CONTENTS
- Responsible Tourism: Our Promise to Future Generations
- Need for a Central Protection Act
Responsible Tourism: Our Promise to Future Generations
Context:
Visit Agra, and you’ll be confronted with a distressing sight: graffiti defacing the walls of its iconic monuments. Lovers carving their names into the Taj Mahal—a symbol of eternal love—are tarnishing its legacy with their careless actions. This is just one instance of irresponsible tourism. From defacing historic landmarks to littering, harming natural environments, and polluting water bodies, such behaviors are widespread.
Relevance:
GS3- Environmental Conservation
Mains Question:
What does responsible tourism stand for? How can it promote sustainability for the future generations? Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 Words).
Impact of Tourism:
- To address these issues, it is crucial to embrace responsible tourism. As one of the largest and fastest-growing industries worldwide, tourism has immense potential for economic development. However, this rapid growth often comes with significant environmental and social challenges.
- Over-tourism can lead to the destruction of natural habitats, depletion of local resources, and erosion of cultural traditions.
- Sustainable tourism seeks to address these challenges by encouraging responsible travel that benefits local communities and protects the environment.
- Tourism’s environmental impact is extensive, affecting ecosystems, biodiversity, pollution levels, and resource consumption.
- Popular tourist destinations often experience surges in waste, water scarcity, and habitat destruction due to the influx of visitors.
- For example, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia faces threats from both climate change and tourism, underscoring the urgent need for conservation efforts.
- This highlights the importance of sustainable tourism practices that prioritize environmental stewardship.
Initiatives to Promote Sustainable Tourism:
Governments play a crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism by establishing policies and frameworks that support eco-friendly practices.
Case Studies:
Australia:
- Australia, renowned for its diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity, has long recognized this need.
- The Country Manager for India & Gulf at Tourism Australia, highlights the country’s commitment to sustainable tourism: “Australia’s culture, landscape, and wildlife are central to our tourism industry. We have a responsibility to manage them wisely.”
- By partnering with tourism operators, Australia focuses on restorative and regenerative travel, particularly at iconic sites like the Great Barrier Reef.
- Despite the progress made, challenges remain in communicating the importance of sustainable travel to markets that prioritize value and experience.
- The tourism operators in Australia offer eco-friendly accommodations and low-impact activities that support conservation efforts at the reef. Initiatives like carbon-neutral menus and zero-waste hotels are setting new standards in hospitality.
- Effectively conveying the value of sustainable tourism to markets like India, which are driven by value and experience, requires a tailored approach.
Russia:
- Moscow, known for its historical and cultural heritage, is also at the forefront of sustainable tourism initiatives.
- Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, emphasizes the city’s environmental transformation: “Approximately 50% of Moscow consists of green spaces. Over the past decade, we have rejuvenated 900 parks and green areas, as well as revitalized 40 embankments. This transformation not only enhances the city’s beauty but also creates unique opportunities for eco-friendly tourism.”
- Kozlov emphasizes the importance of creating an urban ecosystem that is accessible to everyone, with incentives in place for investors in sustainable tourism infrastructure.
India:
- Madhya Pradesh is emerging as a leader in responsible tourism by integrating community development with environmental conservation.
- Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture, explains the state’s dual focus: “Madhya Pradesh is committed to both its people and its landscapes. Our Responsible Tourism initiative aims to uplift local communities while preserving the state’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.” Initiatives such as promoting rural homestays and supporting local artisans foster economic growth with minimal environmental impact.
- By encouraging local craftsmanship and sustainable construction practices, it can be ensured that tourism development benefits both communities and the environment. Programs like Safe Tourism Destinations for Women and Responsible Souvenirs further reinforce this mission.”
- Airlines and hotels are also key players in advancing sustainable tourism, given their significant environmental footprint.
- As air travel continues to expand, the aviation industry’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions has come under increased scrutiny.
- Similarly, the hospitality sector is adopting more eco-friendly practices that aim to balance guest satisfaction with environmental stewardship.
- Transitioning to sustainable practices requires an initial investment. However, he points out that these costs are offset by long-term savings.
- While there are upfront costs associated with implementing sustainable practices, these investments often result in long-term benefits and savings.
- Sustainability efforts, in this direction, can include reducing single-use plastics and establishing an onsite bottling plant, underscoring its commitment to environmental responsibility.
- Additionally, engaging with the local community offers guests regional cultural experiences.
- Marriott actively promotes responsible tourism through initiatives like turtle conservation and encourages guests to adopt eco-friendly practices, such as reusing linens and conserving water.
- These efforts align with Marriott’s Serve360 program, which focuses on reducing energy usage and promoting environmentally conscious products.
- Radisson Blu highlights the critical role of sustainability in shaping the hotel’s long-term strategy. Radisson Blu has set a bold goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, ahead of many global benchmarks.
- They believe that prioritizing sustainability and responsible business practices not only strengthens the brand’s reputation but also fosters local support.
- Focusing on sustainability and responsible business practices actually enhances the brand’s image and strengthens its position.
Vietnam:
- Vietnam’s leading airline, Vietjet, is also making significant strides in sustainability, earning recognition in categories like “Outstanding Sustainable Transport.”
- By investing in a modern fleet that reduces fuel consumption by up to 20%, Vietjet is actively working to lower emissions.
- Additionally, the airline has adopted eco-friendly materials, such as recyclable packaging, and is exploring the use of sustainable aviation fuel, with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Sri Lanka:
Sri Lankan Airlines is gradually integrating sustainability into its services by offering eco-friendly amenities in Business Class, including pillow and headrest covers made from recycled PET plastic, which reduces its plastic footprint. These initiatives are part of broader efforts, such as using sustainable carpets onboard.
Conclusion:
Eco-friendly tourism is not just a trend but a necessity, and these initiatives are paving the way for a future where responsible travel becomes the norm, with travelers actively contributing to the preservation of the planet. There is a need to build a tourism industry based on sustainable development principles to ensure that future generations can enjoy our world responsibly.
Need for a Central Protection Act
Context:
Resident doctors across India are on strike, demanding laws to ensure their safety at work. This action was triggered by the rape and murder of a young doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. The doctor’s body was found in the seminar room of the emergency building where she had been working, sparking protests. Doctors claim that the hospital administration and State government tried to downplay the incident, highlighting the absence of a Central law protecting healthcare workers.
Relevance:
GS2- Health, Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes
Mains Question:
With reference to the recent incident at the Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, discuss the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in India. To what extent can a Central Protection Act be effective in dealing with them? (15 Marks, 250 Words).
Constitutional Provisions:
- The situation on the ground reflects constitutional provisions where health and law and order are State subjects.
- This means it is primarily the responsibility of the State government or Union Territory administration to address such issues and prevent violence.
- The Union government has acknowledged that there is no centralized record of fatalities among medical professionals due to attacks by patients’ families.
Violence Against Healthcare Workers in India:
- Violence against healthcare workers in India is not a new phenomenon. In 1973, Aruna Ramchandra Shanbaug, a junior nurse at King Edward Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, was sexually assaulted by a hospital sweeper, leading to a vegetative state that lasted over 41 years until her death in 2015.
- Despite this tragic incident and others like it, healthcare workers continue to demand basic safety measures in hospitals, such as better lighting, increased security, and the installation of properly monitored security cameras.
- Protesters in Delhi highlight the inadequate safety measures in medical colleges, such as poorly lit corridors, insecure wards, and the long distances between departments.
- They emphasize the need for urgent improvements in working and living conditions, including better lighting, security guards, cameras, and manned walkways between departments, operating theaters, and emergency areas.
- “These simple steps could make a significant difference,” the doctors explain. “We’ve repeatedly asked for a safe work environment. This tragic incident serves as a wake-up call. Doctors, especially junior doctors working night shifts, and nurses—both male and female—are increasingly at risk, not only physically but mentally as well. Concerns about their safety, lives, and mental health are growing,” said Dr. Praveen Gupta, Principal Director and Chief of Neurology at Fortis Hospital.
- Calling for immediate systemic reforms to prevent such tragedies, Archana Dhawan Bajaj, a gynecologist at Nurture Clinic, stressed the importance of a Central Protection Act for doctors. “There is a pressing need to improve the working conditions of junior doctors across the country,” she added.
- Violence against healthcare workers is a global issue, but many countries have implemented effective measures to protect their medical professionals, offering models that India could follow.
- The U.K.’s NHS enforces a zero-tolerance policy on violence, backed by a dedicated security team and a comprehensive reporting system. In the U.S., some states classify assaults on healthcare workers as felonies, serving as a strong deterrent.
- Australian hospitals have introduced safety measures such as security personnel, panic buttons, and mandatory de-escalation training. India must urgently implement a Central Protection Act and adopt similar measures to ensure a safer environment for its healthcare workers.
What are the Doctors Demanding?
- The Indian Medical Association (IMA), a national organization of allopathic doctors, has emphasized the need for a shift in policy to acknowledge and address violence against doctors in healthcare facilities.
- In their list of demands to the Union government, they have called for hospital security measures on par with those at airports and have urged that healthcare centers be designated as safe zones with mandatory security provisions, including CCTV surveillance and the deployment of security personnel.
- The IMA pointed out that the victim had been on a 36-hour duty shift without access to a safe place to rest, highlighting the urgent need for a complete overhaul of the working and living conditions of resident doctors.
- IMA National President added that doctors are also demanding a thorough and professional investigation of the crime within a specified timeframe, as well as justice for the victim.
- They are calling for the identification and exemplary punishment of those responsible for the violence, along with appropriate and dignified compensation for the bereaved family.
What Provisions has the Centre Brought in?
- On August 16, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued an order requiring that “in the event of any violence against any healthcare worker while on duty, the head of the institution shall be responsible for filing an institutional FIR within a maximum of six hours of the incident.”
- This order was issued in response to the increasing violence against doctors and other healthcare staff in government hospitals.
- The order acknowledges that many healthcare workers suffer physical violence during their duties, often at the hands of patients or their attendants.
- Earlier this week, the National Medical Commission (NMC) directed all medical colleges to develop policies to ensure a safe work environment on both college and hospital campuses for all staff members.
- The NMC also mandated that any incidents of violence against medical students be promptly investigated by the college management, with an FIR filed as necessary.
- Additionally, the NMC ordered that a detailed action taken report on any incident of violence be submitted to the commission within 48 hours.
Conclusion:
Healthcare centers should be designated as safe zones, with mandatory security measures implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of all staff and patients. This includes the installation of CCTV cameras, deployment of trained security personnel, and other necessary protocols to prevent violence and ensure a secure working environment. Establishing healthcare facilities as protected areas is essential to safeguard medical professionals and provide them with a safe space to carry out their duties without fear of harm.
