Blue Flag is an FEE certification for beaches, marinas and sustainable boating tourism operators that meet its standards.Wikipedia
The Blue Flag programme was launched at European Community level in 1987 as part of the European Year of the Environment.Wikipedia
Blue Flag certification (Blue Flag programme): quick facts
- Indian criteria
- 33 criteria under four heads (environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, safety and services)
- Indian beaches, 2026-27
- 22 beaches
- Global sites, 2026 Northern Hemisphere season
- 5,274 sites across 53 countries (4,371 beaches, 745 marinas, 158 tourism boats), 2026 Northern Hemisphere season
Key facts
| Indian criteria | 33 criteria under four heads (environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, safety and services)Indian Express |
|---|---|
| Indian beaches, 2026-27 | 22 beachesIndian Express |
| Global sites, 2026 Northern Hemisphere season | 5,274 sites across 53 countries (4,371 beaches, 745 marinas, 158 tourism boats), 2026 Northern Hemisphere seasonIndian Express |
| Certification validity | One season; must be renewed each seasonblueflagindia.org |
Key features and how it works
- Applications in India are first examined by a National Blue Flag Jury, which recommends finalists to the FEE International Jury. Qualifying beaches then receive the Blue Flag Eco-Label.blueflagindia.org
- Beaches must carry out regular water sampling for microbiological contamination, ensure waste collection and sewage disposal, protect sensitive habitats, and provide first aid, drinking water, toilets and facilities for persons with disabilities.Indian Express
- The award is seasonal. It must be renewed each season and can be suspended or withdrawn if standards are not kept up.Indian Express
- Since 2016 the programme has also covered sustainable boating tourism operators such as whale watching, diving and crewed charters.Wikipedia
Eligibility and rules
- Beaches must continue to meet the prescribed criteria throughout the certification period.Indian Express
Static GK
- Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE): a non-profit NGO established in 1981 as FEEE and renamed FEE in 2001. It runs five programmes, including Blue Flag and Eco-Schools.Wikipedia
- National Blue Flag Jury (India): body of experts, government and civil society representatives, with the National Operator, that scrutinises applications and guides certification and monitoring in India.blueflagindia.org
- Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC): its flagship programmes include Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and Coastal Mission, whose objectives the Blue Flag process assists.blueflagindia.org
- Blue Flag Eco-Label: an award given to qualifying applicants or beaches after finalists are recommended to the FEE International Jury.blueflagindia.org
- EU Water Framework Directive: the EU law in which the Blue Flag water quality standards are incorporated in the European Union.Wikipedia
Achievements
- India had 22 Blue Flag-certified beaches for the 2026-27 season.Indian Express
- The programme is now recognised in 81 countries and two US territories, with India among the participating countries.Wikipedia
Challenges
- Beaches must continue to meet the prescribed criteria throughout the certification period.Indian Express
- Regional imbalance: certified beaches are concentrated in a few coastal states, and the programme has only reached a small number of Indian beaches so far.
- Small or new beaches may find it hard to fund water sampling, waste systems and accessibility facilities needed to meet the criteria.
Way forward
- Regular outcome monitoring of water quality and waste management at certified beaches, so that renewals are based on evidence.
- Handholding for coastal states and local bodies that want to apply, using the pilot-beach model that the Indian programme already follows.blueflagindia.org
- Convergence with the Integrated Coastal Zone Management and Coastal Mission schemes of MoEFCC so that beach upgrades are funded together.blueflagindia.org
Timeline
13 November 2026
Maharashtra's Ladghar, Guhagar and Shrivardhan became its first Blue Flag beaches for 2026-27, taking India's certified total to 22.
Read the story2020
India's first eight beaches received the Blue Flag tag.Indian Express
2016
Blue Flag extended to sustainable boating tourism operators.Wikipedia
2001
FEEE renamed Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and opened membership to non-European organisations; South Africa and several Caribbean countries joined.Wikipedia
1992
Programme began using the restrictive guideline values of the EEC Bathing Water Directive as imperative criteria.Wikipedia
1987
Blue Flag launched at European Community level during the European Year of the Environment; 244 beaches and 208 marinas from ten countries awarded.Wikipedia
1985
Blue Flag was officially created in France as a pilot scheme.Wikipedia
1981
Foundation for Environmental Education established as the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe (FEEE).Wikipedia
Every new story on this subject is added here automatically.
Frequently asked questions
Who gives the Blue Flag?
Q: Who gives the Blue Flag? A: Qualifying applicants or beaches receive the Blue Flag Eco-Label after the national jury recommends finalists to the FEE International Jury.blueflagindia.org
How many criteria must an Indian beach meet?
India's programme prescribes 33 criteria under four heads: environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, and safety and services.Indian Express
Is the Blue Flag valid for a fixed number of years?
No. The award is valid for one season and must be renewed each season based on continued compliance with the criteria.blueflagindia.org
GS paper mapping
- GS-3Environment: conservation of coastal ecosystems and sustainable development
- GS-3Tourism and sustainable livelihoods
- GS-2Government policies and schemes: Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change programmes
Sources
Every fact on this page was checked against these pages.
