CUDDALORE: In a major boost to coastal tourism and environmental conservation, Devanampattinam Silver Beach in Cuddalore district has been awarded the prestigious international ‘Blue Flag’ certification for the 2026–2027 season, district collector Sibi Adhithya Senthil Kumar has announced.The official accreditation certificate was received on Nov 12, 2026. Silver Beach is among three beaches in Tamil Nadu newly awarded the Blue Flag status for 2026–2027, alongside Kameswaram Beach in Nagapattinam district and Ariyaman Beach in Ramanathapuram district. Kovalam Beach in Chengalpet district retained its certification for the sixth consecutive year.Conferred by the Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the Blue Flag eco-label recognises beaches that meet stringent international standards across environmental education, seawater quality, cleanliness, safety, sanitation, and coastal management.The Cuddalore corporation, under the guidance of the district collector and coordinated by corporation commissioner Kishan Kumar, executed extensive infrastructure and environmental upgrades along the shoreline to secure the recognition. Out of the beach’s total one km stretch, a 500-metre zone has been upgraded by the corporation to meet global Blue Flag benchmarks.Seawater quality is regularly monitored at five points by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM). The beach features twice-daily cleaning drives using modern beach-cleaning machinery, source-segregated waste collection for biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, bio-toilets, reverse osmosis (RO) drinking water facilities, and grey water recycling systems.Dedicated lifeguards, first-aid stations, rescue equipment, CCTV surveillance cameras, and public address systems have been deployed to ensure the safety of the visitors. The site has ramps, specialised restrooms, and dedicated parking for disabled people, alongside educational display boards raising awareness about coastal flora, fauna, and sea turtle conservation.A beach management committee headed by the district collector continuously monitors the upkeep and administration of the beach in coordination with line departments.Commending the corporation, the Green Fellow from the department of environment and climate change, govt agencies, and the public for their collective effort, the collector noted that the recognition marked a landmark achievement in Cuddalore’s journey toward eco-friendly tourism and coastal preservation.
