In a significant move towards fostering sustainable tourism practices and enhancing sanitation standards, the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, announces the launch of the Swachhata Green Leaf Rating System.
This innovative rating system is designed to ensure new and improved sustainability standards in the hospitality facilities across the country.The Swachh Bharat Mission, a flagship program of the Government aimed at promoting sanitation in rural areas, has been instrumental in ensuring regular use of toilets, eliminating open defecation, managing waste effectively, and enhancing overall environmental cleanliness. The program focusses on extending to the tourism sector through the Travel for LiFE (TFL) program, an initiative under Mission LiFE. TFL seeks to raise awareness about sustainable tourism, urging tourists and businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices in sync with nature.Smt Tanvi Sundriyal, Director, Swachh Bharat Mission, MP highlighted that ‘The Green Leaf Rating System is a pivotal component of this mission, encouraging hospitality facilities, including resorts, hotels, homestays, and Dharmshalas in rural areas, to adopt practices promoting ‘Safely Managed Sanitation.’
The rating system will also introduce a star-rating system to recognize and incentivize establishments that contribute to sustainable, responsible, and resilient tourism.’’ Smt Sundriyal also congratulated the MP Tourism and Bison Resort (Madhai) on becoming the first 5 Leaf (5 Star) rated in the country. She appreciated the efforts of MPSTDC to ensure sustainability and quality in all their properties. The award was presented by Smt Sonia Meena Collector Narmadapuram to the Manager of Bison Resort, Mr. Ilyas Khan.
Tourism is a key contributor to the Indian economy, and it is imperative that we ensure our hospitality facilities align with the principles of sustainable tourism. The Green Leaf Rating System is a step towards not only maintaining ODF plus status in rural areas but also building a positive image for these entities as champions of a crucial cause. The protocol outlined by the Green Leaf Rating System is expected to address the challenges associated with waste management resulting from the increasing number of tourists. By reducing risks to public health in local communities and protecting the environment, this initiative aims to enhance the reputation of tourist destinations based on aesthetic and sanitation levels.
As the Green Leaf Rating System rolls out, it is anticipated that operators of hospitality facilities will develop necessary infrastructure, adopt best practices, and actively participate in awareness campaigns on sanitation and cleanliness. This collective effort will contribute to elevating the standards of responsible tourism and positively impacting local communities.
