In October 2025, five Maharashtra beaches — Shrivardhan and Nagaon (Raigad district), Parnaka (Palghar), and Guhagar and Ladghar (Ratnagiri) — received the prestigious Blue Flag certification from the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark. This takes India's total to 18 Blue Flag certified beaches; PIB later stated these 18 beaches are spread across 7 coastal states and 4 Union Territories. The Blue Flag certification is awarded to beaches meeting 33 stringent international criteria across four categories: water quality, environmental education and information, environment management, and safety and services. India's previous Blue Flag beaches include Shivrajpur (Gujarat), Kasarkod and Padubidri (Karnataka), Kappad (Kerala), Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh) and others. The certification is significant for sustainable coastal tourism and highlights India's improving coastal environment management under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project.
India's Blue Flag Beach Count Rises to 18: Five Maharashtra Beaches Receive Prestigious Certification
In October 2025, five Maharashtra beaches — Shrivardhan and Nagaon (Raigad district), Parnaka (Palghar), and Guhagar and Ladghar (Ratnagiri) — received the prestigious Blue Flag certification from the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark. This takes India's total to 18 Blue Flag certified beaches; PIB later stated these 18 beaches are spread across 7 coastal states and 4 Union Territories. The Blue Flag certification is awarded to beaches meeting 33 stringent international criteria across four categories: water quality, environmental education and information, environment management, and safety and services. India's previous Blue Flag beaches include Shivrajpur (Gujarat), Kasarkod and Padubidri (Karnataka), Kappad (Kerala), Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh) and others. The certification is significant for sustainable coastal tourism and highlights India's improving coastal environment management under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project.
Key facts
- Five Maharashtra beaches received Blue Flag certification in October 2025, taking India's total to 18.
- India now has the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in Asia.
- Certified beaches include Shrivardhan, Nagaon (Raigad), Parnaka (Palghar), Guhagar and Ladghar (Ratnagiri).
- Blue Flag certification requires meeting 33 stringent criteria across water quality, safety and environment.
- The certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark.
- The achievement highlights India's improving coastal environment management under ICZM Project.
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Practice MCQ from this story
SolveTap an option below. Correct or incorrect feedback appears instantly.
How many criteria must a beach meet across four categories to receive the Blue Flag certification?
Blue Flag certification for beaches is based on 33 criteria grouped under four broad categories: water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and services. Therefore, 33 is the correct answer.
Source: DD News – October 2025
Frequently asked questions
How many Blue Flag certified beaches does India have after October 2025, and what is its global standing in Asia?
After October 2025, India has 18 Blue Flag certified beaches — the highest number in Asia.
Which five Maharashtra beaches received Blue Flag certification in October 2025?
Shrivardhan and Nagaon (Raigad district), Parnaka (Palghar), and Guhagar and Ladghar (Ratnagiri) received Blue Flag certification in October 2025.
Which organisation awards the Blue Flag certification, and how many criteria must be met?
The Blue Flag certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), headquartered in Denmark. Beaches must meet 33 stringent international criteria across water quality, environmental education, safety, and services.
Under which government project has India improved its coastal environment management to achieve Blue Flag status?
India's achievement is linked to improvements in coastal environment management under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Project.
What are the four broad categories of criteria for Blue Flag certification?
The four categories are water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and services.
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