The Kovalam beach near Mamallapuram in Chengalpattu district in Tamil Nadu with its facilities for surfing, bathing and parking and its accent on safety has received the Blue Flag, a world-renowned eco-label certification for beaches, marinas and boats.The certification, which is provided for the duration of a tourist season, is based on certain criteria, including water quality, especially with respect to the presence of e-coli in the water, said Sujeetkumar Dongre, National Operator for Blue Flag programme, which is implemented by Society for Sustainable Urban Development in India. Thirty-three criteria are checked before the certification.