12 November,2026 12:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image. Pic/Pexels
Shrivardhan beach in Maharashtra's Raigad district has received the international Blue Flag certification, becoming the first beach in the district to earn the recognition, state minister Aditi Tatkare said on Thursday.
The certification is an international eco-label awarded by the Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to beaches that meet prescribed standards of cleanliness, water quality, environmental management, biodiversity conservation, tourist safety and visitor facilities.
Tatkare, who represents the Shrivardhan constituency in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, said the recognition was not merely a flag but an international acknowledgement of the beach's cleanliness and environmental standards.
The achievement follows two years of sustained efforts to improve the beach's environmental standards, cleanliness and safety, the Women and Child Development Minister said in a statement.
"Efforts that we had been pursuing for the last two years have finally borne fruit. I am particularly happy and proud that Shrivardhan has become the first beach in Raigad district to receive the Blue Flag recognition," she stated.
Tatkare said several meetings were held and measures implemented during this period to improve the beach's environmental management and cleanliness standards.
The minister added that the physical Blue Flag was expected to be handed over shortly.
Shrivardhan is among three beaches in Maharashtra to receive the international recognition for the 2026-27 season. Ladghar and Guhagar beaches in Ratnagiri district have also been selected.
The recognition marks the first time Maharashtra has secured a place on the international list of Blue Flag beaches. Across India, 22 beaches have received the certification for the 2026-27 season, including 13 that retained their recognition and nine newly certified beaches.
The Blue Flag season for the three Maharashtra beaches is scheduled to begin on November 15. The official flags are being brought from the Netherlands, after which a formal handover and flag-hoisting ceremony will be organised.
The certification process evaluates beaches on several environmental, safety and infrastructure-related parameters. These include regular testing of bathing water quality, waste management, sanitation facilities, first-aid services and emergency arrangements.
Environmental awareness initiatives, biodiversity protection and accessibility for persons with disabilities are also among the areas covered by the assessment.
The recognition is intended to encourage sustainable tourism while ensuring that beaches maintain environmental standards and provide safe facilities for visitors.
(With inputs from PTI)
