Chennai

“Kovalam beach in Chengalpattu district has been chosen to be developed as per the Blue Flag Beach Programme, as a pilot project, as it meets the water quality and safety standards criteria,” Environment Minister KC Karuppanan said in the Assembly.

Last year, the government had announced that Mahabalipuram would be pitched for the certification to promote tourism but as conditions were not conducive, Kovalam beach was chosen as an alternative.

The government’s announcement evoked mixed reactions among the local community. This could be a boon to the sports and development, said Murthy Megavan, co-founder of the Covelong Point Surfing School. “The government will help maintain the beach and keep it clean. This will help Chennai reach standards of Goa beaches. There will also be government support for the sport, which is much needed to raise awareness among the people,” he said. But others worry that the focus will only remain on tourism and budding talents in the fishing hamlets from surrounding areas would be ignored. “There will be restricted entry for surfers to the coastline, which will not aid in improving the sport. This is for tourism only,” a surfer rued.

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