(a) whether many problems related to environment are arising due to unplanned development in the tourism sector;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard; and
(c) whether the Government is formulating any integrated policy for the development of tourism in a planned manner and if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) to (c): Development of Tourism infrastructure is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations (UTs). The Ministry of Tourism (MOT) under its various schemes extends Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to them for development of tourism infrastructure subject to adherence to the existing scheme guidelines, availability of funds and submission of Utilization Certificates for funds released earlier.
Ministry of Tourism has taken following initiatives for sustainable development in the tourism sector:
(i) Evolved Comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India (STCI) for three major segments of the tourism industry, namely accommodation, tour operators, Beaches, Backwaters, Lakes and Rivers sectors, which is applicable for the entire country.
(ii) Guidelines for approval of Hotel Projects at the implementation stage and also for Classification/Re-classification of operational hotels under various categories mandate incorporation of various eco-friendly measures like installation of Sewage Treatment Plant, Rain water Harvesting, Waste Management System, Pollution Control and Introduction of non-Chlorofluorocarbon equipment for refrigeration and air conditioners, energy and water conservation measures.
(iii) Promoting Eco-Tourism, inter-alia through domestic and international campaigns and also by supporting seminars, conference and events focusing on development of Eco-Tourism in the country, from time to time.
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