Distinction in travel journalism
Is independent travel journalism important to you?
Click here to keep it independent

25 Jul, 2013

Against Backdrop of Taj Mahal, India Launches Campaign to Clean Up Tourist Sites

=========

Agra, Ministry of Tourism, 24-July, 2013 – Union Tourism Minister Mr K Chiranjeevi launched the Project “Clean India Campaign” at Taj Mahal, Agra today. Taj Mahal is the second heritage site to be covered under this project. The first project was at Qutub Minar Delhi which was adopted by India Tourism Development Corporation in June 2012.

Clean India Campaign has been initiated by the Ministry of Tourism with the objective to increase tourist arrivals to the country and to improve quality of services and provide a hygienic environment in and around tourist destinations across the country.

On the request from the Tourism Minister, the Oil & Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) has agreed to adopt and upkeep the environs of Taj Mahal Complex including upgradation of tourist facilities in the monument. The ONGC will directly fund the aforesaid works covered under the Clean India Campaign to Archaeological Survey of India.

Taj Mahal a world heritage site and is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is the Crown Jewel among the tourist destinations in India and naturally is a priority destination under the Campaign Clean India programme. Mr Chiranjeevi has strongly felt the need to undertake sustained operations to ensure clean and hygienic environment, commensurate with the stature of this prestigious destination.

At the initiative of Ministry of Tourism, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has agreed to the proposal of ONGC for adopting five more monuments under the Clean India Campaign which include Ellora & Elephanta Caves – Maharashtra, Red Fort – Delhi, Golkonda Fort – Hyderabad and Mahabalipuram – Tamil Nadu.

Under the Clean India project issues pertaining to the heritage site are taken care of which include including providing drinking water facilities, cleaning, providing uniform signage’s in and around the premises, placing of garbage bins, various repair/replacement work, management and garbage clearance, landscaping, tourist help desks and deployment of volunteers for better management amongst others.

The Ministry of Tourism launched Clean India Campaign as part of Government strategy for 12th Five Year Plan for improving the quality of services and environs in and around tourist destinations across India. It is a multi pronged action and comprehensive strategy to ensure an acceptable level of cleanliness and hygiene practices at tourist destinations for an inclusive and sustainable development of tourism through ownership and involvement of private and public sector stakeholders.

This initiative aims to create a collective mindset that promotes cleanliness and hygiene by a balance of persuasion, education, sensitization, training, demonstration, regulation and involvement of every individual.