Many of the revolutionary reforms do happen when Governments take a policy decision which affects future course of action by the whole population of the society.
In Kerala, when the Department of Tourism along with strong support from the industry veterans took visionary decisions in the late 90’s, at the beginning of the boom period, not support mass tourism but to promote the destination in the value added premium segment, it had its effect on the whole developmental alternatives that emerged in the State.
There must be certain common policies that are taken with a visionary insight and remain unchanged irrespective of the ruling political parties. It is interesting to note similarities underneath the widely varying parties when looked deeper into their ideologies. The pro-poor attitude of left parties, the grama-swaraj of the right wing or the promotion of local culture by the third – all these can be connected with responsible tourism concepts. This in turn means, once we have a visionary policy on tourism all parties will have to invariably agree to it.
In the coming years, we will find awareness among more (travelling) people towards sustainable development, environment friendly lifestyles, promotion of local cultures, alternative energy sources (without oil / coal / or even large dams) and these growing breed of people will be willing to pay a premium for such eco friendly products and responsible services.
There will be also funding and technology transfers from the present industrialised (developed !!) nations towards countries / regions / states like Kerala.
We should be geared up to meet such changing demands both as State Government and the individual units of the vibrant Kerala tourism industry. Instead of opposition what we must have is understanding and cooperation to make such policies successful.
Sometime back, under the Eco Tourism initiatives, the Department framed certain policy frameworks and support initiatives with a “brand name” EcoKerala. The incentive was to offer 15% subsidy for the implementation of the guidelines. But this was never reached out to the industry neither they showed any positive response. We can have a review into it and re-introduce it similar to the “Green Leaf” and other classification certification of the Department. This may also attract “Carbon Funding / Credits” or other supports from International bodies.
We could also consider establishing a Ministry of Environment (renaming the present Ministry of Forest) and make it a consolidating authority for the actions of various ministries and spearheading sustainable developmental activities.
***********
New Delhi Auto Expo 2010 has witnessed three drastic changes from the previous years and attracted special media attention. The first is the enhanced flooding of (small) cars into the Indian market (and roads). This very same blunder by which the present industrialised countries made in the last century resulted in the accumulation of Carbon in the atmosphere is going to be repeated by India and China. Unfortunately the Government policy to support the auto industry will be for the creation of bigger / better roads and reducing the fund allocation for an efficient / better public transport system. (Do we have enough land availability in Kerala for such developments, without causing conflicts with the people?) Humans do have the capacity to learn from past mistakes and adapt to the changing times – do we have it?
Second, is the introduction of hybrids and electric vehicles by major players. This is a good move by the “responsible” automobile industry, but can survive only with the stimulus from the Government policies and incentives for the buyers. (Toyota Prius is going to cost more than 2.5 times in India than its price elsewhere in the world.) Do we have a “responsible” Government to take such bold moves?
Thirdly, is the launch of bus (truck) chassis by major industrial players during the Expo. They have become modern in design, sophisticated in technology (lesser polluting) and more fuel efficient comparable to European standards. Now, can we expect a more favourable policy shift towards public transport system – let it be in Government run railways, KSRTC or private operators?
Let’s welcome policies and regulations that will lead us to a better society which will naturally attract others. Let’s pray to Almighty to give us the wisdom to choose the right choices for our children and grand children. Let’s make God’s Own Country an example worth pursuing for travellers and a alternative developmental model for others to follow.
In the coming years, we will find awareness among more (travelling) people towards sustainable development, environment friendly lifestyles, promotion of local cultures, alternative energy sources (without oil / coal / or even large dams) and these growing breed of people will be willing to pay a premium for such eco friendly products and responsible services.
There will be also funding and technology transfers from the present industrialised (developed !!) nations towards countries / regions / states like Kerala.
We should be geared up to meet such changing demands both as State Government and the individual units of the vibrant Kerala tourism industry. Instead of opposition what we must have is understanding and cooperation to make such policies successful.
Sometime back, under the Eco Tourism initiatives, the Department framed certain policy frameworks and support initiatives with a “brand name” EcoKerala. The incentive was to offer 15% subsidy for the implementation of the guidelines. But this was never reached out to the industry neither they showed any positive response. We can have a review into it and re-introduce it similar to the “Green Leaf” and other classification certification of the Department. This may also attract “Carbon Funding / Credits” or other supports from International bodies.
We could also consider establishing a Ministry of Environment (renaming the present Ministry of Forest) and make it a consolidating authority for the actions of various ministries and spearheading sustainable developmental activities.
***********
New Delhi Auto Expo 2010 has witnessed three drastic changes from the previous years and attracted special media attention. The first is the enhanced flooding of (small) cars into the Indian market (and roads). This very same blunder by which the present industrialised countries made in the last century resulted in the accumulation of Carbon in the atmosphere is going to be repeated by India and China. Unfortunately the Government policy to support the auto industry will be for the creation of bigger / better roads and reducing the fund allocation for an efficient / better public transport system. (Do we have enough land availability in Kerala for such developments, without causing conflicts with the people?) Humans do have the capacity to learn from past mistakes and adapt to the changing times – do we have it?
Second, is the introduction of hybrids and electric vehicles by major players. This is a good move by the “responsible” automobile industry, but can survive only with the stimulus from the Government policies and incentives for the buyers. (Toyota Prius is going to cost more than 2.5 times in India than its price elsewhere in the world.) Do we have a “responsible” Government to take such bold moves?
Thirdly, is the launch of bus (truck) chassis by major industrial players during the Expo. They have become modern in design, sophisticated in technology (lesser polluting) and more fuel efficient comparable to European standards. Now, can we expect a more favourable policy shift towards public transport system – let it be in Government run railways, KSRTC or private operators?
Let’s welcome policies and regulations that will lead us to a better society which will naturally attract others. Let’s pray to Almighty to give us the wisdom to choose the right choices for our children and grand children. Let’s make God’s Own Country an example worth pursuing for travellers and a alternative developmental model for others to follow.
No comments:
Post a Comment