Maharashtra Celebrates International Blue Flag Award for Three Beaches

Mumbai, November 11 (Daily Kiran) : Maharashtra has achieved a significant milestone in environmental preservation and sustainable tourism by receiving the prestigious International Blue Flag Award for three of its beaches for 2026-27. The honored beaches are Ladghar and Guhagar in Ratnagiri district, along with Shrivardhan beach in Raigad district.

This recognition marks Maharashtra’s inaugural entry into the list of international Blue Flag beaches. The award is granted based on stringent international standards concerning environmental protection, cleanliness, water quality, biodiversity conservation, tourist safety, amenities, and sustainable tourism management.

Pankaja Munde, the state’s Minister for Environment and Climate Change, expressed pride in this achievement. She stated, “Receiving the International Blue Flag Award for Ladghar, Guhagar, and Shrivardhan is a global acknowledgment of Maharashtra’s efforts in environmental preservation, cleanliness, and sustainable tourism. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the state government remains committed to balancing environmental protection with development.”

Munde emphasized that this award will enhance the global recognition of Maharashtra’s beaches, boosting local employment and the economy. The government aims to develop other eligible beaches in the state to meet international standards, positioning Maharashtra as a leading center for sustainable and eco-friendly tourism.

The Blue Flag is not merely an award but an international quality certification for environmentally friendly development, cleanliness, safety, and sustainable tourism. This achievement will further elevate Maharashtra’s beaches on the global tourism map.

The success is attributed to joint efforts from the state’s Environment and Climate Change Department and the Tourism Department, alongside contributions from district collectors, local administrations, municipalities, village councils, beach management committees, residents, and various agencies.

According to government officials, the Blue Flag program will also focus on developing other eligible beaches along Maharashtra’s extensive coastline to ensure coastal environmental protection while enhancing local employment and tourism-related economic growth.

The Blue Flag season for the newly recognized beaches will commence on November 15, 2026. Official Blue Flags are being sourced from the Netherlands and will be handed over to the state’s Environment and Climate Change Department.

Subsequently, a flag hoisting ceremony is planned in collaboration with relevant departments and district administrations.

In total, 22 beaches across India received Blue Flag recognition for 2026-27, with 13 beaches being re-awarded and nine new additions. The selection of Maharashtra’s three beaches is considered a point of pride for the state.