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 work on cleanliness, environmental management and visitor safety.
State minister Aditi Tatkare, who represents the Shrivardhan constituency in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, announced the certification on Thursday. She said the recognition reflected international acknowledgement of the beach’s cleanliness and environmental standards, rather than being merely a ceremonial flag.
The Blue Flag is an international eco-label awarded by the Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education to beaches that meet prescribed standards covering water quality, waste management, environmental protection, safety and visitor facilities. The assessment also includes biodiversity conservation, sanitation, emergency arrangements and accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Tatkare said efforts to improve Shrivardhan beach had continued for the last two years. According to a statement attributed to the minister, several meetings were held and measures were implemented during this period to strengthen the beach’s environmental management and cleanliness standards.
“Efforts that we had been pursuing for the last two years have finally borne fruit,” Tatkare said, adding that she was particularly pleased that Shrivardhan had become the first beach in Raigad district to receive the recognition.
The physical Blue Flag is expected to be handed over shortly. The official flags for the three Maharashtra beaches selected for the 2026-27 season are being brought from the Netherlands, after which a formal handover and flag-hoisting ceremony will be organised.
Shrivardhan is one of three beaches in Maharashtra to receive the 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, according to the report.
Across India, 22 beaches have received certification for the 2026-27 season. Of these, 13 have retained their recognition and nine have been newly certified. The Blue Flag season for Shrivardhan, Ladghar and Guhagar is scheduled to begin on November 15.
The certification process requires beaches to meet standards related to regular bathing-water testing, waste disposal, sanitation, first-aid services and emergency response. It also evaluates environmental awareness initiatives, biodiversity protection and facilities that allow persons with disabilities to access the beach.
For Shrivardhan, the recognition places the district’s coastal management efforts within an international certification framework. Maintaining the status will require the beach to continue meeting the prescribed environmental, safety and visitor-facility standards during the upcoming season.
The next formal milestone will be the handover and flag-hoisting ceremony after the flags arrive from the Netherlands. The 2026-27 Blue Flag season for the three Maharashtra beaches is scheduled to commence on November 15.
