India's tourism sector is facing challenges that the central government is determined to address head-on. Overcrowding at established destinations and a shortage of quality hotels and comprehensive tourist experiences are causing many Indians to choose international travel. To combat this, the government is actively promoting the cleanup of tourist hubs, emphasizing that improvements must start locally.
A key component of this initiative is a proposed 10-point plan focused on enhancing the overall tourist experience. One significant proposal involves the creation of Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) in each state. These DMOs will be responsible for improving the management of tourist destinations and ensuring a higher quality experience for visitors.
The "Swachh Bharat Mission" has been instrumental in driving cleanliness initiatives across the country, with a special focus on iconic heritage, spiritual, and cultural sites. This mission, a collaborative effort involving multiple ministries including the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry of Tourism, along with state governments, aims to transform selected locations into "Swachh Tourist Destinations".
The Swachh Iconic Places (SIP) initiative, under the Swachh Bharat Mission, has progressed through several phases, each targeting a new set of locations for comprehensive cleanup and sanitation efforts. Phase I, launched in 2016, included ten iconic places such as the Taj Mahal, Vaishno Devi Temple, and Ajmer Sharif Dargah. Phase II added sites like Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Charminar. The program has continued to expand, with Phase III incorporating Raghavendra Swamy Temple, Hazardwari Palace, and Pangong Lake, among others. The initiative aims to ensure a distinctly higher level of sanitation and cleanliness, especially in the peripheries and approach areas of these sites.
More recently, Phase IV selected 12 sites to be transformed into Swachh Tourist Destinations, including Ajanta Caves, Sanchi Stupa, Golconda Fort, and Dal Lake.
These initiatives involve a range of activities, including the construction of community soak pits and compost pits, the establishment of separation centers for organic and inorganic waste, and the creation of drainage systems for liquid waste. Public and private companies also participate as sponsoring partners, contributing to the effort through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The focus on improving cleanliness extends beyond specific sites to encompass broader urban areas as well. Cities like Indore, Navi Mumbai, and Bhopal have been recognized for their cleanliness and effective waste management systems. Navi Mumbai, for example, stands out for its careful planning, open spaces, and superior waste processing systems, while Bhopal is lauded for maintaining its lakes and public spaces.
These combined efforts reflect the government's commitment to revitalizing the tourism sector by addressing critical infrastructure and cleanliness issues. By prioritizing local improvements and fostering collaboration between various stakeholders, the "Fix Local First" approach aims to create a more appealing and sustainable tourism environment, encouraging both domestic and international travelers to explore the diverse offerings of India.
