The Ministry of Tourism conducts the Swachhta Hi Seva (SHS) campaign annually, following the guidelines set by the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DoDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India.
As part of this initiative, the DoDWS issues directives to all government ministries and departments. The Ministry of Tourism implements cleanliness drives and awareness programs through its regional offices and educational institutions, including the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), Central Institute of Hotel Management, State Institutes of Hotel Management, and Food Craft Institutes across the country.
The campaign involves cleanliness drives and awareness initiatives at various tourist destinations and pilgrimage sites. In Swachhata Hi Seva – 2024, a total of 374 activities/sites were covered, including 61 major tourist sites listed in the annexure. These efforts aim to promote sanitation awareness and encourage sustainable tourism across India.
Key Achievements:
- Public awareness regarding cleanliness and the harmful effects of single-use plastics has significantly increased through various campaigns and educational programs.
- Community participation in maintaining cleanliness at tourist sites has improved, fostering a more sustainable approach to tourism.
This information was shared by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a written response in the Rajya Sabha today.