Thiruvananthapuram, India (TAN): In a bid to make tourism destinations across Kerala garbage and plastic free, the state’s tourism department has kicked off ‘Clean Kerala Initiative’.
Being rolled out as part of the Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission to reduce the use of plastic, the initiative will primarily be introduced in nine prime destinations, reports said. The key centres in the first phase include Kovalam, Munnar, Alappuzha, Kumarakom, Wayanad, Fort Kochi, Kollam, Thekkady and Bakel.
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Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran launched the project and a two-day workshop at Thiruvananthapuram’s Chaithram Hotel earlier this week. Stakeholders in the tourism sector including Kerala Travel Mart Foundation and local bodies will reportedly cooperate in the effort.
“Responsible Tourism Mission is not just a propaganda tool of the government but it is an integral component of the tourism policy. The government’s policy is that the development of tourism will be ensured by giving priority to the interests of people and due consideration to the environment. One can’t ignore the tremendous impact created by RT Mission in achieving this goal,” he was quoted by media reports as saying.
“There are around 15,515 units functioning as part of RT Mission. The government targets to create around 50,000 more units in the next phase. From 2008 to next 10 years there were only 198 RT units, and it has increased significantly in less than two years,” he added.
The minister stressed on the need for green and hygienic environment to attract visitors.
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He said: “If we want to attract tourists, we have to create beautiful and hygienic destinations. So we have to effectively implement plastic and garbage-free mission. Local bodies, by associating with RT, can play a vital role as we needed a scientific intervention by adopting paper bags, cloth bags, and glass bottles etc.”
Tourism Secretary Rani George said a ‘serious thinking’ is needed on how many hotels, resorts and restaurants are associating with the initiative. She also said she will conduct meetings along with Tourism Director at major destinations focusing on RT implementation.
“Some are doing individual activities in places like Kovalam and Fort Kochi, but we have to institutionalize them with the association of government, industry, and local self-governing bodies,” she added.
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Tourism Director P Bala Kiran noted that waste management system requires a strong initiative.
“Apart from waste management system, world class toilets and drinking water facilities will be set up in 15 destinations. They will be maintained by private firms,” he said.
