MUMBAI: The International Blue Flag jury has announced the prestigious 'International Blue Flag' award for the 2026-27 season for three beaches in Maharashtra: Ladghar and Guhagar in Ratnagiri district and Shrivardhan in Raigad district.




With this achievement, Maharashtra has secured a spot on the international list of Blue Flag beaches for the first time.




The Blue Flag is a prestigious international standard for environmentally friendly beaches recognised worldwide.




These beaches received this recognition by meeting international standards for environmental conservation, beach cleanliness, water quality, biodiversity protection, tourist safety, basic infrastructure, and sustainable tourism management, said a govt press release.




In all, 22 beaches across India received Blue Flag recognition for the 2026-27 season. This includes 13 renewed beaches and 9 new ones.




Officials said the coordinated efforts of the state Environment and Climate Change Department, and Tourism Department played a key role in this major success.




The efforts of the respective district collectors and district administrations, local self-govt bodies, Gram Panchayats, Beach Management Committees, local citizens, and various agencies were also crucial, added officials.




"The Blue Flag programme will be used to develop other eligible beaches along Maharashtra's vast coastline to meet international standards. This will help boost local employment, tourism businesses, and the economy while protecting coastal environments," said state environment and climate change minister Pankaja Munde .




The Blue Flag season for these three newly awarded beaches will begin on November 15. The official International Blue Flags are being brought from the Netherlands; they will be handed over to the state Environment and Climate Change Dept.




“This is a proud achievement that adds to Maharashtra's glory. The fact that Ladghar, Guhagar, and Shrivardhan have received the international ‘Blue Flag’ award is global recognition of the state's ongoing efforts in environmental conservation, cleanliness, and sustainable tourism. Under the guidance of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, the state govt is committed to striking a balance between environmental protection and development. This award will give Maharashtra's coastline a new identity on the global tourism map and boost local employment and the economy. In the future, we will continue our efforts to develop other eligible beaches in the state to international standards, making Maharashtra a leading hub for sustainable and eco-friendly tourism," said Munde.




"The Blue Flag is not just an award; it is an international quality certification for eco-friendly development, cleanliness, safety, and sustainable tourism. This success will certainly help put Maharashtra's beaches more prominently on the global tourism map," she added.