Field Report: Accessibility of Golden Blue Flag Beach at Puri

Image 01: A stone-carved Konark Chakra and its associated symbols on the wall at the entrance plaza of the Golden Blue Flag Beach at Puri, Odisha (India).

Abhishek Kumar and Kavya Poornima Balajepalli (authors of this field report] carried out a field visit on 25th April 2023 (Tuesday) based on which this report has been prepared. Kavya explored the beach using a wheelchair while Abhishek acted as her caregiver and cameraperson.

Snapshot

1. Introduction

2. Legal Context

3. Blue Flag Standards for Beaches in India

4. Golden Beach of Puri (Odisha)

5. Blue Flag Beach Criteria

6. Accessibility Criteria

7. Findings and Observations

8. Conclusion and Way Forward

9. References

Introduction

Foundation for Environment Education in Denmark (FEE) accords the globally recognised eco-label — Blue Flag certification. In order to qualify for this prestigious award, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related criteria must be met and maintained. The mission of Blue Flag is to promote sustainability in the tourism sector through environmental education, environmental protection and other sustainable development practices.

Twelve beaches that have been conferred with internationally recognized Blue Flag Certification in India are:

1. Shivrajpur, Devbhumi Dwarka District, Gujarat
2. Ghoghla (Diu) Dadara Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
3. Padubidri, Udupi District, Karnataka
4. Kasarkod, Karwar District, Karnataka
5. Kappad, Kozhikode District, Kerala
6. Kovalam, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu
7. Eden, Puducherry District, Puducherry
8. Rushikonda, Vishakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh
9. Golden, Puri District, Odisha
10. Radhanagar (Havelock), Andaman & Nicobar Islands
11. Minicoy Thundi Beach, Lakshadweep
12. Kadmat Beach, Lakshadweep

Legal Context

Accessibility is Freedom. Accessibility is an agency or medium that allows one to access and enjoy fundamental human rights and freedoms, like education, speech and expression, healthcare, movement, employment, etc., that are necessary for living a meaningful life with inherent dignity.

Article 30 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities provides for “Participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport” as part of the “inherent dignity and worth and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family as the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world” of the persons with disabilities.

Moreover, Chapter V of The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 deals with — Social Security, Health, Rehabilitation, and Recreation.

Therein, Section 29 provides for “Culture and recreation. —

“The appropriate Government and the local authorities shall take measures to promote and protect the rights of all persons with disabilities to have a cultural life and to participate in recreational activities equally with others which include, —

(a) facilities, support and sponsorships to artists and writers with disability to pursue their interests and talents; (b) establishment of a disability history museum which chronicles and interprets the historical experiences of persons with disabilities; (c) making art accessible to persons with disabilities; (d) promoting recreation centres, and other associational activities; (e) facilitating participation in scouting, dancing, art classes, outdoor camps and adventure activities; (f) redesigning courses in cultural and arts subjects to enable participation and access for persons with disabilities; (g) developing technology, assistive devices and equipments to facilitate access and inclusion for persons with disabilities in recreational activities; and (h) ensuring that persons with hearing impairment can have access to television programmes with sign language interpretation or sub-titles.”

Whereas, Section 30 provides for “Sporting activities. —

“(1) The appropriate Government shall take measures to ensure effective participation in sporting activities of the persons with disabilities. (2) The sports authorities shall accord due recognition to the right of persons with disabilities to participate in sports and shall make due provisions for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in their schemes and programmes for the promotion and development of sporting talents. (3) Without prejudice to the provisions contained in sub-sections (1) and (2), the appropriate Government and the sports authorities shall take measures to, — (a) restructure courses and programmes to ensure access, inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in all sporting activities; (b) redesign and support infrastructure facilities of all sporting activities for persons with disabilities; (c) develop technology to enhance potential, talent, capacity and ability in sporting activities of all persons with disabilities; (d) provide multi-sensory essentials and features in all sporting activities to ensure effective participation of all persons with disabilities; (e) allocate funds for development of state of art sport facilities for training of persons with disabilities; (f) promote and organise disability specific sporting events for persons with disabilities and also facilitate awards to the winners and other participants of such sporting events.”

Blue Flag Standards for Beaches in India

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change in its order dated 12th July 2019, to conserve, protect, and improve the quality of the environment and prevent, control, and abate environmental pollution and to achieve the purpose of beach management, planning, and execution of projects for infrastructure development, cleanliness, safety, and security services, the Central Government, under sub-rule (4) of rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, in public interest dispense with the requirement of notice under clause (a) of sub-rule (3) of rule 5 of the said rules and in the exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) and clause (i) to (iv) of subsection (2) of section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, (29 of 1986), the Central Government declared that for the purpose of obtaining Blue Flag certification, the following structures and facilities shall be permitted in the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas subject to maintaining a minimum distance of 10 meters from HTL viz:

(a) Container-based toilet blocks, change rooms, and shower panels;

(b) Mini grey water treatment plant enclosed in temporary structures;

(c) Mini solid waste recycling plant enclosed in temporary structures;

(d) Off-grid solar PV panels;

(e) Purified drinking water kiosk;

(f) Beach access pathway to bathing zone made of interlinking paver blocks;

(g) LED landscape lighting with poles duly grouted;

(h) Portable bamboo-made seating benches and sit-out umbrellas;

(i) Outdoor children's play equipment;

(j) Container-based CCTV control room and First aid station;

(k) Watch towers; and

(l) Beach Information hoarding boards and beach layout map hoarding boards.

The Beach Environment & Aesthetic Management Service (BEAMS) Programme, initiated under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC), aims to meet the international standards for Blue Flag Beach Certification. This involves activities related to pollution control, beach awareness, safety, surveillance, and environmental education. The goal is to create top-notch beaches with sustainable infrastructure, clean bathing water, renewable energy sources, and environmentally friendly services, preserving coastal ecosystems and natural resources and encouraging local authorities and stakeholders to uphold high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and safety for beach visitors in compliance with coastal regulations and environmental norms.

Golden Beach of Puri, Odisha (India)

The Golden Beach, also known as Puri Beach, is a certified ‘Blue Flag’ beach situated in Puri, Odisha, along the Bay of Bengal coast, stretches 870 meters from Digabareni Square to the Mayfair hotel. The Government of India, led by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF & CC), invested ₹7.88 crores in developing infrastructure and implementing pollution control, beach safety, and security measures in partnership with BVG India Ltd. This included amenities such as public toilets, changing rooms, showers, watch towers, solar lighting, seating, and a designated swimming area. The State Government, through the State Project Management Unit of ICZMP, contributed ₹3.34 crores for peripheral activities such as road access, fencing, parking, sand sculptures, water supply, jogging tracks, CCTV cameras, and a public address system.

To manage and maintain the beach in Puri, a Beach Management Committee (BMC) has been established and led by the District Collector.

Blue Flag Beach Criteria

A beach shall be awarded as an International Blue Flag Beach based on its achievement of 33 imperative criteria. The four major categories are — Environmental Education and Information, Water Quality, Environmental Management, Safety and Services.

1. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND INFORMATION
2. Criterion 1. Information about the Blue Flag Programme must be displayed.
3. Criterion 2. Environmental education activities must be offered and promoted to beach users.
4. Criterion 3. Information about bathing water quality must be displayed.
5. Criterion 4. Information relating to local ecosystems, environmental elements and cultural sites must be displayed.
6. Criterion 5. A map of the beach indicating different facilities must be displayed.
7. Criterion 6. A code of conduct that reflects appropriate laws and/or regulations governing the use of the beach and surrounding areas must be displayed.

II. WATER QUALITY

1. Criterion 7. The beach must fully comply with the water quality sampling and frequency requirements.
2. Criterion 8. The beach must fully comply with the standards and requirements for water quality analysis.
3. Criterion 9. Industrial, waste-water or sewage-related discharges must not affect the beach area.
4. Criterion 10. The beach must comply with the Blue Flag requirements for the microbiological parameter Escherichia coli (faecal coli bacteria) and intestinal enterococci (streptococci).
5. Criterion 11. The beach must comply with the Blue Flag requirements for physical parameters.

III. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

1. Criterion 12. The local authority/beach operator should establish a beach management committee.
2. Criterion 13. The local authority/beach operator must comply with all laws and/or regulations affecting the location and operation of the beach.
3. Criterion 14. Sensitive areas must be managed.
4. Criterion 15. The beach must be clean.
5. Criterion 16. Algal vegetation or natural debris must be left on the beach.
6. Criterion 17. Waste disposal bins/containers must be available at the beach in adequate numbers, and they must be regularly maintained.
7. Criterion 18. Facilities for the separation of recyclable waste materials must be available at the beach.
8. Criterion 19. An adequate number of toilet or restroom facilities must be provided.
9. Criterion 20. The toilet or restroom facilities must be kept clean.
10. Criterion 21. The toilet or restroom facilities must have controlled sewage disposal.
11. Criterion 22. There must be no unauthorised camping or driving and no dumping on the beach
12. Criterion 23. Access to the beach by dogs and other domestic animals must be strictly controlled.
13. Criterion 24. All buildings and beach equipment must be properly maintained.
14. Criterion 25. Marine and freshwater-sensitive habitats (such as coral reefs or seagrass beds) in the vicinity of the beach must be monitored.
15. Criterion 26. A sustainable means of transportation should be promoted in the beach area.

IV. SAFETY AND SERVICES

1. Criterion 27. Appropriate public safety control measures must be implemented.
2. Criterion 28. First aid equipment must be available on the beach.
3. Criterion 29. Emergency plans to cope with pollution risks must be in place.
4. Criterion 30. There must be management of different users and uses of the beach so as to prevent conflicts and accidents.
5. Criterion 31. There must be safety measures in place to protect users of the beach, and free access must be granted to the public.
6. Criterion 32. A supply of drinking water should be available at the beach.
7. Criterion 33. At least one Blue Flag beach in each municipality must have access and facilities provided for the physically disabled.

Accessibility Criteria for a Blue Flag Beach

1. Access points and access for disabled persons [Access to the beach should preferably be free, although, at some beaches, public access is provided through charging a small and reasonable fee.]

Image 02: Blue Information Board at the entry gate providing information (text in white colour) concerning timing and price of entry tickets. Winter Time is 6 AM to 8 PM and Summer Time is 5 AM to 8PM.

Image 03: Outer entry gate with a ticket counter and parking for the Golden Blue Flag Beach at Puri.

Image 04: Dolphin Ticket (Valid for three hours per person at ₹30) of Golden Beach Puri along with instructions dated 25th April 2023

2. Accessible Information

Image 05: A view of the Golden Blue Flag beach with the flags and landmark signage.

Image 06: A hoarding containing four Notices by the Office of District Magistrate and Collector, Puri (Odisha, India) concerning 1. Restrictions at Blue Flag Bathing Zone 2. No Transport Zone 3. No Plastic Zone and 4. No Camping and Dumping Zone in Golden Beach at Puri.

Image 07: Layout Map of Golden Beach with the map legends.

Image 08: A hoarding containing details about Blue Flag Program, Golden Beach, Odisha, India. The board provides details under four heads — 1. Blue Flag Programme 2. Facts about the Blue Flag 3. You can help the programme by also taking action to protect the environment and 4. Local, National, and International Blue Flag Responsible Parties. At the bottom, Key Symbols are also provided including “Access for Disabled”.

Image 09: A hoarding of the Beach Information Board containing information and infographics regarding 1. Information for Tourists 2. Information on Environmental Activities 3. Information on the Nature Environment of the Beach and the Surrounding Area (Flora and Fauna) 4. Pledge (Do’s and Don’ts) 5. Beach Ecosystem 6. Information about Bathing Water Quality 7. Information about Tourist Safety and 8. Important Contact Information.

Image 10: A hoarding board with Blue Flag and Beach Management Committee logos containing information about the Environmental Education Activities at Golden Beach (five activities are enlisted).

3. Safe access for people with physical disabilities [Safety information, warning signs and/or a barrier must be in place to prevent accidents, availability of lifesaving services and first aid, secured steps with handrails, etc.]

Image 11: A bamboo-made beach safety guard tower along with the approach pathway to the bay area (without beach access ramp).

Image 12: A bamboo-made beach safety guard tower with the bay area in the background.

4. Access to the beach must be facilitated by access ramps designed for users with various disabilities [Facilities must be designed for wheelchairs and other disabled users and should comply with the ISO Standard Code for Access. The beach must comply with national regulations regarding access and facilities for people with disabilities.]

Image 13: The entry gate to the Golden Blue Flag beach with security guards at the entrance and a wide and broad entry passage with paver blocks and murals on the side walls. Two parallel strips are there but they are not tactile pathways.

Image 14: The wide and broad entry passage with paver blocks opposite the Golden Blue Flag Beach’s entrance. Black strips of paver blocks are also there but they are not tactile pathways while there is a beach access mat at a distance with the bay area and sea in the background.

Image 15: Paver-blocked pathway (right-side of the Golden Blue Flag Beach’s entrance) with the information board and beach on the two sides.

Image 16: Paver-blocked pathway (left side of the Golden Blue Flag Beach’s entrance) with the information board and amphibious wheelchair on one side and signages, flags, and beach on the other side.

5. Parking places reserved for the use of disabled persons must be available and must be clearly marked.

Image 17: Parking area of the Golden Blue Flag Beach with the signage board of Three & Four Wheeler Parking

Image 18: Parking area of the Golden Blue Flag Beach for the Differently Abled with the signage board and road marking with the symbol of parking reserved for the vehicles of persons with disabilities.

6. Access to the beach for recreational activities for disabled users [Wheelchairs]

Image 19: Wheelchair at the outer entry gate beside the ticket counter and parking for the Golden Blue Flag Beach at Puri.

Image 20: Wheelchair at the inner entry gate beside the ticket checking point (entrance gate) of the Golden Blue Flag Beach at Puri along with a stone-esque monument beside the wheelchairs

Image 21: Amphibious Beach Wheelchair at the inner entry gate of the Golden Blue Flag Beach at Puri

Image 22: Amphibious Beach Wheelchair at the inner entry gate of the Golden Blue Flag Beach at Puri with the entrance gate (ticket checking point) and purified drinking water kiosk in the background.

7. Access to the beach for recreational activities for disabled users [Beach Access Mats]

Image 23: Beach Access Mat (without any handrails) on the beach sand area with the inner entrance gate (ticket checking point) and other structures and vegetation in the background.

Image 24: Beach Access Mat (without any handrails) with a non-amphibious beach wheelchair on it with the inner entrance gate (ticket checking point) and other structures and vegetation in the background.

Image 25: Beach Access Mat (without any handrails) with a non-amphibious beach wheelchair on it and the Bay of Bengal sea and people in the background.

Image 26: Paver-blocked pathway (horizontally) and a Beach Access Mat (vertically) with the Bay of Bengal sea in the background with naturally made sitting spaces.

8. Facilities for disabled visitors should be provided [Restrooms/toilets, showers, changing rooms and nappy-changing facilities, shops, restaurants, cafeterias or other establishments].

Image 27: Naturally made (wooden and leaf) sitting space with an umbrella at the beach area with the Bay of Bengal sea on one side and vegetation with wooden fences on the other.

Image 28: A woman in a wheelchair on the paver blocks pathway with street lights and steel bollards with chained fence sideways and an open gym and multi-storey building in the background.

Image 29: Pavered blocked approach pathway (with poled and chained fences) to the tin shed infrastructure with the signage of First Aid Station and pole with an emergency microphone.

Image 30: Pavered blocked approach pathway (with poled and chained fences) to the tin shed infrastructure with the signage of the Beach Manager’s Office and vegetation in the surrounding area.

9. Accessible Facilities [Showers and Change Rooms]

Image 31: Pavered blocked pathway (with poled and chained fences) with the signage of Showers Change Room, vegetations, watch tower (on the left side) and naturally made structure (wooden and leaf) i.e. Showers Change Room.

Image 32: Pavered blocked pathway (with poled and chained fences) and a naturally made structure (wooden and leaf) i.e. Showers Change Room.

Image 33: Pavered blocked approach pathway (with poled and chained fences) and a naturally made structure (wooden and leaf) i.e. Showers Change Room.

10. Accessible Toilets (including toilets for disabled people) [Toilet or restrooms facilities must be equipped with washbasins, soap and clean towels (paper or cloth) or a hand dryer.]

Image 34: Paved blocked approach pathway to three toilets — for men, women and persons with disabilities. The toilet for men and women are naturally made structures with wood and leaf and green mat at the approach while the toilet for persons with disabilities is a small metal installation.

Image 35: A unisex toilet container for differently abled people. The toilet container is in white while the signage board is in blue.

Image 36: A QR code inclusive ‘Request For Service’ board inside the unisex toilet container for differently abled people by Beach Management Committee and other organization's logos along with information.

Image 37: Inside of the unisex toilet container for the differently abled people with commode and washbasins with grab bars/safety rails on both sides

11. Access to water for the physically disabled.

Image 38: Pathway to Purified Drinking Water Kiosk — 1 with signage and street lamp. Two assistants were there at the water kiosk for help.

Image 39: Purified Drinking Water Kiosk — 2 installed at the side of the pathway.

12. Accessible Pathway

Image 40: Paver blocked pathway with Raj Bhawan entry gate on one side and beach access mat on the other along with vegetation and portable naturally-made seating benches and sit-out umbrellas in the background. No handrails or tactile pathways.

Image 41: Paver blocked pathway along with vegetation on both sides while dustbins and street lights on the right side. No handrails or tactile pathways.

Image 42: Paver blocked pathway with vegetation and bollard and chained fences on both sides and street lights on one side. No handrails or tactile pathways.

Image 43: Paver blocked pathway with vegetation and bollard and chained fences on both sides and street lights and signages on one side. No handrails or tactile pathways.

Image 44: Paver blocked pathway with vegetation on both sides and signage of the Nimantran Restaurant on one side.

Image 45: The left extreme access point to the beach area without any beach access ramp. There is some vegetation and a small tin shed structure as well.

Findings and Observations

A. Navigation

1. No staff to assist with navigation.

2. The access from the disability parking/ticket house towards the blue flag beach premises entry gate was temporarily blocked, which acted as a roadblock for smooth access for persons with wheelchairs, and walking aids.

3. Absence of tactile pathways and handrails.

4. No connected path for the disabled people towards the seatings provided.

B. Orientation

1. The layout was in a linear form with Access points at regular intervals connecting the pathway.
2. After entering the main gate towards the beach premises, the drinking water facility, Toilets, Play areas, open gym, and eateries were placed towards the left direction whereas the bathing and shower areas were towards the right direction from the entrance plaza.

C. Information

1. Absence of tactile map — information provided on the information boards, directions boards and signboards was not accessible to people with visual disabilities.
2. Must be made available in epub format through QR code being all-inclusive, i.e., in local/ regional languages and that of tourists.

D. Amenities

1. Wheelchairs were available near the ticket house.

2. Availability of security guards near the main gate to monitor the visitors.

3. Mobimats were provided at two beach access points.

4. The toilet for disabled people didn’t have a hand dryer which the men’s toilet had.

5. Only one amphibious wheelchair and that too is not in very good condition.

Conclusion and Way Forward

1. Capacity-building and Sensitization on Universal Accessibility: There is a need for regular capacity-building programs and sensitisation sessions on universal accessibility, which includes creating awareness and understanding among stakeholders about the importance of making the beach accessible to everyone, regardless of age, gender, physical abilities, etc.
2. Accessibility must be integral, not partial: Ensuring that accessibility is not treated as an afterthought but is integrated into all aspects of beach infrastructure and services while giving due consideration to the ecology of the beach.
3. Revision of the Blue Flag Beach Criteria in accordance with the principle of Universal Accessibility.
4. Need to install menstrual products kiosks providing biodegradable menstrual products like Sanitary Pads for emergency situations and to create awareness about ‘green menstruation’ (environmental education).
5. Enhanced accessibility improves the beach experience: By providing inclusive facilities and services, enhanced accessibility can improve the overall beach experience for all visitors, including those with disabilities.
6. Boosting tourism and economic growth: Universally accessible beaches attract a wider range of visitors, including children, elderly persons, and individuals with disabilities, leading to increased tourism and subsequently benefiting the local economy and promoting economic growth.
7. Accessibility Auditing of the Blue Flag Beach.
8. Acting on the ‘Build Forward Better’ and ‘Leave No One Behind’ principles, in letter and in spirit.

References

1. Blue Flag’s Criteria, Available at <https://www.blueflag.global/criteria> Accessed on 05th May 2023.
2. BLUE FLAG BEACH CRITERIA AND EXPLANATORY NOTES 2021, Available at <https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55371ebde4b0e49a1e2ee9f6/t/5fbf70eee18c5c478ef4edfc/1606381808548/Beach+Criteria+and+Explanatory+Notes+2021.pdf> Accessed on 05th May 2023.
3. Kavya Poornima Balajepalli, PART — I: How Accessible And Inclusive Is Rushikonda Blue Flag Beach?, Poornamidam, Available at <https://medium.com/@poornamidam/how-accessible-and-inclusive-is-rushikonda-beach-9a58007ab7c4> Accessed on 01st June 2023.
4. Order, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, New Delhi, the 12th July 2019, Available at <https://dste.py.gov.in/pczma/Pdf/Notification/S.O.-2502E-DATED-12.07.2019-NOTIFICATION-FOR-BLUE-FLAG-CERTIFICATION.pdf> Accessed on 05th June 2023.
5. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 Available at <https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/4316/1/ep_act_1986.pdf> Accessed on 05th June 2023.
6. The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 Available at <https://upload.indiacode.nic.in/showfile?actid=AC_MP_74_308_00003_00003_1543231806694&type=rule&filename=ep_rules_1986.pdf> Accessed on 05th June 2023.
7. Selection of Agency for Operation & maintenance of Infrastructure facilities, Pollution Abatement and safety Surveillances at Golden Beach (Blue Flag Beach) Puri, Available at <https://puri.nic.in/notice/selection-of-agency-for-operation-maintenance-of-infrastructure-facilitiespollution-abatement-and-safety-surveillances-at-golden-beach-blue-flag-beach-puri/> Accessed on 05th June 2023.
8. Mo Beach The campaign that helped Golden Beach earn the Blue Flag, Odisha Tourism, Available at <https://odishatourism.gov.in/content/tourism/en/blog-details.mo-beach-the-campaign-that-helped-golden-beach-earn-the-blue-flag.html> Accessed on 05th June 2023.

Prepared by

Adv. Abhishek Kumar, NCPEDP — Javed Abidi Fellow on Disability. The author can be reached at abhishek@thesangyan.in

Abhishek is the ideator, curator and founder of The Sangyan.

Ar. Kavya Poornima Balajepalli, NCPEDP — Javed Abidi Fellow on Disability. The author can be reached at kavyapoornima.ncpedp@gmail.com

Kavya curates Poornamidam — data-driven and evidence-based research and advocacy endeavour concerning disability, architecture, and everything in between.

Picture Credits — Abhishek Kumar. All Rights Reserved.