CrackitToday App

Three beaches in Maharashtra Received Blue Flag Certification

Kumari Sonali

Three beaches in Maharashtra Received Blue Flag Certification:

Three beaches in Maharashtra—Ladghar and Guhagar in Ratnagiri district and Shrivardhan in Raigad district—have received international Blue Flag certification for 2026–27, marking the state’s first entry into the globally recognised eco-label programme.

  • India has 22 Blue Flag-certified beaches for 2026–27, including 13 renewed certifications and nine newly certified beaches, of which three are in Maharashtra.
  • The beaches met prescribed international standards for water quality, environmental management, biodiversity conservation, cleanliness, tourist safety and sustainable tourism.
  • Blue Flag Certification is an internationally recognised voluntary eco-label awarded to beaches, marinas and sustainable tourism boats that meet prescribed environmental, educational, safety and management standards.
  • Administered by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), an international non-profit organisation headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark.
  • Certification is awarded following evaluation through the Blue Flag programme’s assessment process, including review by the International Blue Flag Jury.
  • Blue Flag beach certification traditionally covers four major categories:
    • Environmental Education and Information: Public awareness, environmental information and educational activities.
    • Water Quality: Compliance with prescribed bathing-water quality standards.
    • Environmental Management: Waste management, sanitation and protection of coastal ecosystems.
    • Safety and Services: Lifeguards, emergency preparedness, accessibility and visitor facilities.
  • Certification applies to a specified season, and participating sites must maintain compliance with applicable standards throughout the award period.
  • The Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services (BEAMS) programme, under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) framework of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), promotes beach cleanliness, coastal conservation, visitor safety and sustainable beach management, supporting Blue Flag certification.