Mumbai, November 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Maharashtra has secured international recognition for its coastal conservation and sustainable tourism efforts, with three of its beaches receiving the prestigious Blue Flag certification for the 2026-27 season for the first time.
The International Blue Flag Jury has selected Ladghar and Guhagar beaches in Ratnagiri district and Shrivardhan beach in Raigad district for the honour. With this achievement, Maharashtra has entered the international list of Blue Flag-certified beach destinations.
The certification recognises beaches that meet international standards for environmental conservation, cleanliness, water quality, biodiversity protection, tourist safety, basic infrastructure and sustainable tourism management.
Maharashtra Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde described the recognition as a proud achievement for the state. She said the certification reflected ongoing efforts towards environmental protection, cleanliness and sustainable tourism under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Munde said the recognition would give Maharashtra’s coastline greater visibility on the global tourism map while supporting local employment and economic activity. She added that the government would work towards developing other eligible beaches in the state to international standards.
The state government said coordinated efforts by the Environment and Climate Change Department and Tourism Department contributed to the achievement. District administrations, local bodies, gram panchayats, Beach Management Committees, local residents and other agencies also played an important role.
The government plans to use the Blue Flag programme to bring more eligible beaches along Maharashtra’s coastline up to international standards, with the aim of promoting tourism and local businesses while protecting coastal ecosystems.
The Blue Flag season for the three newly recognised beaches will begin on November 15, 2026. The official flags are being brought from the Netherlands and will be handed over to the state’s Environment and Climate Change Department. A flag-hoisting ceremony is also being planned in coordination with the concerned departments and district administrations.
A total of 22 beaches across India have received Blue Flag recognition for the 2026-27 season, including 13 renewed beaches and nine newly recognised ones. Maharashtra’s three beaches feature among the new additions.
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