Three Maharashtra Beaches receive international Blue Flag certification for the first time

Three beaches in Maharashtra — Ladghar and Guhagar in Ratnagiri district and Shrivardhan in Raigad district — have received the international Blue Flag certification for the 2026–27 season, marking the first time beaches from the State have secured the recognition.

Also read | What is the ‘Blue Flag’ certification for beaches? The International Blue Flag Jury announced the certification after the three beaches met prescribed standards for environmental conservation, cleanliness, water quality, biodiversity protection, tourist safety, infrastructure and sustainable tourism management, according to the State Environment and Climate Change Department.

The Blue Flag certification is an internationally recognised eco-label awarded to beaches that meet stringent environmental, safety and management standards. According to the department, 22 beaches across India have received Blue Flag recognition for the 2026-27 season, including 13 beaches whose certifications were renewed and nine newly certified beaches.

Maharashtra accounts for three of the nine new additions. The Blue Flag season at the three Maharashtra beaches will begin on November 15. The official flags are being brought from the Netherlands and will be handed over to the State Environment and Climate Change Department.

A flag-hoisting ceremony is also being planned in coordination with the respective district administrations and other departments. The State Government attributed the achievement to coordinated efforts by the Environment and Climate Change Department, Tourism Department, district administrations, local self-government bodies, gram panchayats, beach management committees and local communities.

State Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde said the certification was an acknowledgement of Maharashtra’s efforts towards environmental conservation, cleanliness and sustainable tourism. “This is a proud achievement that adds to Maharashtra’s glory.

The fact that Ladghar, Guhagar, and Shrivardhan have received the international ‘Blue Flag’ award is global recognition of the state’s ongoing efforts in environmental conservation, cleanliness, and sustainable tourism,” Ms.

Munde said. She added that the State Government, under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, was committed to balancing environmental protection with development. “This award will give Maharashtra’s coastline a new identity on the global tourism map and boost local employment and the economy,” she said.

The Environment and Climate Change Department said it plans to extend the Blue Flag programme to other eligible beaches along Maharashtra’s coastline by developing facilities and management systems that meet international standards.

The initiative is expected to support tourism-related businesses and local employment while promoting environmental conservation and sustainable coastal management, the department said.