Andhra Pradesh's Manginapudi Beach all set for ‘Blue Flag’ makeover

VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh’s Manginapudi Beach in Machilipatnam in Krishna district is included on the coveted eco-label ‘Blue Flag’ certification list by the Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

With this, Manginapudi Beach has become the second beach in Andhra Pradesh after Rushikonda in Visakhapatnam on the ‘Blue Flag’ certification list by FEE. According to reports, Tourism department officials have come up with a master plan to develop 373 beaches across the 12 districts located along the coastline of Andhra Pradesh.

Plans are under consideration for the development of eight beaches to get ‘Blue Flag’ certification and Manginapudi Beach is one among them. The FEE, in the process of awarding a ‘Blue Flag’ certificate to Manginapudi beach, would consider a total of 33 parameters, with beach cleanliness, water quality, and environmental management in it. An expert committee would also carry out an inspection in Manginapudi Beach before awarding the ‘Blue Flag’ certification.

“The Central Government has sanctioned Rs 50 lakh to expedite various development works in Manginapudi Beach, which has been listed on the ‘Blue Flag’ certification by FEE. Soon, water sports will be launched on the beach and tenders in this regard are invited by the tourism department authorities. Once the proposed works are completed, the footfall on Manginapudi Beach will be doubled and become one of the tourist attractions in the State, a senior tourism department official said.