Revolutionising Sustainable Agriculture: Unified Registration Portal for GOBARdhan

• Launched in 2023 by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Aims to streamline registration of Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) and biogas plants nationwide.
• Portal: gobardhan.co.in.
• Acts as a data repository for GOBARdhan activities.
• Enables real-time tracking for transparency and accountability.

Market Development Assistance Scheme:

• Offers 1500 rupees per metric tonne for Fermented Organic Manure, Liquid Fermented Organic Manure, or Phosphate Rich Organic Manure sales from biogas and CBG plants.
• Boosts organic fertilizer production.
• Provides financial incentives for plant owners.

Eligibility:

• Open to anyone operating or planning biogas, CBG, or Bio CNG plants in India.
• Registration number required for benefits/support from other Ministries/Departments.

About GOBAR-Dhan Scheme:

• Launched in 2018 under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Objective: Increase farmers’ income by converting biodegradable waste into CBG.
• Part of Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin, promoting waste-to-energy conversion.
• Focus: Keep villages clean, raise rural household income, and generate energy and organic manure from cattle waste.

Way Forward:

• Unified Registration Portal simplifies biogas and CBG plant registration.
• Market Development Assistance scheme incentivizes organic fertilizer production.
• Environmentally friendly approach reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
• Boosts soil fertility, crop yields, and rural income.
• Complements GOBAR-Dhan Scheme’s goal of sustainable waste management and energy generation.

By embracing these initiatives, India advances towards a greener, more sustainable future in agriculture and energy production while improving the livelihoods of its rural population.

A Sustainable Tourism Opportunity on World Tourism Day

• World Tourism Day, celebrated on September 27, marks a global celebration of tourism’s role in bringing people together.
• The day signifies a break from the mundane, offering a chance to de-stress and rejuvenate.
• Different destinations attract tourists for various reasons, providing excitement and a break from daily life.

World Tourism Day Slogan and Origin:

• World Tourism Day’s 2023 theme, “Tourism and Green Investment,” resonates with the importance of sustainable tourism.
• The day was first celebrated on September 27, 1980, as an initiative of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
• It aims to raise awareness about the role of tourism in fostering social, cultural, political, and economic values.

Tourism Trends in India:

• The tourism sector in India has seen steady growth despite challenges.
• In 2021-22, tourist footfall reached a 75-year high at 1.88 crore visitors.
• Foreign tourist numbers increased by 59%.
• Efforts like the G20 working group meeting in Srinagar boosted foreign tourism.

Diverse Attractions of Kashmir:

• Kashmir Valley and the Himalayas are popular tourist destinations.
• The region offers spiritual tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural experiences.
• Offbeat locations in Kashmir have tremendous hidden beauty.

Need for Sustainable Tourism:

• Overcrowding in popular destinations like Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Gulmarg diminishes their charm.
• A cluster-based approach, private sector involvement, and community help are essential for sustainable tourism.

Government Initiatives:

• Lt Governor Manoj Sinha focused on off-beat destinations, religious sites, cultural sites, and new tracks.
• The Tourist Village Development Programme promotes homestays in rural areas.
• The warm hospitality of locals is a rich aspect of Kashmiri culture.

Challenges and Opportunities:

• Tourists often face time constraints and a lack of knowledge about lesser-known places in Kashmir.
• Travel agents, tour operators, and adventure groups can play a significant role in promoting offbeat destinations.

Green Tourism and Sustainability:

• Sustainable tourism is essential for ecologically sensitive zones like Kashmir.
• Green investments are needed to preserve and protect the environment.
• Reducing vehicular traffic and involving the local community are key strategies.

Tourist Health and Hygiene:

• Emphasizing tourist health, hygiene, and eco-friendly practices is crucial.
• Environmental awareness and eco-friendly guidelines are vital for sustainable tourism.

Conclusion:

• Kashmir’s hidden gems offer immense potential for sustainable tourism.
• Collaboration between the government, stakeholders, and locals can create economic prosperity while preserving the environment.
• The future of tourism lies in responsible and sustainable practices that respect the ecology and culture of the region.