety, environmental management, and sustainability. The certification is awarded annually by Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), a Denmark-based international non-governmental, non-profit organisation. Certification for these beaches is pending, with an independent FEE jury expected to conduct on-site evaluations later this year after completion of works, public opening, and initial operational monitoring. The improvements focus on strengthening infrastructure, ensuring reliable water quality monitoring, enhancing safety measures, and providing better visitor amenities. The programme encourages local authorities and beach operators to maintain high standards across four key pillars: water quality, environmental management, environmental education, and safety and services.Under these parameters, water quality must be maintained through regular testing for bacteria and pollutants. Environmental management emphasises waste reduction, recycling, and pollution prevention, while environmental education is promoted through information boards, guided eco-tours, and awareness campaigns. Safety and services include lifeguards, emergency response systems, and accessible facilities for all visitors. At Kameshwaram beach, development works include installation of a comprehensive beach layout map and educational display boards. Beach cleaning equipment has been provided to ensure hygiene, while solar lights, solar panels, and street lighting have been installed to provide sustainable illumination. Security has been strengthened with surveillance cameras and an observation tower. A first-aid room equipped with a mattress, benches, chairs, shade umbrellas, and safety gear has also been set up. Accessibility features include a dedicated wheelchair for persons with disabilities. Additional amenities include a biometric attendance system and ticket counter for operations, a children's playground, outdoor fitness equipment, and public computer and internet access. Hygiene facilities include container-based separate toilets and showers for men and women, along with water purification systems. The beach area has also been upgraded with paver block pathways and street lighting to improve accessibility and safety. The project has been implemented under Tamil Nadu's TN-SHORE programme with support from World Bank funding. "Keeping our beaches clean and safe is a collective responsibility of the govt and every citizen. Through united efforts, we can preserve their beauty for future generations," Nagapattinam district collector P Akash said. Fishermen representative R M P Rajendra Nattar said the the enhancements give tourists confidence in clean waters, safe facilities, inclusive access, and environmental awareness, while also creating economic opportunities for coastal communities.