The Ministry of Tourism is promoting green and eco-tourism across the country through a range of policy initiatives, national strategies and safety-focused programmes, the government informed Parliament on Monday.
The Ministry has formulated a National Strategy for Development of Ecotourism, which has been circulated to all State Governments and Union Territory Administrations to guide the sustainable growth of tourism while preserving environmental and ecological balance. As part of its holistic approach to tourism promotion, eco-tourism is being integrated into ongoing national and state-level initiatives.
To encourage environmentally responsible infrastructure, the Ministry’s Guidelines for Star Classification of Hotels mandate the adoption of eco-friendly practices. These include installation of sewage treatment plants, rainwater harvesting systems, effective waste management, pollution control measures for air, water and light, and the use of non-CFC equipment for refrigeration and air-conditioning, among other sustainable measures.
In addition, the Ministry has also framed a National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism, aligned with which the ‘Travel for Life’ (TFL) programme has been launched. The initiative aims to motivate tourists and tourism businesses to adopt sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
The government has also outlined multiple steps to enhance tourist safety across the country. While safety and security are primarily State subjects, the Ministry of Tourism has been engaging with States and Union Territories to strengthen on-ground mechanisms. As a result, several States and UTs including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh have deployed dedicated Tourist Police units.
To further support tourists, the Ministry operates a 24×7 multi-lingual tourist helpline on toll-free number 1800-111-363 and short code 1363. The helpline functions in 12 languages, including Hindi and English and 10 international languages, to provide travel-related information and assistance to domestic and foreign tourists in distress.
The government has also been encouraging States and UTs to utilise the Nirbhaya Fund for projects under the ‘Safe Tourism Destinations for Women’ initiative, aimed at improving safety and security for women tourists.
Further, the Ministry, in coordination with State and UT Tourism Departments and other stakeholders, has adopted a ‘Code of Conduct for Safe and Honourable Tourism’. The guidelines seek to ensure dignity, safety and protection from exploitation for both tourists and local residents, particularly women and children.
The details were shared by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
