Kerala's 'Kashmir' beach heading towards prestigious Blue Flag Certification

Kerala has its own 'Kashmir' and the spot is all set to get a prestigious international recognition. Confused?

Kerala's Malappuram has a pristine stretch of coastline that wasn't much in the limelight till recently. Known locally as the 'Kashmir Beach' in Koottayi, for its serene beauty, it's a wide, white-sand seashore where visitors can easily walk or drive along the coastline. Now, the beach is edging closer to securing the prestigious Blue Flag certification, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), a non-profit organisation based in Denmark. If successful, 'Kashmir' will join Kozhikode’s Kappad Beach and Kannur’s Chal Beach as the third coastal destination in the state to fly the coveted flag.

Where is this beach?
It's in Malappuram's Mangalam Panchayat, alongside the new Vakkad - Padinjarekkara road, locally known as the 'Tipu Sultan' road. A ride on the 9 km road also shows you a few other interestingly named beaches of the area, like 'Sultan Beach' and 'Badam Beach,' alongside the Padinjarekkara and Vakkad beaches.

A major milestone in water quality
The journey to certification began when the previous governing body of the Mangalam Panchayat identified the beach’s potential and approached the state government. Recognising the opportunity, the government appointed the Sub Collector as the project officer to spearhead the initiative. Unlike the other beaches in the area, Kashmir beach is around 100m wide and about 1 km long. It also has a seating area where visitors can chill and enjoy the waves.

The Blue Flag Certification
To secure this global eco-label, beaches must meet 33 rigorous criteria spanning four core areas: water quality, environmental management, environmental education, and safety and services. Locals and travel enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the final nod, which would put Malappuram firmly on the international tourism map.

A critical step in the process involves assessing the water's safety for swimmers. Under the leadership of the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), weekly water quality tests were conducted at the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) in Kunnamangalam, Kozhikode. Over time, 21 comprehensive tests were conducted to ensure that the seawater poses no health risks. Kashmir Beach has successfully cleared this crucial scientific evaluation, marking a significant milestone towards certification.

Infrastructure upgrade worth ₹1 crore
With the water safety clearance secured, the focus has shifted to developing top-tier infrastructure. The DTPC is managing the first phase of the development project, backed by an investment of ₹1 crore. Plans are underway to establish eco-friendly coffee shops, spacious parking facilities, public toilets, resting benches, and dedicated entry gates, all while prioritising safety and ecological preservation.

Once these amenities are in place, an accredited national FEE agency will visit the site for a final inspection before the official declaration. Despite the challenges involved in transforming the coast, local authorities remain confident about achieving the certification.

The scenic charm of Malappuram's Kashmir
Spanning the stretch from Koottayi to Vakkad, Kashmir Beach is renowned for its untouched natural beauty. Characterised by wide sandy shores, coconut groves, and a complete absence of sewage drains or litter, the beach offers a serene getaway. The parallel coastal road running from Vakkad to Padinjarekkara offers motorists a breezy, uninterrupted view of the Arabian Sea. While the local spot is famously known as Kashmir Beach, it has been registered under the official name 'Koottayi Beach' for the certification process.

Why the Blue Flag certification matters
The Blue Flag is one of the world's most recognised voluntary eco-labels, currently held by 5,274 beaches across 52 countries. These certified spots are mapped on the official FEE website, serving as a trusted guide for international travellers who prioritise safety and cleanliness. Securing the tag would significantly boost foreign tourist arrivals to Malappuram.

Administrative push and final steps
In a bid to expedite the process, Malappuram District Collector Dr Vinay Goyal recently visited the beach to review the progress. The Collector assessed the land acquisition requirements and suggested introducing a dedicated bicycle track along the beach to enhance the visitor experience. Tirur Sub Collector Dileep K Kainikkara is supervising the project as the nodal officer.