Shrivardhan beach becomes Raigad's first to get international Blue Flag certification

The Shrivardhan beach in Maharashtra's Raigad district has received the international Blue Flag certificate. It is the first beach in Raigad district to get the recognition, Minister of State Aditi Tatkare said on Thursday.

The Blue Flag certificate is an international eco-label awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education, a Denmark-based organisation. It is given to beaches that meet set criteria. These include cleanliness, water quality, environmental management, conservation of biodiversity, tourist safety and availability of facilities.

Tatkare represents the Shrivardhan Assembly constituency in the state Legislative Assembly. She said the recognition is not just a flag but international acceptance of the beach's cleanliness and environmental standards.

In a statement issued in her capacity as Women and Child Development Minister, she said sustained efforts had been made for two years to improve the beach's environmental norms, cleanliness and safety. The success has come after those efforts.

Tatkare said: "The effort we had been making for the past two years has finally succeeded. I am especially happy and proud that Shrivardhan has become the first beach in Raigad district to receive the 'Blue Flag' honour."

She also said the actual blue flag for the beach is expected to be handed over soon.

According to the statement, the certification assessment looks at several other things as well. These include regular testing of water quality, waste management, sanitation facilities, first aid and emergency arrangements, environmental awareness and easy access for people with disabilities.