Which of the following was one of the eight beaches to be awarded the international ‘Blue Flag’ certification by Foundation of Environment Education, Denmark in October 2020?
Shivrajpur
Understanding the Blue Flag Certification for Beaches
The question asks about the 'Blue Flag' certification awarded to Indian beaches in October 2020. The Blue Flag is an internationally recognized eco-label given to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. This certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE), based in Denmark.
To receive the Blue Flag certification, a beach must meet a stringent set of criteria covering four main areas:
- Environmental education and information
- Water quality
- Environmental management
- Safety and services
Meeting these standards ensures the beach is clean, environmentally sustainable, safe, and accessible.
Indian Beaches Awarded Blue Flag in October 2020
In October 2020, India achieved a significant milestone by securing the Blue Flag certification for eight of its beaches simultaneously. This was the first time so many beaches from India received the award in one go. The eight beaches recognized for their environmental standards and sustainability practices were:
- Shivrajpur (Gujarat)
- Ghoghla (Diu)
- Kasarkod (Karnataka)
- Padubidri (Karnataka)
- Kappad (Kerala)
- Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh)
- Golden Beach (Odisha)
- Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
Looking at the options provided:
- Karwar: Karwar beach in Karnataka was among the beaches that received the Blue Flag certification later, not in the initial list of eight in October 2020.
- Shivrajpur: Shivrajpur beach in Gujarat was indeed one of the eight beaches awarded the Blue Flag certification in October 2020.
- Gopalpur: Gopalpur beach in Odisha was not among the eight beaches certified in October 2020.
- Tithal: Tithal beach in Gujarat was not among the eight beaches certified in October 2020.
Therefore, among the given options, Shivrajpur was one of the eight beaches to receive the international 'Blue Flag' certification in October 2020.
Summary of Blue Flag Awardees (October 2020)
| State/Union Territory | Beach | Awarded in October 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Gujarat | Shivrajpur | Yes |
| Diu | Ghoghla | Yes |
| Karnataka | Kasarkod | Yes |
| Karnataka | Padubidri | Yes |
| Kerala | Kappad | Yes |
| Andhra Pradesh | Rushikonda | Yes |
| Odisha | Golden Beach | Yes |
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands | Radhanagar | Yes |
| Karnataka | Karwar | No (Certified later) |
| Odisha | Gopalpur | No |
| Gujarat | Tithal | No |
Revision Table: Key Details
| Concept | Detail |
|---|---|
| Certification Name | Blue Flag |
| Awarding Body | Foundation for Environment Education (FEE), Denmark |
| Award Category (in this context) | Beaches |
| Date of Award (Initial 8 Indian beaches) | October 2020 |
| Number of Indian Beaches Awarded (Initially) | Eight (8) |
| Selected Beach from Options | Shivrajpur |
Additional Information: Blue Flag Significance and Expansion
The Blue Flag certification is a symbol of a beach's high environmental and quality standards. It promotes sustainable tourism along coastal areas. Achieving this certification boosts a beach's international profile and attracts environmentally conscious tourists.
Since the initial award in October 2020, India has added more beaches to the Blue Flag list, demonstrating a continued commitment to maintaining clean and sustainable coastal environments. The expansion of Blue Flag beaches across India reflects efforts towards Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign) and coastal zone management.
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