Shrivardhan becomes Raigad's first Blue Flag beach, one of three in Maharashtra

Shrivardhan beach in Maharashtra's Raigad district has been granted the Blue Flag certification, an international mark for well-run, clean beaches. Aditi Tatkare, a state minister, announced on Thursday that no other beach in the district has earned the distinction before.

The certificate comes from the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), an organisation based in Denmark. It rates a beach as an eco-label only when the site satisfies a fixed list of standards. These cover cleanliness, the quality of the water, environmental management, protection of biodiversity, the safety of tourists and the facilities on offer to visitors.

Ms Tatkare, who holds the Women and Child Development portfolio, also represents the Shrivardhan seat in the state Legislative Assembly. She said the honour means more than a flag, because it shows the world has accepted the beach's standards of cleanliness and environmental care.

In a statement, she said the result followed two years of steady work to improve the beach's environmental norms, cleanliness and safety. Several meetings were held during this period, and steps were taken to strengthen environmental management and keep the shore clean.

"The efforts we have been engaged in for the past two years have finally borne fruit. I am especially happy and proud that Shrivardhan has become the first beach in Raigad district to be recognised with the Blue Flag," Ms Tatkare said.

Shrivardhan is not the only Maharashtra beach on the list. Ladghar and Guhagar, both in Ratnagiri district, have also been selected, so three beaches in the state are certified for the 2026-27 season. This is the first time Maharashtra has found a place on the international roster of Blue Flag beaches.

Across India, 22 beaches hold certification for 2026-27. Thirteen of them have kept the status they already had, and nine are new entrants.

The actual flag is yet to arrive. Ms Tatkare said it is expected to be handed over soon. The Blue Flag season for the three Maharashtra beaches is set to start on November 15, and the official flags are being brought from the Netherlands. A formal handover and flag-hoisting ceremony will follow.

According to the statement, the assessment looks at a wider set of matters than the headline criteria. Examiners check bathing water through regular testing and look at waste management, sanitation facilities, first aid services and emergency arrangements. Awareness drives on the environment, the protection of biodiversity and easy access for persons with disabilities also count in the review.

The recognition is meant to promote sustainable tourism and to make sure beaches keep up their environmental standards while offering visitors safe facilities.