Kovalam beach wins fifth straight Blue Flag certification, TN govt targets 10 more beaches

Chennai: The famous Kovalam beach, one of the popular tourist spots near Chennai, has secured the prestigious International Blue Flag Certification for the fifth consecutive year 2025-26.

In a social media post on Tuesday night, State Minister for Finance and Environmental Climate Change, Thangam Thennarasu expressed pride in the achievement and highlighted the commitment of the state government and the local community in maintaining the beach's global eco-standards.

He also congratulated the Chengalpattu district administration and the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Forests.

Building on this success, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Forests, Supriya Sahu said the state government has selected 10 other beaches in Tamil Nadu to pursue global certification.

These include four beaches in Chennai, two in Cuddalore, and one each in Villupuram, Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram, and Tuticorin.

She noted that Kovalam's recognition is the fruit of years of dedicated work to make it a clean, safe, inclusive and sustainable beach.

"Thanks to the strong commitment of the government and collaboration with the local community," Sahu wrote in her social media account.