Rushikonda Beach, a prominent coastal attraction in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, has recently experienced the temporary withdrawal of its esteemed Blue Flag certification. This internationally recognized eco-label is awarded to beaches meeting stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria. The District Collector of Visakhapatnam, MN Harendhira Prasad, addressed concerns surrounding this development and emphasized the provisional nature of the suspension, assuring timely efforts to restore the beach's certified status.
The Blue Flag program, managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), sets global standards for beaches and marinas, promoting sustainable tourism and environmental protection. Achieving this certification reflects a commitment to high-quality water standards, safety protocols, environmental education, and habitat preservation. For Rushikonda, obtaining Blue Flag status was a significant acknowledgment of its pristine environment and collaborative efforts of local authorities and communities.
The District Collector highlighted the temporary nature of the loss of certification. The revocation stemmed from various concerns, mainly maintenance issues and the management of crowds. The FEE received complaints indicating substandard conditions at the beach, including reports of litter accumulation, stray dogs affecting visitor experience, malfunctioning CCTV cameras, and deteriorated facilities such as toilets and changing rooms. These issues have raised alarms among community members and tourists alike.
On February 13, 2025, communication from the National Operator of Blue Flag India formally outlined the temporary withdrawal and detailed the corrective measures to be taken within ten days. This notification reinforced the urgency for local authorities to address the environmental management challenges being faced at Rushikonda Beach.
The District Collector reassured the public, stating, "The Blue Flag is likely to be restored soon after the completion of the safety audit scheduled on March 4." This audit is anticipated to assess the recent infrastructural improvements and compliance with safety measures. Since the notification of the temporary revocation, the local government has actively convened meetings to discuss remedial actions, including ensuring cleanliness and enhancing security protocols.
Among the immediate steps being undertaken include enhancing crowd management measures during peak times and implementing strict protocols concerning stray dog control. Authorities are also prioritizing repairs for existing facilities and installing additional waste disposal systems to meet standards set by the Blue Flag guidelines.
Rushikonda Beach has been known to attract high visitor numbers, particularly during weekends and local festivals. The statement from government officials acknowledged the unique challenges presented by the sheer volume of visitors, which sometimes surpasses one hundred thousand on festive days. Increased footfall complicates the management of security and sanitation facilities.
Local tourism enthusiasts express concerns about the negative impact on visitors' perceptions due to the recent loss of certification. The community’s commitment to maintaining the beach environment remains strong, illustrated by prior initiatives aimed at fostering ecological balance. Completing the upcoming safety audit is seen as pivotal for restoring trust and confidence among those who frequent this significant tourist site.
Following the communication from Blue Flag India, local stakeholders have been optimistic about reinstatement. The quick response from the District Collector and the formation of the Beach Management Committee reflect prompt action to address compliance issues. Community involvement is recognized as key, fostering awareness programs aimed at promoting sustainable practices on-site.
It's important to note the broader significance of the Blue Flag certification, which mandates compliance with 33 criteria covering water quality, safety measures, beach management, and waste management. Rushikonda Beach had initially gained this recognition in 2020 and was touted as a premier eco-friendly destination thanks to investments of ₹7.35 crore aimed at infrastructure development driven by environmental standards.
Despite challenges leading to this temporary withdrawal, the state government remains hopeful about supporting Rushikonda Beach's vision of sustainability and ecological integrity. Feedback from visitors, officials, and local organizations has been gathered to guide continued improvements for the beach as it aims to reclaim its distinguished status.
Looking forward, the successful completion of the upcoming safety audit could see Rushikonda Beach once more flying the Blue Flag, symbolizing its commitment to excellence and environmental stewardship. The situation has galvanized various stakeholders, including the local government, community organizations, and tourism departments, to work collaboratively toward enhancing the beach's appeal and sustainability.