Lok Sabha Question No. 2016 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-30
Subject: Violation of environmental regulations by travel companies
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Jamyang Tsering Namgyal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2016

TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.07.2021

## Violation of environmental regulations by travel companies

## 2016. SHRI JAMYANG TSERING NAMGYAL:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  many  travel  companies  of  the  country  are violating environmental regulations;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Government  plans  to  impose  stricter  punitive  measures  for  violating environmental  regulations  in  view  of  the  aggravating  condition  of  wild  animals  in wildlife sanctuaries and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government proposes to invite civic participation in discussions relating to the rising level of air pollution in Union Territory to Ladakh; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

(a) &    (b)  Ministry  of  Tourism  (MoT)  endorses    recognition  to  tour  operators,  travel agents  and  tourist  transport  operators  under  a    voluntary  scheme.  MoT  has  evolved Sustainable  Tourism  Criteria  for  India  (STCI)  comprising  major  segments  of  the  tourism industry,  namely  accommodation,  tour  operators,  beaches,  backwaters,  lakes  and  river sectors,  etc.    Sustainable  tourism  implies  minimizing  the  negative  and  maximizing  the positive  effects  of  all  forms  and  activities  of  tourism  on  environment,    local  communities, heritage inclusive economic growth.  Principles of STCI   for tour operators inter alia include conservation of resources and  reduction of pollution etc. MoT has made it mandatory for the approved tourism service providers such as tour operators, adventure tour operators, travel agents etc. to follow the Code of Conduct for safe and sustainable Tourism.

(c ) Tourism management is a part  of  the  regular  management  practice  of  the  National Parks  and  Wildlife  Sanctuaries.  A  set  of  comprehensive  guidelines  has  been  issued  under section 38O-1(c) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 for tiger conservation and tourism in Tiger  Reserves,  which  allows  regulated  tourism  in  core  areas.  Action  is  taken  as  per  the provision of Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972  for any crime related to wild animals and issue related to protected areas.

(d) & (e )   There is no data to support the rising level of air pollution in Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh.

The  Air  (Prevention  and  Control  of  Pollution)  Act,  1981  is  applicable  in  UT  of Ladakh and necessary actions as per the provision of the Act are implemented. Government is  promoting  public  participation  for  prevention  and  control  of  pollution  through  focussed programmes  like  'Green  Deeds  &  Habits  for  Sustainable  Development'  The  details  are available at http://moef.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ggd-19-08-2020\_final.pdf .

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