'Tourism has to be environmentally sustainable'

Sanat Kaul, CMD of Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, has rejuvenated the corporation into a vibrant and profit-making company with multi-dimensional activities ranging from infrastructure to tourism. In an interview with Amitabh Shukla, Kaul says that tourism has to be environmentally sustainable with global climate change.

What is your vision for Delhi 2020?

We have produced a comprehensive 'Tourism Vision' for Delhi 2020 which involved making the capital into a true metropolis with synergy from all aspects of life and involving all residents, including the deprived sections.

What are the main issues for Delhi to achieve the vision?

At this stage when tourism has taken a new dimension in the city, I think it is time to bring Delhi environmentally into internationally acceptable standards.

This involves proper garbage disposal, complete sewage treatment and giving the residents a clean and beautiful riverfront.

What are the proposals for river rejuvenation?

We have submitted a proposal wherein river flow plan between Wazirabad and Okhla areas would be made green, with space for the public to enjoy the natural beauty in the north of Wazirabad.

We want to create a large water body to help solve Delhi's perennial water problem. We have also proposed development of water bodies at Chawwla Kangenheri and at Najafgarh drain. We have a plan to develop a 2-km long water sports complex which will have facilities like kayaking and canoeing and will also provide water-based recreational sports to the public.

Delhi is regarded as a city of monuments. What are your plans to save its heritage?

Delhi has three World Heritage Sites — Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar and the Red Fort. Delhi Tourism with INTACH is developing the Mehrauli Archaeological Park and 40 monuments have already been restored. We hope to restore more such monuments in future.

All over the world, the planners are now looking at environmentally sustainable tourism. How does the Delhi Tourism look at this?

Tourism has to be environmentally sustainable. We also need to consider carbon emission and provide clean air and water to our citizens, that involves improving sewage treatment also. While use of CNG in public transport has been the first step, we need to do much more. With phenomenal increase of cars in Delhi, we need to increase the standards of their emission to a higher level. We also have to be strict about polluting industries, both in treatment of air and in water.

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(Nov 25, 2007)