Three Maharashtra beaches get Blue Flag certification for the first time

Three beaches in Maharashtra have received the International Blue Flag certification for the 2026-27 season. They are Ladghar and Guhagar in Ratnagiri district, and Shrivardhan in Raigad district. With the announcement by the International Blue Flag jury, Maharashtra has for the first time joined the international list of Blue Flag beaches.

The beaches met international standards on environmental protection, cleanliness, water quality, protection of biodiversity, tourist safety, basic facilities and management of sustainable tourism.

The initiative was led by the state government's Environment and Climate Change Department and the Tourism Department. District collectors and administrations, local self-government bodies, gram panchayats, beach management committees, local residents and other agencies also contributed.

The Environment and Climate Change Department said the Blue Flag programme will now be used to bring other eligible beaches along Maharashtra's long coastline up to international standards. The initiative is expected to boost tourism, create local employment, support businesses and protect the coastal ecosystem.

The Blue Flag season at the three newly certified beaches will begin on November 15, 2026. The official flags are being brought from the Netherlands and will be handed over to the state's Environment and Climate Change Department. A flag-hoisting ceremony is also proposed, in coordination with the departments concerned and the district administrations.

In all, 22 beaches across the country have received Blue Flag recognition for the 2026-27 season. Of these, 13 have had their certification renewed and nine are newly certified. Three of the nine new beaches are in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde said: "This is an achievement to be proud of, one that adds to Maharashtra's standing. The international 'Blue Flag' recognition for Ladghar, Guhagar and Shrivardhan is global recognition of the state's sustained efforts for environmental protection, cleanliness and sustainable tourism.

"Under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the state government is committed to balancing protection of the environment with development. This recognition will give Maharashtra's coast a new identity on the global tourism map and will strengthen local employment and the economy.

"We will continue our efforts to develop the state's other eligible beaches in line with international standards, so that Maharashtra becomes a leading centre of sustainable and eco-friendly tourism."