Blue Flag Certification 2025–26: Odisha's Puri and Sunapur Beaches Earn Prestigious Eco-Label for Clean Beaches
Odisha's Puri and Sunapur beaches were awarded Blue Flag certification for 2025–26, announced around November 15, 2025, by the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE), Denmark. Sunapur beach earned the certification for the third consecutive year, while Puri beach received it for a landmark seventh time — the highest number of Blue Flag certifications for a single beach in India. The Blue Flag programme, run by the Foundation for Environment Education, is one of the world's most recognised voluntary eco-labels for beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. Certification criteria include: clean and safe water quality; environmental education and information programmes; environmental management including waste, access facilities, and safety services; conservation of the natural environment. India now has 13 Blue Flag certified beaches across coastal states. The achievement is relevant as a coastal environmental-governance example and to India's commitment under international environmental agreements. The Union Environment Ministry and TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) supported the certification process under the BEAMS (Beach Environment and Aesthetics Management Service) programme.
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Key Points for RAS
- Puri beach earned Blue Flag certification for a record seventh time in 2025–26.
- Sunapur beach in Odisha received the certification for the third consecutive year.
- Blue Flag is a globally recognised eco-label by the Foundation for Environment Education, Denmark.
- Certification requires clean water quality, environmental education, and safety services.
- India now has 13 Blue Flag certified beaches across coastal states.
- The BEAMS programme under the Environment Ministry supported the certification process.
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Odisha's Puri and Sunapur beaches were awarded Blue Flag certification for 2025–26, announced around November 15, 2025, by the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE), Denmark. Sunapur beach earned the certification for the third consecutive year, while Puri beach received it for a landmark seventh time — the highest number of Blue Flag certifications for a single beach in India. The Blue Flag programme, run by the Foundation for Environment Education, is one of the world's most recognised voluntary eco-labels for beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. Certification criteria include: clean and safe water quality; environmental education and information programmes; environmental management including waste, access facilities, and safety services; conservation of the natural environment. India now has 13 Blue Flag certified beaches across coastal states. The achievement is relevant as a coastal environmental-governance example and to India's commitment under international environmental agreements. The Union Environment Ministry and TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) supported the certification process under the BEAMS (Beach Environment and Aesthetics Management Service) programme.
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See current-affairs packFrequently Asked Questions
1 What is the Blue Flag certification and which organisation awards it?
Blue Flag is a globally recognised voluntary eco-label awarded by the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE), Denmark, for beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism that meet strict standards of water quality, environmental education, safety, and services.
2 How many times has Puri beach received the Blue Flag certification, and why is this a record?
Puri beach in Odisha earned the Blue Flag certification for a record seventh time in 2025–26, making it the beach with the highest number of Blue Flag certifications for a single beach anywhere in India.
3 What is the BEAMS programme and how is it related to Blue Flag certification in India?
BEAMS stands for Beach Environment and Aesthetics Management Services, a programme under India's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It supports coastal states in meeting international Blue Flag standards by improving beach hygiene, infrastructure, and environmental education.
4 How many Blue Flag certified beaches does India have as of 2025–26?
As of 2025–26, India has 13 Blue Flag certified beaches spread across its coastal states, with Odisha's Puri and Sunapur beaches being among the most recently certified.
5 What are the key criteria a beach must meet to earn Blue Flag certification?
A beach must meet criteria under four categories: water quality (meeting WHO and EU bathing water standards), environmental education and information, environmental management (waste, litter, no smoking zones), and safety and services (lifeguards, first aid, accessible facilities).
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