Renovation and facelift for Kovalam beach: under Blue Flag programme!
Posted on: 12/Mar/2020 2:56:18 PM
The Tamil Nadu State Government Minister for the environment, K. C. Karuppannan informed in the Legislative Assembly that Kovalam beach in the Chengalpattu district has been chosen to be developed as per the Blue Flag Beach Programme. This will be a pilot project, as it meets the water quality and safety standards criteria.
Tamil Nadu state government had announced last year that Mahabalipuram would be pitched for the certification to promote tourism. However, conditions were not conducive. As such, Kovalam beach was chosen as an alternative.
Public response
The government’s announcement evoked mixed reactions among the local community.
Murthy Megavan, the co-founder of the Covelong Point Surfing School, observed, This could be a boon to the sports and development. The government will help maintain the beach and keep it clean. This will help Chennai beach Standards set by Goa beaches. There will also be government support for the sport, which is much needed to raise awareness among the people.
However, there were others who worry that the focus will only remain on tourism and budding talents in the fishing hamlets from surrounding areas would be ignored!
A surfer said, There will be restricted entry for surfers to the coastline, which will not aid in improving the sport. This is for tourism only.
