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friendly manner. There are 76 projects currently under region. These examples demonstrate how sustainable
development for sustainable tourism. ‘The PRASAD tourism can lead to positive environmental, social, and
(Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation economic outcomes.
Drive) scheme focuses on developing and maintaining Currently, efforts to promote sustainable tourism in India
various pilgrimage sites in the country. The maintenance are gaining momentum. The government, private sector,
of the holiness of the sites is important. The government and civil society are working together to develop and
has also introduced guidelines for sustainable tourism, implement policies and practices that ensure the long-
encouraging stakeholders to adopt practices such as term sustainability of tourism destinations. Training
waste reduction, energy conservation, and community programs for local communities, awareness campaigns
involvement. Additionally, the ‘Incredible India’ for tourists, and investment in eco-friendly infrastructure
campaign has been revamped to highlight responsible are some of the ongoing efforts. Additionally, the
travel practices like cleanliness and promote lesser- COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for
known destinations to reduce the pressure on popular resilience in the tourism sector, prompting stakeholders
tourist spots. to rethink and redesign tourism models to be more
Two very good examples of successful implementation of sustainable and inclusive.
sustainable tourism in India are the Sikkim state and the Sustainable tourism is not just a trend but a necessity for a
village of Mawlynnong in Meghalaya. Sikkim has been country like India, where the natural and cultural wealth
recognized as India’s first fully organic state, and its is both vast and vulnerable. By adopting sustainable
tourism practices reflect this commitment to sustainability. tourism practices, India can preserve its unique
The state promotes eco-friendly tourism activities heritage, promote economic development, and ensure
like trekking, bird watching, and village homestays, that tourism remains a positive force for generations to
ensuring minimal impact on the environment and come. The combined efforts of the government, private
maximum benefit to local communities. Mawlynnong, sector, NGOs, and local communities are crucial in
known as the ‘cleanest village in Asia,’ has embraced achieving this goal. With continued commitment and
sustainable tourism by maintaining strict cleanliness and collaboration, sustainable tourism can pave the way for
waste management practices, promoting community- a more responsible and enriching travel experience in
based tourism, and preserving the natural beauty of the India.

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