Ladghar and Guhagar in Ratnagiri District and Shrivardhan in Raigad District Receive International Recognition for the First Time; Environmental Protection, Cleanliness and Sustainable Tourism Efforts Earn Global Appreciation
Mumbai, November 11, 2026: Maharashtra has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable coastal management, environmental conservation and eco-friendly tourism. The International Blue Flag Jury has awarded the prestigious ‘Blue Flag’ certification to three beaches in Maharashtra for the 2026-27 season. The recognised beaches are Ladghar and Guhagar in Ratnagiri district and Shrivardhan in Raigad district. All three beaches have received this prestigious international recognition for the first time, marking Maharashtra’s entry into the list of internationally recognised Blue Flag beaches.
The award recognises beaches that meet stringent international standards relating to environmental protection, cleanliness, water quality, biodiversity conservation, tourist safety, essential infrastructure and sustainable tourism management. This achievement reflects Maharashtra’s growing commitment to protecting its coastal environment while promoting responsible tourism.
The achievement has been made possible through the coordinated efforts of the State Environment and Climate Change Department, Tourism Department, respective District Collectors and district administrations, local self-government bodies, Gram Panchayats, beach management committees, local residents and various agencies. Their collective efforts played a significant role in developing these beaches in accordance with international standards.
The Environment and Climate Change Department is planning to use this achievement as a model to develop other eligible beaches along Maharashtra’s extensive coastline in accordance with international Blue Flag standards. The initiative is expected to strengthen coastal conservation while creating local employment opportunities and boosting tourism-related businesses and the regional economy.
The Blue Flag season for the three newly recognised beaches will commence on November 15, 2026. The symbolic Blue Flag, being received from the Netherlands, will be handed over to the State Environment and Climate Change Department. Subsequently, flag-hoisting ceremonies will be organised at the respective beaches in coordination with the concerned departments and district administrations.
Across India, a total of 22 beaches have received Blue Flag recognition for the 2026-27 season, including 13 renewed beaches and nine newly recognised beaches. The inclusion of three beaches from Maharashtra in this prestigious list is a matter of pride for the state.
Recognition to Boost Local Employment and Economy: Pankaja Munde
Expressing happiness over the achievement, Maharashtra Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde said that the international Blue Flag recognition for Ladghar, Guhagar and Shrivardhan was global acknowledgement of the state’s continuous efforts towards environmental protection, cleanliness and sustainable tourism.
She stated that under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the state government remains committed to maintaining a balance between environmental conservation and development. The recognition will give Maharashtra’s beaches a stronger identity on the global tourism map while creating new opportunities for local employment and strengthening the economy.
Pankaja Munde further said that the government would continue its efforts to develop other eligible beaches in the state according to international standards and establish Maharashtra as a leading destination for sustainable and environmentally responsible tourism.
The Blue Flag certification is not merely an award but an internationally recognised symbol of environmental responsibility, cleanliness, safety and sustainable tourism. This achievement is expected to enhance Maharashtra’s global tourism profile and accelerate the overall development of its coastal regions.
