CHENNAI: The Kovalam beach near East Coast Road has been awarded the coveted Blue Flag Certification by Denmark Environment Agency.
In a press release, Minister for Environment and Climate Change Siva Meyyanathan said Kovalam is a “zero liquid waste managed beach” which has a grey water treatment plant, 40 KW off-grid solar power plant and a solid waste management unit with an automatic composting machine.
“The beach is clad in green cover and has 37 facilities including a safe swimming zone area, reclining bamboo lounger chairs, hammocks, outdoor fitness equipment, children play area and seven-stage purified drinking water vending kiosk,” the minister said.
The beach also has an amphibious wheelchair for the differently-abled to swim in the bathing zone safely. The season for swimming will be from January 15 to September 15; this will be announced every year depending on the monsoon and water currents, the release said.
Environment secretary Supriya Sahu said the certificate will give a boost to tourism and provide livelihood opportunities. “Above all, Kovalam is well known for its dolphins. The tag will draw attention to the need for their conservation.”
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