The Sonapur Blue Flag beach located 30 km from Berhampur in Ganjam district has been temporarily closed to tourists for annual maintenance. According to The Times of India the shutdown began a week ago and aims to preserve the beachrsquos international Blue Flag certification and enhance visitor facilities. Officials confirmed the closure will continue until upkeep work concludes after which the Vana Surakshya Samiti VSS will resume operations. The reports cited Divisional Forest Officer DFO Sunny Khokkar who stated that maintenance is critical to retaining the beachrsquos eco-label status and improving amenities ahead of peak tourist seasons with this May-June window timing aligning with reduced footfall due to extreme summer heat. Why Maintenance Matters Sonapur beach spanning 800 meters along the Bahuda Riverrsquos confluence with the Bay of Bengal earned Blue Flag certification in 2023 for meeting 33 strict environmental safety and accessibility standards. Facilities include wheelchair access zero liquid waste systems lifeguard towers solar lighting CCTV surveillance first-aid stations and bamboo-built structures to avoid permanent coastal damage. The certification awarded by Denmarkrsquos Foundation for Environment Education recognises sustainable tourism efforts. Authorities emphasised that annual upkeep ensures compliance with these global benchmarks. ALSO READChandipur beach in Odishas Balasore set for Rs 11 crore makeover to achieve Blue Flag status Sonapurrsquos Blue Flag Journey Becoming Odisharsquos second Blue Flag beach after Purirsquos Golden Beach the journey for the same came after a three-year renovation under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project ICZMP. During this phase the district beach management committee ICZMP-Odisha and local communities collaborated to achieve this status. Notably their efforts focused on maintaining water quality biodiversity conservation and community engagement. Authorities are optimistic that post-maintenance improved facilities and marketing will attract more visitors boosting local economies and reinforcing Odisharsquos coastal conservation efforts. As of the latest reports the beach will reopen after maintenance with a confirmed date to be announced in due time.