Sonapur Beach, situated under Chikiti block of Ganjam district in Odisha, has achieved Blue Flag certification, making it the second beach in the state to receive this recognition after Puri. The prestigious Blue Flag status was granted by the Foundation for Environment Education, Denmark, following an application submitted by the Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM), an agency under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change. To secure the Blue Flag certification, Sonapur Beach adhered to all 33 stringent criteria mandated for the purpose, showcasing its commitment to environmental sustainability. The nodal officer and Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in Berhampur highlighted that this achievement reflects a continuous effort toward building a sustainable environment.
The Tourism Department, responsible for funding and implementing peripheral works such as gates, parking, and pathways, collaborated with SICOM for the core work. The Beach Management Committee of Ganjam, led by the collector, supervised the project. Sonapur Beach features both permanent buildings and temporary structures constructed with bamboo. Situated at the confluence of Bahuda River and the Bay of Bengal, Sonapur is renowned for its pristine and picturesque setting. Blue Flag status not only instills pride in the local community but also attracts tourists.
The Tourism Department in Odisha plans to develop four more beaches for Blue Flag status, including Haripur Beach in Ganjam and Niladri, Muhana, and Jahania beaches in Puri district. The globally recognized eco-label Blue Flag certification is awarded by an international jury comprising members of the United Nations Environment Programme, United Nations World Tourism Organisation, International Union for the Conservation of Nature, and the Foundation for Environment Education in Denmark. The Blue Flag program, initiated in Europe in 1987, aims to promote sustainability in the tourism sector through environmental education, protection, and other sustainable development practices.
Sonapur Beach, situated under Chikiti block of Ganjam district in Odisha, has achieved Blue Flag certification, making it the second beach in the state to receive this recognition after Puri. The prestigious Blue Flag status was granted by the Foundation for Environment Education, Denmark, following an application submitted by the Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM), an agency under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change. To secure the Blue Flag certification, Sonapur Beach adhered to all 33 stringent criteria mandated for the purpose, showcasing its commitment to environmental sustainability. The nodal officer and Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in Berhampur highlighted that this achievement reflects a continuous effort toward building a sustainable environment.
The Tourism Department, responsible for funding and implementing peripheral works such as gates, parking, and pathways, collaborated with SICOM for the core work. The Beach Management Committee of Ganjam, led by the collector, supervised the project. Sonapur Beach features both permanent buildings and temporary structures constructed with bamboo. Situated at the confluence of Bahuda River and the Bay of Bengal, Sonapur is renowned for its pristine and picturesque setting. Blue Flag status not only instills pride in the local community but also attracts tourists.
The Tourism Department in Odisha plans to develop four more beaches for Blue Flag status, including Haripur Beach in Ganjam and Niladri, Muhana, and Jahania beaches in Puri district. The globally recognized eco-label Blue Flag certification is awarded by an international jury comprising members of the United Nations Environment Programme, United Nations World Tourism Organisation, International Union for the Conservation of Nature, and the Foundation for Environment Education in Denmark. The Blue Flag program, initiated in Europe in 1987, aims to promote sustainability in the tourism sector through environmental education, protection, and other sustainable development practices.
