Shrivardhan beach in Maharashtra’s Raigad district has received international Blue Flag certification, becoming the first beach in the district to earn the recognition after two years of efforts to improve cleanliness, environmental management and visitor safety.
State minister Aditi Tatkare, who represents the Shrivardhan constituency, announced the certification on Thursday. She said the recognition was an acknowledgement of the beach’s environmental and cleanliness standards, rather than merely the installation of an international flag.
The Blue Flag is an eco-label awarded by the Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education. Its assessment covers water quality, waste management, sanitation, environmental management, biodiversity conservation, tourist safety and visitor facilities. Beaches are also assessed on public awareness measures and accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Tatkare said measures to improve Shrivardhan’s environmental management and cleanliness standards had been implemented over the past two years. Several meetings were held during this period as authorities worked towards meeting the certification requirements, according to a statement issued by the minister.
“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,” Tatkare said.
The certification process includes regular testing of bathing water, waste management systems, sanitation facilities, first-aid services and emergency arrangements. It also considers biodiversity protection and the availability of facilities that allow people with disabilities to access the beach.
The recognition places Shrivardhan among three Maharashtra beaches selected for the 2026-27 Blue Flag season. Ladghar and Guhagar beaches, both in Ratnagiri district, have also been selected. The announcement marks the first time that Maharashtra has secured a place on the international list of Blue Flag beaches, according to the report.
Across India, 22 beaches have received certification for the 2026-27 season. This includes 13 beaches that retained their recognition and nine newly certified beaches. The certification is intended to support sustainable tourism while requiring beaches to maintain defined standards for environmental quality, public safety and visitor services.
The Blue Flag season for Shrivardhan, Ladghar and Guhagar is scheduled to begin on November 15. The physical flags are being brought from the Netherlands, after which a formal handover and flag-hoisting ceremony will be organised. The announcement does not provide details of the agencies responsible for maintaining the standards after the ceremony or the monitoring arrangements for the new season.
