For the first time, three beaches in Tamil Nadu have received international Blue Flag recognition. Among them, Kovalam Beach has set a record by retaining the recognition for the sixth consecutive time.
In this regard, the Director of the Department of Environment and Climate Change stated:
The Government of Tamil Nadu has achieved a significant milestone in coastal environmental protection and sustainable tourism development. The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), based in Denmark, has for the first time awarded the prestigious international Blue Flag certification for the year 2026-2027 to three beaches: Silver Beach in Cuddalore district, Kameswaram Beach in Nagapattinam district, and Ariyaman Beach in Ramanathapuram district.
Furthermore, Kovalam Beach in Chengalpattu district has renewed and retained its Blue Flag certification for the sixth consecutive time.
Blue Flag certification is an internationally recognized environmental quality certification awarded to beaches worldwide. This certification is granted based on 33 international standards, including beach cleanliness, safety, environmental management, the quality of seawater for bathing, environmental education, and visitor facilities. The certification is awarded only after national and international assessment teams review whether these standards are being continuously followed, and it is renewed annually.
Kovalam Beach stands as Tamil Nadu’s first beach to receive the Blue Flag certification for the first time in 2021. By consistently meeting the prescribed international standards every year, it has retained its Blue Flag certification in 2026 as well. It is noteworthy that in the past 2025–26 alone, around 5.5 lakh visitors came to Kovalam Beach. With these certifications, the number of Blue Flag-certified beaches in Tamil Nadu has risen to four. Through this, Tamil Nadu has also secured a leading position among the states in India with the highest number of Blue Flag-certified beaches.
This Blue Flag beach development project is being implemented under the Tamil Nadu Coastal Restoration Mission (TN-SHORE). The Department of Environment and Climate Change (DoECC) is serving as the coordinating and guiding department for this project. The main objectives of the project are to improve beach infrastructure in line with international standards, protect the coastal ecosystem, provide necessary facilities for visitors, and promote safe, environmentally friendly tourism.
At Blue Flag-certified beaches, basic amenities such as umbrellas, lounge chairs, changing rooms, toilets, and facilities for persons with disabilities have been provided for visitors.
In addition, visitors’ safety is ensured through surveillance cameras, lifeguards, and watchtowers. After the current northeast monsoon season comes to an end, the 2026–27 season for Blue Flag-certified beaches in Tamil Nadu is set to officially begin from January 2027.
This achievement has been made possible through the combined efforts and contributions of the Department of Environment and Climate Change, district administrations, and, most importantly, local communities. The cooperation of local people plays a key role in maintaining the cleanliness of beaches, protecting the environment, managing the coastline, and creating a tourist-friendly atmosphere.
The Tamil Nadu government has been taking continuous measures to protect the coastal ecology, in line with international standards, to create safe, clean, and tourist-friendly beaches, and to further strengthen sustainable coastal management, it has been stated.
