Kovalam wakes up to the call of Responsible Tourism
Published May 16, 2008 | 
Thiruvananthapuram: The fabled beach resort of Kovalam is all set to join the celebrity bandwagon of a few elite destinations in Kerala that have already introduced Responsible Tourism. Kumarakom was the pioneer in taking up this ground breaking decision followed by Thekkady and Wayanad, which have already launched this system on a trial basis.
The committee set up is trying to develop the all important link between the tourism industry and local entrepreneurship. A survey was conducted to monitor the consumption patterns of over 100 hotels that are located near the beach resort and a part of their requirements will be sourced from the local community. Home grown products such as vegetables and diary products shall be delivered to the hotels and Kudumbasree units would be playing a larger than life role in this initiative.
An agreement has already been inked to supply the local farm produce to some of the hotels in Kovalam to meet their needs. Apart from these, self help groups would also supply eco-friendly baskets and paper bags, thereby reducing the distressing impacts on the environment and social set up. It is aimed at improving the living standards of the host communities.
It also focuses on improving working conditions apart from involving the local populace in the decision-making process that affects their lives. The best part is that this initiative would involve the local community including the tour operators and nearby educational institutions in the promotion of eco friendly tourism.
Tackling the garbage menace
Published January 9, 2008 | 
Green’ has indeed become the new world religion. While many other districts in the State of Kerala seemed to have turned a Nelson’s eye to the garbage menace that leaves a trail of destruction and epidemics, Kochi has come out with a novel scheme to tackle plastic and garbage menace. Many anti plastic campaigns and garbage disposal programs lose its initial tempo in no time leaving the hapless citizens left high and dry. To steer clear of this risk, Kochi has taken the anti plastic campaign to the grass root levels to ensure the best possible results.
With the completion of the Brahmapuram garbage plant, a solution is in sight for this nagging issue and the Government is leaving no stone unturned to get the project completed within the deadline. Karnataka Compost Development Corporation Ltd (KSDC) which is in charge of setting up this solid waste treatment plant would employ the state of the art facilities and low pollution techniques . The initial plan outlay is Rs.10 Crore and the Kochi Corporation is trying to rope in the local civic bodies also into the project.
KCDC has the requisite hands -on experience in setting up and managing large scale eco- friendly treatment of city garbage and agriculture waste to produce organic compost and vermin compost since 1975.
The aerobic decomposition window method will be employed in the waste treatment where the decomposition of the organic matter is affected by microorganisms in a warm, moist and aerobic environment. The composting will be carried out within 2 months and the compost is converted into different grades of organic manure. In the first phase the plant will have a handling capacity of over 350 tonnes of garbage per day.
Reduce, reuse and recycle has always been the winning formula for environmental protection, and while purchasing or even discarding anything, it is worth considering this mantra. Swap the plastic bags for eco friendly jute or cloth bags that would not choke Mother Nature. Pick up organic clothes that are more suited to the tropical climate of this city rather than going for brand new clothes every season by dumping your old organic jeans into land fills! Being simple and healthy is in vogue. These small steps would take Kochi closer to its celebrity label of the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”!