Rushikonda Beach in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, has been awarded the coveted Blue Flag certification by the Federation of Environmental Education (FEE) for the third consecutive year. With this recognition, Rushikonda Beach becomes the only beach in Andhra Pradesh and one of the 13 beaches in the country to receive this honour. The blue flag unfurling ceremony took place on Saturday, with the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner Saikanth Varma IAS, Regional Director of Tourism Department Srinivas Pani, Joint Collector KS Viswanathan, and other officials in attendance.
The FEE considers a total of 33 parameters, including beach cleanliness, water quality, and environmental management, to award a Blue Flag certification. Speaking on the occasion, the GVMC Commissioner stated that Rushikonda Beach met all the criteria for attaining the honour. He also mentioned that the GVMC is planning to develop the remaining beaches in the city to meet high standards and ensure more Blue Flag beaches in the future.
Saikanth Varma added that Rushikonda’s achievement is the first step towards a greater cause of making beaches more sophisticated. According to the GVMC Commissioner, the sewage treatment plant on the beach premises ensures water purification from 14 canals.
Joint Collector KS Viswanathan, who was also present at the ceremony, said, “Steps are being taken to ensure the best tourist experience at Rushikonda Beach.” He responded positively to an appeal concerning special facilities for the aged and disabled.
The Blue Flag certification is a prestigious recognition of a beach’s cleanliness, safety, and environmental management. This achievement is expected to attract more tourists to Rushikonda Beach, adding to the revenue generated by the state’s tourism industry.