Ladghar Beach, Guhagar Beach, and Shrivardhan Beach have become the first beaches in Maharashtra to receive the prestigious international Blue Flag certification for the 2026–27 season. Awarded by the Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), this achievement takes India's total number of Blue Flag-certified beaches to 22. Three beaches in Maharashtra have received the internationally recognised Blue Flag certification for the first time. The certification recognises beaches that follow high standards of environmental protection, water quality, safety and tourist facilities. With these additions, the total number of Blue Flag-certified beaches in India has reached 22.

Why in the News?

On November 13, 2026, it was reported that 3 beaches in Maharashtra received the international Blue Flag certification.

  • The newly certified beaches are:
    1. Ladghar Beach – Ratnagiri district.
    2. Guhagar Beach – Ratnagiri district.
    3. Shrivardhan Beach – Raigad district.
  • These are the first beaches in Maharashtra to receive this certification.
  • India now has 22 Blue Flag-certified beaches for the 2026–27 season.

What is the Blue Flag Certification?

The Blue Flag is an internationally recognised voluntary eco-label awarded to beaches, marinas and tourism boats that meet prescribed environmental and safety standards.

  • The programme is managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
  • FEE is an international non-governmental, non-profit organisation headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark.
  • The programme began in France in 1985 and has gradually expanded worldwide.
  • It focuses on:
    • Environmental protection.
    • Water quality.
    • Proper waste management.
    • Safety and visitor facilities.
    • Environmental education.

Unlike awards based on tourism popularity, the Blue Flag certification assesses how effectively a beach is managed and how well it protects its surrounding ecosystem.

Who Awards the Blue Flag Certification?

The certification process is managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) through national operators in participating countries.

Certification Process:

  • Applications are first examined at the national level.
  • The selected applications are then forwarded to the International Blue Flag Jury.
  • The International Jury takes the final decision on certification.

International Blue Flag Jury:

The jury includes representatives and experts from organisations working in environmental protection, tourism, water quality, coastal management and accessibility.

Major organisations associated with the jury include:

  • United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
  • UNESCO
  • UN Tourism
  • International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

India's Certification Process:

A National Blue Flag Jury examines applications in India. It includes experts, government representatives and members of civil society.

  • The jury recommends suitable beaches for international consideration.
  • The final decision rests with the FEE's International Jury.

Criteria for Blue Flag Certification

India's Blue Flag programme prescribes 33 criteria, grouped under four major categories.

CategoryMajor Requirements
Environmental Education and InformationDisplay of information about local ecosystems, bathing water quality, facilities and visitor conduct. Organisation of environmental awareness activities.
Water QualityRegular water sampling and testing. Compliance with microbiological standards, including E. coli and intestinal enterococci. Prevention of sewage and industrial waste contamination.
Environmental ManagementRegular beach cleaning, proper waste collection and segregation, sewage disposal, and protection of sensitive habitats and biodiversity.
Safety and ServicesFirst aid facilities, emergency arrangements, public safety measures, drinking water, toilets and accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Is Blue Flag Certification Permanent?

No. The Blue Flag certification is awarded for a particular season and must be renewed.

  • Beaches must maintain the prescribed standards throughout the certification period.
  • National operators conduct monitoring and control visits.
  • International inspections may also be carried out.
  • If a beach fails to meet the required standards, corrective measures may be ordered.
  • Certification can be suspended or withdrawn if the standards are not maintained.

Number of Blue Flag Sites Worldwide and in India

According to the FEE's announcement for the 2026 Northern Hemisphere season, a total of 5,274 sites across 53 countries received Blue Flag recognition.

Global Distribution:

CategoryNumber of Sites
Beaches4,371
Marinas745
Tourism Boats158
Total5,274

India's Position (2026–27 Season):

India has 22 Blue Flag-certified beaches. 13 beaches received renewal of their certification.

  • 9 beaches were newly added.
  • The three Maharashtra beaches are among the new additions.
  • India's first eight beaches received the certification in 2020.

Significance of Blue Flag Certification for Maharashtra

  • International Recognition: Ladghar, Guhagar and Shrivardhan have gained international recognition for environmental management.
  • Sustainable Tourism: The certification encourages tourism while protecting coastal ecosystems.
  • Improved Infrastructure: It promotes better sanitation, waste management, safety, and visitor facilities.
  • Tourism Promotion: It may increase the visibility of Maharashtra's coastal destinations among domestic and international tourists.
  • Local Economic Benefits: Increased tourism can support local tourism-related businesses and employment.

Conclusion

The Blue Flag certification is an important step towards promoting sustainable coastal tourism in India. Maharashtra's three newly certified beaches show the growing focus on environmental protection and better tourism facilities. However, maintaining these standards through regular monitoring, proper waste management, and ecosystem protection will be essential to retain the certification and ensure long-term benefits.