Sri Vijaya Puram, November 12: Four beaches in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands now carry the internationally recognised Blue Flag certification, marking a significant step towards strengthening the Islands’ position as a sustainable tourism destination. Ramnagar Beach, Karmatang Beach and Raman Bagicha Beach have secured the certification, while Radhanagar Beach has successfully retained its existing status.
The achievement places the spotlight on the Islands’ growing efforts to balance tourism development with environmental protection, beach cleanliness, visitor safety and responsible management of coastal resources.
The recognition is particularly significant for North and Middle Andaman, where the newly certified beaches are expected to give a fresh impetus to tourism promotion. With international recognition, these destinations could attract more visitors, create opportunities for local communities and encourage investment in tourism-related infrastructure and services.
Beyond its value as a tourism distinction, the Blue Flag certification reflects the importance of maintaining clean beaches, protecting fragile coastal ecosystems and ensuring safe and well-managed public spaces. For an island territory where beaches are central to both livelihoods and tourism, the recognition also brings greater responsibility to sustain these standards.
The addition of three beaches to the list, alongside Radhanagar’s successful retention, marks a wider expansion of internationally recognised beach destinations across the Islands.
Welcoming the development, the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) congratulated the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and the Tourism Department, acknowledging their efforts in securing the recognition. The association also appreciated Lieutenant Governor Prof. Dr. Dinesh Sharma for his leadership and support in strengthening sustainable tourism in the Islands.
AATO President M. Vinod said the achievement was an important milestone for the tourism sector and expressed the association’s willingness to continue working with the Administration and Tourism Department to promote the newly recognised beaches.
With four Blue Flag-certified beaches, the Islands have an opportunity to strengthen their appeal among environmentally conscious travellers. The larger challenge, however, will be to ensure that the recognition translates into lasting improvements in beach management, conservation and benefits for communities living along these coastal stretches.
