Kumbalangi to Witness a Green Campaign Soon

Kumbalangi Tourist Villlage near Kochi

As part of the responsible tourism initiative, the state tourism department will soon launch a green campaign in Kumbalangi. Kerala Institute Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS) is the nodal agency for implementing responsible tourism project in Kumbalangi.The first phase of the campaign will be resolving issues related to waste management. “A comprehensive survey will be conducted, covering all households in the area to assess the quantity of garbage being generated and to evaluate the existing waste management system.Based on the survey results, biogas plants will be provided to all households in the panchayat. If needed, other waste management facilities will be set up to make the village self-reliant,” said Saroop Roy, KITTS official.Mosquito eradication, plastic waste awareness programmes, collection and recycling of plastic are also on the cards. There are plans of setting up a cloth-bag manufacturing unit in the village.Produce from farmers will be supplied to the nearby hotels and resorts. “There are enough agricultural and fisheries products in Kumbalangi. By forming supply groups, farmers can be connected to hotels and resorts,” said Sini Mol, KITTS official in charge of Kumbalangi project.It was in February last year that Kumbalangi has been officially selected for the responsible tourism initiative and the first seminar was held in October. “It will take at least six months to convert Kumbalangi into a responsible tourism destination. We have placed officials there and training has been given to them,” added Saroop.Source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130203/news-current-affairs/article/kumbalangi-witness-green-campaign-soon