Three beaches on Maharashtra’s Konkan coast have been awarded the international Blue Flag for the 2026-27 season. They are Ladghar and Guhagar in Ratnagiri
district and Shrivardhan in Raigad district. According to the government, this is the first time Maharashtra has secured international recognition under the programme. The Blue Flag is an eco-label run by the Foundation for Environmental Education, a Denmark-based non-profit. "In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a comprehensive set of environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria must be met. Sites and operators must demonstrate compliance with applicable criteria and maintain compliance during the award period," states the website of Blue Flag. The award is valid for one season and has to be renewed every year. The selection is made by an international jury representing the UN Environment Programme, the UN World Tourism Organisation, the Foundation for Environmental Education and the International Union for Conservation of Nature. India joined the programme in 2018. Read More: 6 Weird Travel Trends To Watch In 2027 The three beaches were found to meet international standards on environmental conservation, cleanliness, water quality, biodiversity protection, tourist safety, infrastructure and sustainable tourism management. The state credited its Environment and Climate Change Department and Tourism Department, district administrations, local bodies and communities. The Blue Flag season for the three beaches begins on 15 November 2026. The official flags are being brought from the Netherlands, and a flag-hoisting ceremony will follow. Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde said the recognition would lift Maharashtra’s standing on the global tourism map and boost local employment and economic activity. She said the state government, under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, would continue developing other eligible beaches to international standards and promoting sustainable tourism. The government release said the programme would be used to bring other eligible beaches along the state’s long coastline up to international standards. It said this would support local employment and tourism businesses while protecting coastal environments. In all, 22 beaches across India have received Blue Flag recognition for 2026-27, of which 13 are renewals and nine are new. Three of these beaches are in Maharashtra. There are 5,279 Blue Flag sites in 52 countries. The Chandrabhaga beach on the Konark coast of Odisha is the first in Asia to get the Blue Flag certification.
