Kerala, known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is taking a significant step towards eco-friendly tourism by declaring 25 prominent tourist spots as ‘Green Tourism Destinations.’ This initiative is part of the state’s broader vision to promote sustainable tourism practices, environmental conservation, and better waste management under the ‘Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam’ campaign, which aims to make Kerala garbage-free by March 30, 2025.
The Green Tourism Initiative
Kerala’s government is committed to transforming popular tourist centers into eco-friendly destinations that prioritize cleanliness, hygiene, and sustainability. By doing so, the state hopes to enhance the overall tourism experience while preserving its natural beauty. The official declaration of these 25 ‘Green Tourism Destinations’ will take place on October 2, in conjunction with the official launch of the ‘Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam’ campaign.
Selected ‘Green Tourism Destinations’
Several iconic spots across Kerala have been chosen to be part of this green initiative, including:
- Kite Beach Park in Kasaragod
- Iritty Eco Park and Chal Beach in Kannur
- Lokanarkavu Temple in Kozhikode
- Nilambur Teak Museum in Malappuram
- Mangalam Dam Park and Kanjirapuzha Dam in Palakkad
- Peechi Dam, Hill View Park, and Malankara Dam in Idukki
- Konni Eco-Tourism Elephant Shelter in Pathanamthitta
- Adichanalloor Chira Park and Meenmutti in Kollam
- Alappuzha Beach and Thenmala Eco Adventure Park
- Ponmudi, Ponnumthuruthu, and Sasthampara in Thiruvananthapuram
These spots were selected based on their potential for tourism and their capacity to implement sustainable practices.
Focus on Cleanliness and Hygiene
Kerala’s Local Self-Government (LSG) Minister, M B Rajesh, emphasized that cleanliness and hygiene are among the top priorities for the state’s tourism sector. He noted that maintaining attractive and clean tourism destinations is essential for Kerala to remain competitive in the global tourism market.
To ensure the success of this project, the state has partnered with the tourism and forest departments to introduce sustainable waste management practices at these destinations.
Aiming for a Garbage-Free Kerala
The ‘Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam’ campaign is Kerala’s ambitious plan to make the entire state garbage-free by 2025. By integrating tourism into this vision, Kerala is not only working towards environmental sustainability but also enhancing the overall appeal of its destinations for both domestic and international tourists.
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