Vizag: Rushikonda Beach's Blue Flag setback sparks rapid action

Visakhapatnam’s renowned Rushikonda Beach has temporarily lost its prestigious Blue Flag certification due to concerns over maintenance and hygiene. The Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) had awarded the coveted status to a 600-meter stretch of the beach in 2020, recognizing its environmental standards. However, issues such as stray dogs, malfunctioning CCTV cameras, accumulating waste, deteriorating toilets and changing rooms, and damaged walkways led to visitor complaints, prompting the temporary revocation of the certification on February 13.

A year ago, the firm in charge of beach operations terminated their contract, which resulted in a decrease in maintenance, making the situation worse. Rushikonda, which was formerly known for its sustainability and cleanliness, is considered to have suffered a setback with the loss of the Blue Flag. The state government underlined, however, that the revocation is only temporary, pointing to traffic and crowd control concerns as the main causes. Officials expect the certification to be restored after a scheduled safety audit on March 4.

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Following a surge in visitors in January, the National Operator, Blue Flag of India, recommended immediate measures, including enhanced crowd control, designated pathways, increased security patrols, better waste management, and stray dog control. In response, the district collector convened a meeting on February 17, directing various departments—GVMC, Forest, Police, Fisheries, and VMRDA—to ensure seamless implementation of these directives.

Rushikonda's efforts to regain its Blue Flag status are well under progress. Seventy percent of the new parking facility's construction is currently complete. While more police officers have been sent in to control crowds, GVMC is in charge of rubbish disposal and the growth of flora. Along with hiring a new maintenance operator, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) is in charge of repairing the walkways and building more restrooms.

The Blue Flag certification is an internationally recognized eco-label that requires beaches to meet 33 stringent criteria covering water quality, safety, management, and waste disposal. Rushikonda Beach had received ₹7.35 crore from the central government for certification-related development projects over two years.

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Progress has reportedly been halted by internal disputes inside the tourism department, specifically between the regional director and the district tourism officer. The state government moved quickly to relieve both officials of their responsibilities in order to facilitate the restoration process.

With a compliance audit scheduled for March 4, officials remain optimistic that Rushikonda Beach will soon regain its Blue Flag status, reinforcing Visakhapatnam’s reputation as a premier coastal destination.