Bhubaneswar, June 2: If everything goes as per plan, the Chandrabhaga beach in Puri district will become the first ‘Blue Flag’ beach in the state.
In order to plan sustainable tourism and healthy coastal management, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change at the Centre has conceived an integrated coastal management scheme – BEAMS (Beach Management Services) – to reduce existing pollutants on beaches and achieve such high international standards like ‘Blue Flag’ in India.
The state government through State Project Management Unit (SPMU) and Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP) will be taking up a pilot project in Chandrabhaga beach at Konark, said a release issued by ICZMP and Society of Integrated Coastal Management.
‘Blue Flag’ has very stringent 33 criteria which would be complied with based on which a beach is certified and permitted to hoist their flag in these beaches.
The moment a ‘Blue Flag’ is hoisted in a beach, a mention in this regard is made in the global headquarters of FEE (Foundation for Environment Education) in Copenhagen, Denmark. Tourists who are familiar with the ‘Blue Flag’ beaches and its standards then plan their holidays at the place concerned.
The main objective of setting up of BEAMS programme is to promote sustainable development in coastal regions of India for beach management authorities to strive to achieve high standards in four categories – 1) cleanliness, solid waste management in beaches;
2) environmental education and increased awareness amongst beach users; 3) safety and security of beach users and 4) bathing water quality standards for beach users.
It primarily focuses on ‘Beach Rejuvenation Plan’ that also means development of beach facilities, reduction and regulations of beach littering and undertaking day-to-day cleaning operations in beaches.
In continuation of our pursuit of ensuring sound health of our coastline, Society of Integrated Coastal Management – Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (SICOM-MoEF&CC) under ICZM plan decided to set up a pilot beach in each of the coastal states and union territories in Phase-I to be developed in line with ‘Blue Flag’ certification requirements.
To kick-start the proceeding in this regard, tenders for setting up of beach facilities and beach services pertaining to pollution abatement and security and surveillance have been published for the Gujarat, Maharashtra, Diu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa regions and formal ‘National Workshop’ on the subject has been organised in Delhi in February 2018.
SICOM has planned to provide and facilitate the certification process by way of developing required infrastructure in these 13 state nominated beaches and maintain cleanliness and environment standards as per the criteria. These facilities will be developed in an area of 500 to 600 metres initially depending upon the availability of land surface in a given beach.
In Odisha the state government has nominated Chandrabhaga beach (Konark) as pilot Blue Flag beach, said the release. Necessary core development will be done by the SICOM and peripheral activities will be undertaken by SPMU, ICZMP, Odisha, the release added. The selected beach is about a stretch of 1.115 km starting from the present beach and extended towards its southward direction. SPMU, ICZMP, Odisha has engaged Orissa State Pollution Control Board for sampling and estimation of bathing water quality (20 nos.) as per the requirement of SICOM.
The notified area council (NAC) of Konark will be responsible for its day-to-day maintenance activity and overall coordination of development will be carried out by SPMU, ICZMP, Odisha.
Measures like container based ‘bio toilet blocks’ enclosed in bamboo housing, container based changing rooms & shower panels enclosed in bamboo housing, grey water treatment plant for conservation of water, renewable energy through off grid mini solar power plant for electricity, LED street lights in beach area, lifeguards and CCTV cameras for constant vigil on beach users, pathways/jogging tracks for recreational activities, outdoor fitness equipment, amphibian wheel chair and plantations (coconut/palm), hammocks & landscaping on sand dunes among others will be taken up.
In addition to these provisions, SICOM-MoEF is also planning to work closely with local authorities for environment education and awareness in coastal regions of India through periodic events and campaigns in next two years.
Meanwhile, an intensive coastal clean-up drive has been planned to be carried out between June 3 and 5.