Seven Maharashtra Beaches Nominated for Blue Flag Tag to Boost Eco-Tourism
Maharashtra is stepping up its coastal tourism game by nominating seven beaches for the prestigious Blue Flag certification, an internationally recognized eco-label for clean, safe, and sustainably managed beaches. The proposal has been forwarded to the Centre for Environment Education (CEE), the national coordinator under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
What is the Blue Flag Certification?
The Blue Flag is a global certification granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in Denmark. It’s awarded to beaches that meet a strict set of 33 criteria under four categories:
- Water quality
- Environmental education and awareness
- Environmental management
- Safety and services
Achieving this certification is not just about beautification—it’s a commitment to international sustainability standards.
Beaches Under Consideration
The seven beaches proposed span four districts along Maharashtra’s coastline:
- Sindhudurg: Medha
- Ratnagiri: Guhagar, Nivti, Karde
- Raigad: Shrivardhan, Kashid
- Palghar: Dahanu
Inspection & Approval Process
Following the state’s nomination, a national-level jury will conduct detailed assessments of each beach. If found suitable, the beaches will be forwarded to an international panel comprising experts from organizations like UNEP, UNWTO, and the IUCN for final review and approval.
What This Means for Coastal Development
According to a senior official from the State Environment Ministry, this move is part of a broader strategy to improve coastal infrastructure and promote eco-conscious tourism.
“Our beaches are naturally beautiful, and we want to maintain that charm through better management and sustainable tourism. We are confident of achieving certification within the coming year.”
Focus Areas for Improvement
As part of the initiative, the government is working to upgrade:
- Sanitation facilities
- Drinking water availability
- Vendor management zones
- Beach accessibility
- Community engagement through environmental education
Challenges on the Horizon
While the initiative is ambitious, officials admit that certain hurdles remain—particularly around maintaining high water quality and reducing industrial waste discharge into coastal waters. Despite this, authorities are optimistic that the push for certification will bring lasting benefits to the local communities and the environment.
Certification Is Just the Beginning
It’s important to note that earning a Blue Flag is not a one-time achievement. Certified beaches must maintain the required standards through annual reviews. Failure to do so can result in losing the status.
By aiming for Blue Flag certification, Maharashtra hopes to set a new benc
