Maharashtra's Ladghar, Guhagar and Shrivardhan beaches win Blue Flag for the first time

Maharashtra's efforts in coastal management, environmental protection and eco-friendly tourism have won a major international recognition. The international Blue Flag jury has announced the 'International Blue Flag' award for three of the state's beaches for the 2026-27 season. They are Ladghar and Guhagar in Ratnagiri district, and Shrivardhan in Raigad district. This is the first time they have received the award, and with it Maharashtra enters the international list of Blue Flag beaches for the first time.

The beaches earned the honour by meeting several international criteria. These include environmental protection, beach cleanliness, water quality, protection of biodiversity, tourist safety, essential infrastructure and sustainable tourism management.

The achievement is the result of the combined efforts of several departments and bodies. These include the state government's Environment and Climate Change Department, the Tourism Department, the district collectors concerned and the district administration, local self-government bodies, gram panchayats, beach management committees, local residents and other agencies.

The Environment and Climate Change Department has expressed happiness at the achievement. It will use the Blue Flag programme to develop the other eligible beaches along Maharashtra's long coastline to international standards as well. This is said to promote local employment, the tourism business and the economy, along with protection of the environment on the coast.

The Blue Flag season for the three newly awarded beaches will begin on November 15, 2026. The award's emblem, the actual international Blue Flag, is coming from the Netherlands. It will be handed over to the state's Environment and Climate Change Department. A flag-hoisting ceremony is then planned in coordination with the department concerned and the district administration.

In the country, a total of 22 beaches have received Blue Flag certification for the 2026-27 season. Of these, 13 have been renewed and 9 are new additions. The inclusion of three Maharashtra beaches in the new list is a matter of pride for the state.

Pankaja Munde, Minister for Environment and Climate Change, said, "This is a matter of pride for Maharashtra. The international 'Blue Flag' award to Ladghar, Guhagar and Shrivardhan is worldwide appreciation of the state's efforts in 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 award will give Maharashtra's coast a new identity on the global tourism map and will also boost local employment and the economy. In future, we will keep trying to develop the state's other eligible beaches to international standards and make Maharashtra a leading centre of sustainable and eco-friendly tourism."

The Blue Flag is not just an award. It is international recognition of quality for eco-friendly development, cleanliness, safety and sustainable tourism. With this achievement, Maharashtra's beaches will stand out more clearly on the global tourism map.