Kaziranga: The Swachhata Green Leaf Rating System was launched jointly by the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India on 22nd February 2024 at Kaziranga in the presence of eminent personalities from the Government of India and the Government of Assam. Winnie Mahajan, Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti explained the unique rating system.
It aims to promote safe and green sanitation practices. This it to be done among the owners of Hotels, Homestays and Resorts located in and around Kaziranga. The rating system creates awareness about the scientific waste management system. And its significance in promoting safe sanitation practices in the tourism industry.
Under this rating system, accommodations will self-evaluate their existing waste management and sanitation-related infrastructure based on set criteria. And submit their findings to the local administration. After this, a sub-division-level verification committee will physically inspect the details. And a district level committee will assign green leaf ratings. They will be awarded either 1, 3 or 5 green leaves on the basis of the marks obtained by them.
Bokakhat Sub-divisional verification committee has already completed the process of verification of 11 accommodations. While 4 hotels secured 1-leaf rating, 5 hotels have secured 3-leaf rating on Swacchta Green Leaf rating. Notably, it was found that 2 locations, namely Diphlu River Lodge and Medini Homestay qualified for a 5-leaf rating under the system. They have adopted unique practices to avoid the use of plastic such as the use of betel nut leaf plates, jute slippers, wooden handwash dispensers, cotton mats etc. The Swachhta Green Leaf rating certificates were distributed to the hotel owners. District Commissioner, Golaghat gave away the certificates at the Forest Convention Centre, Kohora.
It is expected that the Swacchta Green Leaf rating will make both the hotel owners and tourists more aware of the scientific methods of solid waste, greywater and blackwater management. These ratings will be displayed on online hotel booking websites. And it will improve the awareness of customers and attract environmentally conscious tourists.
