*Every Month a Major Tourist Destination in Madhya Pradesh Will Host a Clean Tourism Drive: MPTB Managing Director Dr. T. Ilaiyaraja
*MPTB and IATO, Along with the Local Community, ASI, Gram Panchayat, Sanitation Workers and NCC Cadets, Conduct Large-Scale Cleanliness Drive
*Cleanliness Pledge Administered to Promote Clean and Plastic-Free Tourist Destinations
*Dustbins Installed at the Stupa Complex; Cloth Bags Distributed to Local Shopkeepers
*Painting and Essay Competitions on ‘Clean Tourism – Clean India’ Organised at Excellence School, Sanchi
TTT NEWS NETWORK
SANCHI, BHOPAL | 25 JULY 2026
A large-scale cleanliness drive was organised on Saturday at the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sanchi under the Swachh Paryatan Abhiyan (Clean Tourism Campaign). The initiative, jointly organised by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) and the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), witnessed active participation from the local community, officials of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Gram Panchayat representatives, sanitation workers, NCC cadets, students, tourism stakeholders and volunteers.
The campaign aimed to promote cleanliness, environmental sustainability and the elimination of single-use plastic at the state’s major tourist destinations while encouraging active community participation in responsible tourism. On the occasion, Dr. T. Ilaiyaraja, Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, said, “The campaign launched from Sanchi marks an important step towards community-driven clean tourism.
Going forward, a similar campaign will be organised every month at one of the state’s major tourist destinations. Our objective is not only to keep monuments clean but also to work towards making Madhya Pradesh the cleanest state in the country. Sanchi, India’s first Solar City, is one of the holiest Buddhist sites and attracts pilgrims and visitors from across the world. The cleanliness and preservation of such heritage sites is our collective responsibility. With active participation from local communities, we aim to transform cleanliness and environmental conservation into a people’s movement. Sustainable cleanliness at tourist destinations can only be achieved when citizens, shopkeepers, tourists and the administration work together. By adopting environmentally friendly alternatives, we can build a strong culture of clean and responsible tourism.”
Cleanliness Pledge Marks the Beginning of the Campaign :
The programme commenced with a Cleanliness Pledge, where participants resolved to keep tourist destinations clean, beautiful and free from plastic waste.
To strengthen waste management, new dustbins were installed across the monument complex.
As part of efforts to reduce plastic pollution and encourage sustainable practices, cloth bags were distributed among local shopkeepers, motivating them to replace single-use plastic with eco-friendly alternatives.
Participants also carried out a Cleanliness Awareness March from the Stupa complex to Jambu Dweep Park, creating awareness among local residents and tourists about cleanliness, responsible tourism and environmental conservation.
Students Spread the Message Through Art :
To engage the younger generation in the mission of clean tourism, a Painting Competition on the theme “Clean Tourism – Clean India” was organised at Excellence School, Sanchi. Students creatively expressed the importance of clean tourism and environmental conservation through their artwork. Winners of the competition were felicitated with prizes and certificates.
Community Participation is Essential for Clean Tourism :
Mr. Ravi Gosain, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), said that the cleanliness of tourist destinations strengthens India’s positive image across the world. “Clean tourist destinations enhance India’s global reputation. ‘Clean Tourism, Pride of the Nation’ is not merely a slogan but a commitment to collective responsibility. It is our duty to create awareness about cleanliness. Madhya Pradesh is among the states taking significant steps to promote clean tourism. Students are the future ambassadors of this mission, and I urge them to carry this campaign forward. Similar cleanliness drives will also be organised at other major tourist destinations across the state.” He concluded by thanking all participating organisations, local communities, students and volunteers for their valuable support.
The programme was attended by Dr. Shivkant Bajpai, Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI); Mr. Vinay Tyagi, Honorary Joint Secretary, IATO; Mr. Mahendra Pratap Singh, Chairman, IATO Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh Chapter; along with officials from the Tourism Department, local citizens, Gram Panchayat representatives, sanitation workers, NCC cadets and members of the tourism industry.
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