Udupi: Under the Beach Management Services (BEAMS) Scheme, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has chosen the Padubidri Beach for the “Blue Flag” certification. With this, Padubidri becomes the only beach in Karnataka to be chosen for this ambitious project to develop eco-friendly tourism in India.
Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognized voluntary eco-labels awarded to beaches, marines and sustainable boating tourism operators. In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained. Once the beach is certified, they are permitted to hoist the ‘Blue Flag’ and it will feature at the global headquarters of the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE) in Copenhagen, Denmark and thereby on the World Tourism Map.
Padubidri beach, located at Padubidri village in the Udupi district, is one among 13 beaches to be selected from across India under the World Bank assisted Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP). Under the BEAMS scheme, Padubidri beach will get a Rs 8 crore makeover.
Under the scheme the makeover will include beautification and infrastructure development by provision of facilities such as bio-toilet blocks, CCTV security systems, changing rooms, watch towers, jogging track, outdoor gym, sit out umbrellas, and a children’s play area.
As an eco-friendly measure, drinking water faucets to reduce the use of plastic bottles, dustbins for recycling of solid waste, and LED solar lighting will be installed. For the conveniece of differently-abled people, amphibian wheel-chairs will also be made available.
Moreover, professionals will be hired for services like lifeguards, beach cleaning, security guards, and first aid.
The stringent guidelines of the Blue Flag certification are aimed at attracting domestic as well as international tourists. Assistant Director of Tourism Anita Bhaskar said that such beaches have a protential to generate a revenue of Rs 100 crores every year.
A Gurgaon-based company has received the contract through the tender process that has already been completed and the company will manage the beach for two years.
