Silver Beach in Cuddalore gets coveted Blue Flag tag

Silver Beach in Cuddalore district has received the coveted ‘Blue Flag’ certification from the Denmark-based Foundation for Environment Education (FEE), marking a significant milestone in the district’s efforts to strengthen coastal environmental protection and promote sustainable tourism. The certificate was received on November 12, 2026.Blue Flag eco-label recognises beaches that comply with stringent criteria relating to environmental management, bathing water quality, cleanliness, safety, sanitation, environmental education, and visitor facilities.Silver Beach is one of three beaches in Tamil Nadu to receive the new certification for 2026-27. The other two are Kameswaram Beach in Nagapattinam district and Ariyaman Beach in Ramanathapuram district. Kovalam Beach in Chengalpattu district has retained the certification for the sixth consecutive year.The development of Silver Beach was undertaken by the Cuddalore Municipal Corporation under the Tamil Nadu Coastal Restoration Mission. The works were implemented under the guidance of District Collector Sibi Adhithya Senthil Kumar with the coordination of Corporation Commissioner S. Kishankumar. The infrastructure improvements include separate restroom blocks for men and women, changing rooms with shower facilities, and a dedicated toilet for persons with disabilities, among others | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Infrastructure and visitor facilitiesThe beach extends over one kilometre, of which a 500-metre stretch has been earmarked for Blue Flag activities. It receives an average of 2,500 visitors a day, with the number rising to an estimated 3,500 during peak periods.According to Mr. Kumar: “The infrastructure improvements include separate restroom blocks for men and women, changing rooms with shower facilities, a dedicated toilet for persons with disabilities, a greywater treatment plant, solar power infrastructure, a first-aid station, a CCTV monitoring facility, information display boards, and a beach layout map. Bamboo-based facilities, including seating benches, sit-outs, recliner chairs, litter bins, protective enclosures, and accessible ramps, have also been provided to improve visitor convenience.”Scientific monitoring of water qualityAccording to S. Manivel, Green Fellow, Department of Environment and Climate Change: “Water quality monitoring is a key component of the Blue Flag requirements. Five sampling points have been identified, including one in the designated swimming zone. Samples are analysed by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), Chennai.”He added that the Blue Flag application records compliance with prescribed microbiological parameters, including Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci, as well as physical and chemical parameters such as pH and oil content. A sampling calendar has also been established, and updated bathing water quality information is displayed on public information boards. The development of Silver Beach was undertaken by the Cuddalore Municipal Corporation under the Tamil Nadu Coastal Restoration Mission | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement The beach is cleaned twice daily by six sanitation workers, supported by a mechanised beach-cleaning machine. Separate collection facilities are provided for biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, including food waste, plastic, and glass. The collected waste is transported to the Corporation’s Micro Composting Centre (MCC) and Material Recovery Facility (MRF) for further processing.A designated safe bathing zone has been established based on a Safety Risk Assessment conducted by NCSCM in 2025. The area is demarcated using a flag system and information boards.Interdepartmental coordinationA Beach Management Committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of the District Collector, with the Corporation Commissioner as Vice-Chairperson. Representatives from the Forest Department, Police Department, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Fisheries Department, Tourism Department, Department of Environment and Climate Change, and other agencies are members.“The international recognition is expected to strengthen Cuddalore’s profile as a coastal tourism destination while encouraging continued efforts in environmental monitoring, scientific waste management, coastal vegetation protection, and public participation. The certification marks an important step in the district’s efforts to align beach management with internationally recognised environmental and safety standards,” Mr. Manivel added.