‘Clean Kerala Initiative’ to make prime tourist spots plastic and garbage free

In a bid to keep Kerala’s prime tourist spots plastic and garbage free, Kadakampally Surendran, Minister for Tourism, Co-operation and Devaswoms, Government of Kerala, launched the ‘Clean Kerala Initiative’ piloted by Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission in co-operation with stakeholders in the tourism sector. Flagging off the project and a two-day workshop at Chaithram Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram, he lauded the role of RT Mission in rejuvenating the tourism sector by promoting good practices. “If we want to attract tourists, we have to create beautiful and hygienic destinations. So, we have to effectively implement the plastic and garbage-free mission. Local bodies, by associating with RT, can play a vital role as we need scientific intervention by adopting paper bags, cloth bags, glass bottles, etc,” he said.
Nine destinations – Kovalam, Munnar, Alappuzha, Kumarakom, Wayanad, Fort Kochi, Kollam, Thekkady, and Bakel have been identified for implementation of the new project in the first phase from a list of 21 destinations. The project will take these tourist centres to a Green certification platform by making them the focus of eco-friendly and responsible tourism activities. “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,” the Minister pointed out.