JAMMU: Today, hoteliers in the well-known tourist destination of Pahalgam voluntarily adopted the Swachhta Green Leaf Rating (SGLR) in the hospitality sector, thanks to the virtual launch of the initiative by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo. The Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS) and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, recently collaborated to create the aforementioned rating system, which rates the country’s tourism infrastructure—such as hotels, resorts, and home stays—according to the standards of safe sanitation practices specified in the guidelines published under the travel for LIFE campaign. In his remarks, Dulloo expressed his satisfaction that Pahalgam was the first city in the nation to be selected for the pilot programme of this assessment system, which will rate our hospitality infrastructure for sanitation and hygiene on a voluntary basis by these installations there. He described the scientific temper-based rating system as quite novel and inventive. He restates that in order to improve the sustainability of our tourist destinations, such initiatives are strongly advised. He pointed out that since tourism is one of the pillars of our economy, it is even more important for us to protect the unspoiled natural beauty and pleasant surroundings of our UT. He went on to say that law-abiding citizens encourage law-abiding behaviour across the board. He noted that the economy, ecology, and equity—the three pillars of sustainable development—are all equally important, and that it is the common duty of all residents to be aware of the need to preserve this delicate ecosystem. Based on practical principles, according to the Chief Secretary, are the three components of Solid Waste Management (SWM), Faecal Sludge Management (FSM), and Greywater Management (GWM). According to him, the three accreditation phases—orientation for stakeholders, voluntary declaration, verification, and ground truthing—all work together to improve our tourist destinations. As the torchbearers, J&K has an additional duty to lead the way for others, so he counselled all parties involved, including the relevant authorities, to ensure the success of this model here. Additionally, he said that this is a surefire method of raising visitor satisfaction and encouraging repeat visits. He wished success to those in J&K who were the first to voluntarily adopt it. During the event, it was disclosed that the three SGLR themes—SWM, FSM, and GWM—had essentially been given a total of 200 marks, with the first two receiving 80 points apiece and the final theme receiving 40 points. To be eligible to participate in the certification process, each participating entity must receive a minimum of 50% of the possible points in each theme. At this launch ceremony, it was announced that those who scored between 100 and 130 are certified as having “1-Leaf Status,” those who scored between 130 and 180 as having 3-Leaf Status, and those who scored between 180 and 200 as the highest as having “5-Leaf Status.” Later, the Chief Secretary released a document outlining the process, significance of this rating system, and advantages for the sector adopting it for their assessment along with other participants, including the Secretary, Tourism (GoI); Director, DDWS, GoI; DDC, Chairperson, Anantnag; Commissioner Secretary, RDD; Secretary, Tourism; and District Development Commissioner.
