General view of the beach of Dahana. File | Photo Credit: Ateeq Shaikh
Seven beaches in four coastal districts of Mahashtra were nominated for an internationally recognized Blue Flag certification after the statement of the state government. The list was presented by the Center for Environmental Education (CEE), the National Operator under the Ministry of the Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC).
The identified beaches include Medha (Sindhudurg), Guhagar, Nivti and Karde (Ratnagiri), Shivardhan and Kashid (Raigad) and Dahana (Palghar).
The Blue Flag certification is awarded to the Environmental Education Foundation (fee), Denmark, based on strict environmental, educational, security and available criteria. A total of 33 parameters are evaluated in four wide categories – education and environmental information, water quality, environmental management and safety and services.
As soon as the National Operator transmits the nomination, the national jury performs audits on the spot and evaluates compliance with the prescribed standards. The beaches that meet these criteria will be recommended to an international jury consisting of representatives of the Environment Environment UN (UNEP), UN (UNWTO) and International Nature Conservation (IUCN).
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The head of the Ministry of the Environment said: “Maharashtra, as a coastal state, is blessed by unaffected beaches. We are constantly working to obtain a Blue Flag brand that would strengthen the beach management and support sustainable tourism.
The government aims to use the Blue Flag initiative as a framework to regulate coastal development, improve the beach infrastructure and protect sea ecosystems. Efforts are aimed at ensuring drinking water supply, improving the quality of bathing water, streamlining access points, regulating sales zones and raising environmental awareness among local communities.
Officials noted that meeting complex criteria remains a significant challenge, especially in maintaining water quality and preventing the discharge of industrial waste water into the sea. However, they expressed optimism that certification would support greater responsibility and awareness, especially among communities addicted to coastal tourism.
The Blue Flag brand, as soon as it has been granted, requires annual audits and compliance controls. Failure to comply can result in suspension or cancellation of certification.
Published – 16 May 2025 17:22 is
