Shrivardhan beach becomes first in Raigad to receive Blue Flag certification
Three beaches in Maharashtra have secured international eco-labels for the 2026–27 season, according to reports from The Hindu and Free Press Journal.
Shrivardhan beach in Maharashtra's Raigad district has earned the international Blue Flag certification, becoming the first beach in the district to receive the recognition, according to the Free Press Journal. The beach is one of three in the state to secure the eco-label for the 2026–27 season, alongside Ladghar and Guhagar beaches in Ratnagiri district, The Hindu reported.
The Blue Flag is an international eco-label awarded by the Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education. It is granted to beaches that comply with 33 criteria, including water quality, waste management, cleanliness, tourist safety, and environmental management.
State Minister Aditi Tatkare said the recognition follows two years of work to improve the environmental standards and safety of Shrivardhan. She stated that the achievement is an international acknowledgement of the beach's cleanliness.
State Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde said the certification recognises the state's efforts in sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. She added that the award is expected to boost the local economy and provide a new identity to the Maharashtra coastline.
The Blue Flag season for these three beaches is scheduled to start on November 15. Official flags are being transported from the Netherlands to the State Environment and Climate Change Department for a planned flag-hoisting ceremony.