The tourism department, as part of its eco-friendly initiatives, has launched a comprehensive project titled ‘Kerala Tourism Eco-Initiatives’. The scheme, also called ‘Eco-Kerala’ attempts evolve a set of guidelines to help each sub-sector within the tourism industry to be more eco-friendly. The first phase of the scheme will be implemented in the hospitality sector in the state.

Alkesh Kumar

Tourism director Alkesh Kumar Sharma says that, “The initiative was part of an international drive for eco-friendly practices. As world over people are becoming progressively eco-sensitive, the Kerala Tourism Department decided to set up this initiative. Three categories of conditions ‘essential’, ‘necessary’ and ‘desirable’, have been set for the hotels and resorts to get membership in the ‘Eco-Kerala’ scheme. Based on the compliance of the three conditions, the applicant will be enrolled as ‘member’ ‘club member’ and ‘diamond member’. The member hotels will get 15 per cent subsidy subject to a ceiling of Rs 5 lakh on investment in pollution control and equipment.”

‘Essential Conditions’ include maintenance of herbal garden, local plants, effort for water conservation, avoid using plastic bags in the hotel premises, purchase of local products and adopting energy saving equipment.

While the ‘Necessary Conditions’ include celebration of environmental days, designated officer for environmental management, solid waste management system and water conservation.

Finally the ‘Desirable Conditions’ include using traditional designs and building material, using renewable source of energy, support to local self-groups and promotion of public transport and group travel among guests.