Cuddalore’s Silver Beach, developed under Blue Flag certification programme, ready for inauguration

The first phase of improvement works and eco-restoration infrastructure developed at Silver Beach in Cuddalore under the Blue Flag certification programme has been completed. A one kilometre stretch of the beach has been developed into a Blue Flag beach as per the norms laid down by the State Government.

The Blue Flag project is a pilot project of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change

Silver Beach in Cuddalore is among the six beaches selected by the State Government for development as Blue Flag beaches for promotion of sustainable tourism. The other beaches are Tiruvanmiyur, Palavakkam, and Uthandi in Chennai, Kulasekarapattinam (Thoothukudi), and Keezhputhupattu (Villupuram).

The objective is to reduce pollutants, responsibly manage solid waste and marine litter, and promote sustainable development of the coastal regions. The certification is awarded based on 33 stringent criteria, including environmental education and information, bathing water quality, environment management and conservation, and safety and services in the beaches.

The Cuddalore Corporation completed the beautifcation and improvement works on the beach at a cost of ₹4 crore.

According to District Collector Sibi Adhithya Senthil Kumar, “The additions include temporary structures, including grey water treatment plant, off-grid solar power plant, improved parking facilities, access path to the beach for differently abled, washrooms, seating arrangements, selfie spots, watch towers, beach cleaning machines, and CCTV surveillance. The beach also includes a small-scale reverse osmosis plant, modular toilets, and changing rooms for tourists.”

The quality of seawater will be continously monitored. Safety measures have been put in place and lifeguards have been deployed at the beach.

A Blue Flag beach is an eco-tourism model to provide tourists and beachgoers clean and hygienic bathing water, facilities/amenities, a safe and healthy environment and sustainable development of the area. Once certified, the beach is supposed to maintain water quality standards and cleanliness.

The Blue Flag beach is weather-dependent and if it fails to meet mandatory safety or environmental criteria, including strict bathing water quality standards, the flag must be lowered, and the site must publicly display the loss of certification during the period.

“Representatives from the Foundation for Environment Education in Copenhagen, Denmark have already visited the Silver beach and completed the tests. They are satisfied with the works and the certification is expected to be approved. The eco-restoration infrastructure facilities at the beach are likely to be inaugurated virtually by the Chief Minister shortly,” an official said.

The Silver Beach is one of the major tourist destinations in the district. Winning the certification will boost tourism, support local fisheries-dependent communities, and promote sustainable coastal management.