In a recent development, the South Indian state of Kerala is set to designate 25 significant tourist spots as ‘Green Tourism Destinations.’ This initiative is part of the state’s broader ‘Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam’ campaign, which aims to make Kerala a garbage-free state by March 30, 2025. The official announcement will be made on October 2, coinciding with ‘Gandhi Jayanti.’
Overview of the ‘Green Tourism Destinations’ Program
The ‘Green Tourism Destinations’ initiative seeks to transform popular tourist attractions into models of environmental stewardship. The program will implement strict measures for sustainable waste management, hygiene, cleanliness, and conservation practices. By adopting these nature-friendly practices, Kerala hopes to enhance the appeal of its natural and cultural attractions while preserving their inherent beauty.
Selected Green Tourism Destinations
Several prominent sites have been selected for this initiative, each noted for their commitment to sustainability:
Kite Beach Park, Kasaragod: A stunning beach park dedicated to eco-friendly practices.
Lokanarkavu Temple, Kozhikode: A heritage site focusing on green practices while maintaining cultural significance.
Iritty Eco Park and Chal Beach, Kannur: Two locations emphasizing sustainable tourism.
Nilambur Teak Museum, Malappuram: An educational site dedicated to sustainable forestry and conservation.
Adichanalloor Chira Park and Meenmutti, Kollam: Natural attractions prioritizing environmental sustainability.
Mangalam Dam Park and Kanjirapuzha Dam, Palakkad: Picturesque attractions promoting responsible tourism.
Peechi Dam, Hill View Park, and Malankara Dam, Idukki: Famous for their commitment to maintaining clean and eco-friendly recreational areas.
Konni Eco Tourism – Elephant Shelter, Pathanamthitta: An eco-tourism site focused on wildlife conservation and sustainable practices.
Other Notable Attractions: Thenmala Eco Adventure Park, Alappuzha Beach, Ponmudi, Ponnumthuruthu, and Sasthampara, Thiruvananthapuram, known for their dedication to eco-friendly operations and clean surroundings.
Government Support and Implementation
Self Government (LSG) Minister M B Rajesh emphasized that maintaining cleanliness and attractiveness at tourism destinations is a top priority for the government. The ‘Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam’ campaign will work closely with the tourism and forest departments to implement sustainable waste management practices across Kerala’s prime tourism sites.
Conclusion
With the designation of these 25 tourist spots as ‘Green Tourism Destinations,’ Kerala is taking a significant step towards achieving its goal of becoming a garbage-free state by March 2025. This initiative highlights the state’s commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation while enhancing its tourism offerings.