The Indian tourism sector must focus on sustainable sanitation
Our cities are not exactly the epitome of cleanliness. If Indore could do it, why can’t others? Local bodies need to take greater responsibility.
Globally, tourism-related economic losses from inadequate sanitation are estimated to be US$ 266 million. Even as India records remarkable successes in the field of sanitation, we have to move towards “sustainable sanitation” in tourism by creating zero emission tourist lodges and facilities, using native flora and fauna for toiletries, recycling waste to create toilet paper and attaching sprinklers to public taps to save water.
Each country must do its bit to step up awareness around sustainable sanitation and reward good Samaritans who lead the charge. Research shows a rising number of travellers today wanting to give back to the countries and communities they visit and reduce their impact on the environment.
Campaigns like ‘Travel. Enjoy. Respect.’ are amplifying the potential of tourism while minimising damage to the environment, traditions, culture, heritage and local communities.
While these may still be small steps, they are nonetheless heralding a culture of cleanliness. The Indian tourism sector, too, needs to focus on sustainable sanitation on both the demand and supply side.
This will encourage more travellers to go clean and green as they play their part in being part of the Incredible India experience.
KJ Alphons is minister of state for tourism, and a former bureaucrat The views expressed are personal