Mypadu Beach Sets Sight on Eco-Friendly Blue Flag Global Certification
Nellore: The picturesque coastline Mypadu Beach in SPSR Nellore district is heading towards receiving the coveted Blue Flag Beach certification. This is an internationally recognized eco-label awarded to beaches that meet stringent standards in environmental management, cleanliness, visitor safety, sustainability and quality infrastructure for tourists.
Located approximately 25 kilometers from Nellore city, Mypadu has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region, attracting families, students, nature lovers and visitors from all over Andhra Pradesh throughout the year.
The proposed Blue Flag project covers a 500-metre stretch of Mypadu beach; State-of-the-art facilities will be created here and environmentally sustainable practices will be adopted to transform the area into a clean, visitor-friendly and safe destination.
The proposal states that the beach currently receives 150 to 200 visitors on weekdays, while on weekends and holidays the number of pedestrians increases to 550 to 800 visitors. It is estimated that approximately 1000 visitors visit the beach every day during the peak tourism season.
Mypadu Beach Festival, held every January, has further increased its popularity as a coastal tourism hotspot.
To meet Blue Flag Beach standards, authorities will significantly improve visitor facilities by developing modern toilets, changing rooms, improved parking, scientific solid waste management systems, informative signage, better lighting and other environmentally friendly facilities. The proposal cites regulated water sports as a future tourism opportunity while ensuring environmental protection.
Safety is an important component of the Blue Flag project. A designated safe swimming zone has already been identified, with Mypadu Marine Police Station stepping up security support. Lifeguards, rescue services, emergency response systems and continuous beach monitoring will be strengthened in accordance with Blue Flag norms.
More importantly, the proposal underlines that there are no significant pollutant sources within the proposed Blue Flag area, which is an essential condition for securing certification.
According to Nellore district tourism officer SK Ali Azgar, the certification puts a strong emphasis on protecting the sensitive coastal ecosystem of Mypadu. Measures have been proposed to protect dunes and coastal vegetation, promote biodiversity and promote eco-education among visitors.
The initiative is expected to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for local fishing communities and increase public participation in beach protection efforts.
Ahead of the Blue Flag certification process, the district administration will coordinate with various government departments to ensure compliance with Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms, secure necessary environmental clearances and put in place long-term operation and maintenance mechanisms for the beach.
“After receiving the Blue Flag certification, Mypadu Beach is expected to gain international recognition and significantly enhance tourism in the SPSR Nellore region. This beach will be positioned as one of the leading examples of sustainable coastal development in India,” said Ali Azgar.
Besides Mypadu, there are also proposals to get Blue Flag Beach certification for five other beaches in AP: Baruva in Srikakulam district, Hamsala Deevi in Krishna, Perupalem in West Godavari district, Ramapuram in Bapatla and Surya Lanka.
