Gujarat’s Shivrajpur Beach Shines with Blue Flag Certification, Leading the Way for Sustainable Coastal Tourism in India

Published on December 10, 2025

Gujarat’s Shivrajpur Beach has achieved a significant milestone by earning the prestigious Blue Flag certification, solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable coastal tourism in India. This international recognition highlights the beach’s commitment to environmental management, safety, and sustainable tourism practices, setting a new benchmark for other coastal destinations in the country. The certification not only showcases Shivrajpur Beach’s eco-friendly initiatives but also reinforces Gujarat’s growing reputation as a hub for responsible and world-class tourism.

Gujarat is setting a new global standard for coastal tourism with the remarkable transformation of Shivrajpur Beach in Devbhumi Dwarka, now proudly holding the prestigious Blue Flag certification. This significant achievement underscores Gujarat’s commitment to developing world-class tourism infrastructure that is both sustainable and modern.

Shivrajpur Beach, located along Gujarat’s expansive 2,340-km coastline, has long been admired for its pristine cleanliness, natural charm, and safe environment. With its new Blue Flag certification, it joins an exclusive group of global beaches known for upholding high environmental and safety standards. This prestigious recognition not only elevates the beach’s status but also highlights Gujarat’s growing reputation as a destination for eco-friendly and sustainable tourism. The Blue Flag certification ensures that the beach adheres to stringent requirements related to environmental management, safety, and sustainable tourism practices, offering visitors a premium and responsible beach experience.

The development of Shivrajpur Beach aligns with Gujarat’s broader tourism goals to promote domestic travel and showcase India’s coastal beauty on the world stage. By offering an international-grade beach experience within India, the state is positioning itself as a key player in the global tourism industry. This vision complements the broader push to enhance domestic tourism and reduce the need for Indian travelers to venture abroad in search of high-quality beach destinations.

The beach’s transformation involved a Rs 130 crore investment by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd. (TCGL). The newly developed beach now boasts a wide array of modern amenities designed to significantly enhance the visitor experience. These include an advanced arrival plaza, a dedicated snorkeling area, well-planned cycling tracks, and a picturesque promenade offering stunning views of the coastline. Additionally, the beach is supported by critical infrastructure, including a sludge treatment plant and a newly constructed 11-km access road, which enhances connectivity and promotes sustainability.

To cater to diverse visitors, Shivrajpur Beach is now equipped with family-friendly amenities such as changing rooms, shower facilities, and a children’s play zone. The beach is set to further enhance its appeal through upcoming events, including the introduction of a Beach Festival and a series of cultural celebrations designed to attract both domestic and international visitors.

Meanwhile, the Dwarka-Okha Urban Development Authority is working on an integrated tourism plan for the broader region, including Dwarka, Bet Dwarka, and Shivrajpur. The plan aims to elevate the entire area into a major tourism and investment hub, offering opportunities for domestic and international investors. Key proposed developments include the creation of luxury coastal resorts, large-scale water sports and adventure tourism ventures, as well as eco-tourism and heritage hospitality projects across the culturally rich Kutch-Saurashtra region.

The region’s potential is enhanced by its wealth of natural and cultural resources. The Gir forest offers opportunities for forest-based tourism, while the Rann of Kutch is becoming increasingly popular for cultural tourism, especially during the Rann Utsav. The Kutch-Saurashtra belt is quickly emerging as one of India’s most attractive and diverse tourism destinations, blending coastal beauty, wildlife, cultural heritage, and eco-tourism.

The transformation of Shivrajpur Beach will take center stage at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) in Rajkot, scheduled for January 10-12, 2026. The event will serve as a pivotal moment for the future of coastal tourism in Gujarat, with the state government aiming to showcase the investment potential of the Kutch-Saurashtra region. At the conference, Gujarat plans to present its tourism initiatives, with a spotlight on Shivrajpur Beach as a model for sustainable tourism development.

Gujarat’s Shivrajpur Beach has earned the prestigious Blue Flag certification, marking a significant step in promoting sustainable coastal tourism in India. This recognition highlights the beach’s commitment to environmental management and eco-friendly tourism practices.

With Shivrajpur Beach’s Blue Flag certification, Gujarat is not only enhancing its tourism offerings but also solidifying its commitment to environmental stewardship and high-quality tourism experiences. This flagship development is expected to serve as a blueprint for future coastal projects, ensuring that tourism growth goes hand-in-hand with sustainability. As Gujarat continues to evolve as a premier tourism destination, the region’s coastal offerings will attract increasing numbers of travelers from around the world, positioning the state as a leader in sustainable tourism within India and beyond.