पत्र सूचना कार्यालय

The Swachhta Green Leaf Rating System,' made its debut in the North East with a successful rollout at Kaziranga, Assam on February 22, 2024. With the Government of India’s imperative of maintaining world-class standards of hygiene and sanitation across tourist facilities, the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, has embarked on a transformative rating system under the Travel for LIFE Campaign. This pioneering endeavor aims to evaluate and recognize the adherence of hospitality establishments—ranging from resorts, hotels, lodges, homestays, dharamshalas to even camps including portable toilet or trekking groups—to Safe Sanitation Practices.

Thiscommunity and stakeholder driven voluntaryrating system will sensitize the hospitality sector to follow practices for promoting ‘safely managed sanitation’, thereby promoting adoption of this rating system. Cleanliness and sanitation are essential aspects of providing a positive and memorable experience for tourists. Furthermore, it is envisioned that adhering to the protocol will not only foster a culture of excellence in sanitation but also contribute to enhancing the positive image and branding of tourist destinations as champions of sustainable development goals.The management of waste generated by the influx of visitors presents a significant challenge, requiring concerted efforts to safeguard public health and preserve the environment. But this voluntary system incentivizes participation by enlightening hospitality facilities about the direct gains and broader benefits of sanitation and hygiene, ultimately aiming for a significant increase in tourist turnout.

The proposed rating system will unfold in three phases:

Orientation Phase:During this initial stage, State teams of SBM(G) and the Department of Tourism, supported by district units, will identify and map hospitality entities. States will organize workshops to familiarize key stakeholders with the concept, process, and desired outcomes.

Voluntary Declaration Phase: Listed entities will conduct internal audits and take necessary steps to achieve compliance with 'safely managed sanitation,' including infrastructure development and meeting sanitary parameters. They will then formally evaluate their sanitation status and communicate their rating to the District Committee with supporting evidence.

Verification Phase:The District Committee will forward ratings to the Verification Sub-Committee for affirmation. Using an assessment tool/matrix, including photo and video evidence, this committee, comprising representatives from various stakeholders, will review the ratings through desk reviews and site visits. Upon review, the District Committee will issue Rating Certifications, allowing entities to display their ratings and use them for branding purposes.

                                                                             

Figure 1:Ratings will be issued as '1 leaf,' '3 leaf,' and '5 leaf' statuses based on compliance.

 

To incentivize compliance and encourage gradual progress toward full adherence, a self-scoring method has been devised. Under this approach, points are awarded for achieving each parameter, with deductions proposed for non-compliance. The rating system focuses on three key themes: Solid Waste Management, Faecal Sludge Management (Human Excreta), and Greywater Management for which a total of 200 marks.

                                                                             

Figure 2 To qualify for Swachhata Green Leaf certification (1, 3 or 5 Leaf), participating entities must score at least 50 percent of the marks in each theme.

 

These themes are further categorized into four sections: infrastructure, practices, support in awareness generation, and any innovations related to these themes within the facility.

                                                                             

Figure 3 Rating classifications determined based on the scores obtained by the tourist entity

 

Over time, these ratings may be integrated into industry branding ratings, such as those by Trip Advisor, OYO, and bookings.com, to incorporate indicators related to 'safely managed sanitation' in their evaluation of facilities. Collaboration with the national SBM(G) mission would facilitate this integration.

References:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2008444

Swachhta Green Leaf Rating in Hospitality FacilitiesBooklet by Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India

Written by: Pavni Gupta

(Features ID: 151842) आगंतुक पटल : 4
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