Kovalam earns 5th Blue Flag in a row

Tamil Nadu’s famed Kovalam beach near Chennai has once again earned global recognition, securing the coveted International Blue Flag Certification for the fifth year in a row (2025–26). Kovalam Beach (also known as Covelong Beach, in Chengalpattu district) is the only beach in Tamil Nadu that has achieved the Blue Flag certification so far.

The certification, awarded by the Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), is considered the gold standard for clean, safe, and environmentally sustainable beaches worldwide.

Announcing the achievement on social media, State Finance and Environment Minister Thangam Thennarasu hailed the milestone as a reflection of the state’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable coastal management. He credited the local community, the Chengalpattu district administration, and the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Forests for maintaining world-class standards in cleanliness, safety, and eco-friendly infrastructure.

Building on Kovalam’s success, Additional Chief Secretary Supriya Sahu revealed that the government has now identified 10 more beaches across Tamil Nadu to work towards Blue Flag certification. These include four beaches in Chennai, two in Cuddalore, and one each in Villupuram, Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram, and Tuticorin.

Sahu noted that Kovalam’s continued recognition is the result of “years of dedicated effort to make it a clean, safe, inclusive, and sustainable beach,” driven by strong government support and community collaboration.

The Blue Flag tag is expected to boost Tamil Nadu’s profile as a sustainable coastal tourism destination while setting a benchmark for environmental excellence in India’s shoreline management.

The Blue Flag certification is valid for one year only.