A Greener Welcome for Tourists
For years, the unparalleled beauty of Kerala's hill stations, backwaters, and beaches has been a major draw for travellers worldwide. However, with rising footfalls comes the persistent challenge of waste management, particularly the scourge of single-use
plastics that threaten fragile ecosystems. Recognizing this, state and local authorities are implementing a more robust and visible strategy to ensure cleanliness. This isn't just about reactive clean-ups; it's a proactive shift towards sustainable tourism. The new push is an intensification of ongoing efforts like the Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission and the 'Clean Kerala Initiative', which aim to make environmental stewardship a core part of the visitor experience.
Meet the 'Green Marshals'
A key feature of this enhanced system is the recent deployment of 'Green Marshals' at major tourist hubs. This new cadre of trained professionals, distinct in their green and white uniforms, serves as the frontline of the state's cleanliness drive. Their role goes beyond simple enforcement. Green Marshals are tasked with guiding tourists on responsible travel habits, promoting the green protocol, monitoring for risky behaviours like littering, and providing local information. This initiative aims to create a friendly and approachable stewardship presence, shifting the focus from punishment to education. In the initial phase, 162 marshals will be deployed in destinations like Munnar, Alappuzha, Kovalam, Wayanad, and Fort Kochi.
Strict Bans on Single-Use Plastics
A cornerstone of the strategy is the strict enforcement of single-use plastic bans. Following a Kerala High Court directive, several high-footfall hill stations have prohibited a range of plastic items. The ban in places like Munnar, Thekkady, and Wayanad targets products such as plastic water bottles under five litres, disposable plates, cups, straws, and plastic cutlery. Local panchayats are leading the charge with stringent enforcement. In Munnar, for instance, special inspection squads are monitoring commercial establishments, and heavy fines have been introduced for violations, starting at ₹10,000 for a first offence. To support this, authorities are also mandated to install water kiosks providing safe drinking water, encouraging tourists to carry reusable bottles.
A Multi-Agency 'Clean Destination' Campaign
This renewed vigour is part of a broader 'Clean Destination Campaign' being implemented across all 14 districts, with a significant budget allocated by the Tourism Department. The effort is a collaboration between multiple agencies, including the Responsible Tourism Mission, local self-government bodies, the Haritha Karma Sena (Green Task Force), and the Kudumbashree Mission. This integrated approach ensures that waste management is addressed holistically, from awareness campaigns and public advisories to the systematic collection and processing of waste. The involvement of community groups like Kudumbashree also helps in creating local livelihoods, such as the production of cloth and paper bags as alternatives to plastic.
The Goal: A Sustainable 'God's Own Country'
Ultimately, these visible measures are part of a larger vision to cement Kerala's status as a world-class responsible tourism destination. The goal is not just to keep tourist spots clean but to make sustainability an intrinsic part of the state's brand. By involving local communities, enforcing green protocols, and educating visitors, the state aims to protect its natural assets for future generations. Initiatives like the 'Green Carpet' and the designation of 'Green Tourism Destinations' underscore this long-term commitment. For travellers, this means a chance to experience a cleaner, greener Kerala and to actively participate in preserving the very beauty they have come to admire.
