The Rushikonda Beach is expected to see a surge in foreign tourists in the next couple of years, if the present developments are any indication. It is poised to get the coveted ‘Blue Flag’ certification from the Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
Rushikonda Beach is among the 13 beaches in India and the only one in Andhra Pradesh selected by the Government of India last year for development to match international standards, under BEAMS (Beach Management Services) project.
“The basic criteria for getting the Blue Flag certification are: safety/security, pollution-free, good bathing water quality and environmental education for beach users. When all these parameters are met, we can apply for certification from the FEE,” R. Purnima Devi, District Tourism Officer and Nodal Officer for the Blue Flag project, told The Hindu.
“Foreign tourists evince keen interest in visiting Blue Flag beaches. The Rushikonda Beach was nominated for the project in 2017 and it was finalised in February this year. The advantage for us (Rushikonda) was that 50% of the mandatory works like adequate parking area, landscaping, construction of food courts was already done by that time,” she said.
Tenders called
“The Government of India called for tenders for provision of amenities like bio-toilet blocks, grey water treatment, provision of purified water, solar treatment facilities and construction of walking and jogging tracks and bathing area,” Ms. Purnima Devi said.
The Pune-based BVG Constructions has bagged the contract for provision of outdoor fitness equipment, machinery for beach cleaning, safety equipment like CCTV cameras and lifeguards at a cost of ₹7.30 crore.
Representatives of the company prepared a layout plan and submitted it to District Collector Pravin Kumar, who is also the chairman of the Beach Management Committee (BMC) for overseeing implementation of the project.
The Collector suggested certain modifications in the plan and the work is expected to begin soon and completed by November-end.
The Government of India would then apply for the certification.