Visakhapatnam, the financial capital of Andhra Pradesh, is known not just for its commercial significance but also as a popular tourist destination. Among its many attractions, Rishikonda Beach has long been considered one of the finest, earning international recognition for its clean, well-maintained coastline.However, in a recent setback, Rishikonda Beach has lost its prestigious Blue Flag certification, a distinction it had held since 2020, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) from Denmark. This recognition, given to only the cleanest and most eco-friendly beaches worldwide, was a major tourism boost for Visakhapatnam.
 

Why Was the Blue Flag Certification Revoked?

The removal of the Blue Flag status has shocked both locals and tourists, especially since Visakhapatnam’s tourism sector has been on the rise under the current government. Upon investigation, several factors contributed to the FEE’s decision to revoke the certification:
 

• Poor Cleanliness & Maintenance: Public restrooms and changing rooms were reported to be in unsanitary conditions, with foul odors making them nearly unusable for visitors.
• Stray Animal Issues: The increasing presence of stray dogs on the beach has posed both a hygiene and safety concern for tourists.
• Declining Waste Management Standards: Garbage accumulation and deterioration in beach cleanliness have been noted, a stark contrast to the previously high environmental standards that earned the certification.
• Tourist Complaints & Evidence Submission: Distressed tourists captured photographs of the deteriorating conditions and directly submitted them to FEE Denmark, prompting a review that led to the withdrawal of the certification.

The Blue Flag, which once stood proudly at Rishikonda Beach as a symbol of environmental excellence, has now been removed, marking a serious blow to Andhra Pradesh’s tourism image.
 

Impact on Tourism and Government Response

Andhra Pradesh’s tourism sector has witnessed significant investments in recent times. Jana Sena MLA Kandukur Durgesh, who also serves as the Tourism Minister, has introduced various programs to revamp tourism and attract more visitors to the state. Despite these initiatives, the loss of Blue Flag certification presents an unexpected challenge to the new government’s tourism agenda.The revocation has also raised political and public concerns, with some critics pointing out that previous governments may have overlooked such issues, but the current leadership must now act swiftly to rectify the situation.Given the high stakes, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Tourism Minister Kandukur Durgesh are under increasing pressure to intervene immediately and restore Rishikonda Beach to its previous standards. A structured cleanup campaign, better waste management, and stricter maintenance policies could be key to regaining the Blue Flag certification in the future.
 

A Call for Immediate Action

Losing the Blue Flag certification is not just a setback for Rishikonda Beach but also for Visakhapatnam’s reputation as a world-class tourist destination. If immediate corrective measures are not taken, it could impact future tourism investments and visitor inflow.As concerned citizens and environmental groups raise their voices, the next steps by the government and local authorities will be crucial. If they act swiftly, Rishikonda Beach may once again regain its lost glory and reclaim its position as one of India’s cleanest beaches.For now, tourists and locals alike await a strong response from the Andhra Pradesh government, hoping to see concrete steps taken toward environmental preservation and tourism development in the region.