{
  "id": 19520405,
  "title": "Three Maharashtra Beaches receive international Blue Flag certification for the first time",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/three-maharashtra-beaches-receive-international-blue-flag",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-11T16:35:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/three-maharashtra-beaches-receive-international-blue-flag-certification-for-the-first-time/article71690597.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Three beaches in the Indian state of Maharashtra have earned the prestigious international Blue Flag certification for the 2026-27 season, becoming the first beaches from the state to receive this honor. The International Blue Flag Jury recognized Ladghar and Guhagar in Ratnagiri district, and Shrivardhan in Raigad district, after they met stringent environmental, safety, and management standards. According to the State Environment and Climate Change Department, 22 beaches across India received Blue Flag recognition for the 2026-27 season, with 13 certifications renewed and nine newly awarded. Maharashtra accounted for three of the nine new additions. The Blue Flag season for these three Maharashtra beaches begins on November 15, with the official flags being transported from the Netherlands and presented to the State Environment and Climate Change Department in a flag-hoisting ceremony. The achievement is credited to the collaborative efforts of various departments, local self-governments, and community organizations. State Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde hailed the certification as a testament to Maharashtra's commitment to environmental conservation, cleanliness, and sustainable tourism. She emphasized that the recognition would enhance Maharashtra's global tourism profile and stimulate local employment. The department plans to expand the Blue Flag program to additional eligible beaches along Maharashtra's coastline, fostering tourism-related businesses and promoting sustainable coastal management.",
  "summary": "Ladghar and Guhagar in Ratnagiri district and Shrivardhan in Raigad district are among nine newly certified beaches across India for the 2026-27 season",
  "key_points": [
    "Three Maharashtra beaches earn Blue Flag certification for 2026-27 season.",
    "Ladghar, Guhagar, and Shrivardhan recognized for environmental standards.",
    "Certification boosts Maharashtra's tourism profile and sustainability efforts."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}