Maharashtra Proposes Seven Beaches For Prestigious Blue Flag Certification
Maharashtra Proposes Seven Beaches For Prestigious Blue Flag Certification
In a bid to boost sustainable tourism and improve coastal management, the Maharashtra government has nominated seven beaches across four districts for the globally acclaimed Blue Flag certification. The proposals have been forwarded to the Centre for Environment Education (CEE), which functions as the national coordinator under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
The beaches proposed for certification include Medha in Sindhudurg, Guhagar, Nivti, and Karde in Ratnagiri, Shrivardhan and Kashid in Raigad, and Dahanu in Palghar.
The Blue Flag certification, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in Denmark, assesses beaches based on 33 criteria grouped into four key categories: environmental education and awareness, water quality, environmental management, and safety and services. Meeting these standards is necessary for nomination approval.
Following submission, a national jury will conduct detailed inspections of the selected sites to determine whether they comply with the established guidelines. Successful entries will then be reviewed by an international panel consisting of members from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
A senior official from the State Environment Ministry highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to developing coastal areas. “Maharashtra’s shoreline is home to several pristine beaches. By pursuing the Blue Flag tag, we aim to elevate beach management practices and promote eco-friendly tourism. Our preparations are in full swing, and we hope to attain certification within the next year,” the official stated.
The initiative is expected to drive improvements in beach infrastructure and encourage responsible development. The focus areas include clean water availability, improved sanitation, structured vendor zones, enhanced access, and community-based environmental education.
Officials acknowledged that challenges remain—particularly in maintaining high water quality standards and preventing industrial waste discharge. However, they remain hopeful that the certification will help reinforce accountability and raise awareness among tourism-reliant communities.
It’s important to note that Blue Flag status, once achieved, must be maintained through annual inspections. Failure to meet standards may result in suspension or revocation of the designation.
