As part of the ongoing Swachhata Hi Seva Swachhata Pakhwada from 15th September 2023 to 2nd October 2023, and on the occasion of World Tourism Day 2023, the Ministry of Tourism, unveiled an innovative initiative – the Travel for LiFE for Cleanliness Campaign. This campaign, launched in sync with the ongoing Swachhata Hi Sewa (SHS) fortnight, marks a significant step in India’s commitment to cleanliness and environmental sustainability. The global launch of Travel for LiFE took place at the prestigious Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, attended virtually by international organizations, delegates from G20 member nations, industry leaders, and representatives from various State Governments. This event not only introduced the Travel for LiFE initiative but also showcased a host of other pioneering projects/initiatives aimed at transforming India’s tourism landscape.
The launch event was a platform for unveiling several initiatives i.e. Tourism for Tomorrow Competition, Design Edible Cutlery Competition, Yuva Tourism Club Merchandise and the Swachhata Campaign at 108 Tourism Site.
The travel for LiFE for Cleanliness Campaign is a testament to India’s commitment to cleanliness, is a nationwide cleanliness drive planned at 108 tourist destinations (list attached) across the country, with a focus on eliminating single-use plastics and promoting eco-friendly alternatives. In alignment with the SHS 2023, the Ministry of Tourism has orchestrated this extensive cleanliness drive at the selected tourist sites. However, the impact of this campaign will extend far beyond these locations to encompass other significant tourist spots. The campaign’s core objectives are to facilitate efficient garbage disposal, enhance sanitation facilities, and eliminate single-use plastics while encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives. To ensure broad participation, schools, colleges, and members of Yuva Tourism Clubs (YTC) are actively engaged in this endeavor.
For the observance of the Swachhata Hi Sewa (SHS) from 15th September to 2nd October 2023 ASI has identified a list of 100 Centrally Protected Monuments and Sites (CPMS) and 55 site museums where a comprehensive cleanliness activity would be taken up and SUP and non-biodegradable products will be removed. Special emphasis will be given to the CPMS which have water bodies around the site. The message “Swachhata Hi Seva” and theme “Garbage Free India” will be displayed during the sound and light shows running at various CPMS.
The Travel for LiFE program is a pivotal component of Mission LiFE, an ambitious mission aimed at steering our planet towards a sustainable future. This initiative encourages tourists to take simple yet impactful actions that contribute to environmental conservation, protection of biodiversity, economic development in local communities, and the preservation of socio-cultural heritage. Moreover, it seeks to instill mindfulness and responsible resource utilization among all stakeholders within the tourism value chain.
The Swachhata Hi Sewa (SHS) 2023 was launched on September 15th by three Union Ministers—Shri. Giriraj Singh, Minister of Panchayati Raj & Rural Development; Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs; and Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Jal Shakti. The overarching theme of SHS 2023, “Garbage Free India,” is reigniting the ODF Plus momentum through Shramdaan activities and community participation, emphasizing the Jan Andolan (People’s Movement) to achieve the Swachh Bharat Mission targets. This annual campaign has several objectives viz. mobilizing communities for ODF Plus villages, emphasizing “Sanitation as everyone’s business, commemorating Swachh Bharat Diwas in village settings, empowering local bodies to lead cleanliness drives at public spaces and strengthening and revitalizing sanitation assets in rural and urban areas.
One of the most remarkable aspects of SHS-2023 is the overwhelming participation it has garnered. In just 12 days, over 22.41 crore individuals from across the country have joined this campaign at an average of 1.85 Cr. people participating across the country per day. Among them, more than 8.43 crore citizens actively participated in Shramdaan, contributing voluntary labor to 2.68 lakh Swachh Bharat Mission activities.
Participation in SHS 2023 extends beyond Swachh Bharat Mission teams in States and Union Territories, involving 61 partner Ministries and Departments. This collaborative effort underscores the monumental achievements possible when diverse stakeholders unite to elevate sanitation and hygiene standards.
In conclusion, the Travel for LiFE for Cleanliness Campaign and the extensive efforts of Swachhata Hi Sewa 2023 stand as testament to India’s unwavering commitment to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. Together, we can achieve a cleaner India and a healthier planet.
Click Here to View list of 108 Locations identified for Travel for Life
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