Pahalgam Sets Example as India's First SGLR-Rated Tourist Spot

Pahalgam Sets Example as India's First SGLR-Rated Tourist Spot

By Author

Published on December 16, 2023

In a significant stride towards promoting sustainable tourism, the picturesque tourist haven of Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir has become the first destination in India to embrace the Swachhta Green Leaf Rating (SGLR) system. This pioneering move aims to assess tourism infrastructure, including hotels, resorts, and home stays, based on safe sanitation practices.

The SGLR system is a collaborative effort between the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS) and the Tourism Ministry, focusing on the voluntary rating of hospitality infrastructure for hygiene and sanitation.

Pahalgam's adoption of the SGLR is a pilot initiative set to revolutionize the tourism landscape in the region. It underscores the commitment to providing visitors with not only breathtaking natural beauty but also top-notch sanitation practices.

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Atal Dulloo, the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, virtually inaugurated the adoption of the SGLR in the hospitality sector by hoteliers in Pahalgam. He urged all stakeholders, including the relevant authorities, to ensure the success of this pioneering model. Dulloo emphasized that Jammu & Kashmir, as a torchbearer in this endeavor, has a unique responsibility to set an example for sustainable tourism.

"Since tourism is one of the mainstays of our economy, it has added significance for us to preserve the pristine assets of beauty and a pleasant environment in our UT," Dulloo stated. He further emphasized that responsible citizens lead to responsible practices in every sector, aligning with the three pillars of sustainable development: economy, ecology, and equity.

Dulloo unveiled the three components of Solid Waste Management (SWM), Faecal Sludge Management (FSM), and Greywater Management (GWM), highlighting their practical principles as integral to sustainable tourism.

The SGLR system comprises three themes, each carrying a total of 200 marks. The first two themes are allocated 80 marks each, while the last one holds 40 marks. Participating entities must achieve a minimum score of 50 percent in each theme to qualify for certification. Entities scoring between 100 and 130 marks receive "1-Leaf Status," those scoring 130 to 180 marks attain "3-Leaf Status," and the highest accolade of "5-Leaf Status" is awarded to those scoring between 180 and 200 marks.

This rating system is an integral part of the Travel for LiFE program in the tourism sector, under Mission LiFE. It aims to raise awareness about sustainable tourism and encourages tourists and tourism businesses to adopt practices in harmony with nature. The program strives to integrate sustainability into the tourism sector, fostering its growth as a sustainable, responsible, and resilient industry.

As Pahalgam blazes a trail with the SGLR system, it sets an inspiring example for other tourist destinations across India. This initiative not only enhances the visitor experience but also underscores the importance of preserving India's natural treasures for generations to come.


India’s Longest Glass Skywalk Bridge to Open in Vizag’s Kailasagiri Hills

India’s Longest Glass Skywalk Bridge to Open in Vizag’s Kailasagiri Hills

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 9, 2025

Visakhapatnam is about to add a new landmark to its tourism map with the launch of India’s longest glass skywalk bridge at Kailasagiri Hills. The 55-metre-long structure, perched 862 feet above ground, will offer visitors panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal, the bustling city of Vizag, and the Eastern Ghats.

The new attraction has been designed with both thrill and safety in mind. Built with three layers of 40-mm thick tempered laminated glass imported from Germany, the bridge is supported by 40 tonnes of steel and engineered to handle up to 500 kg per square metre. The project, developed at a cost of INR 7 crore, also takes into account the region’s cyclone-prone climate, with the structure built to withstand wind speeds of up to 250 km/h.

While the bridge can technically accommodate over 100 people, entry will be carefully regulated for safety and visitor experience. Only 40 visitors will be allowed at a time, with each visit lasting between 5 and 10 minutes, ensuring everyone gets a chance to enjoy the walk.

The glass skywalk at Kailasagiri Hills surpasses Kerala’s Vagamon bridge, which measures 38 metres, making it the longest hanging glass bridge in the country. Its location was finalized after a detailed survey to ensure visitors get the most scenic vantage points.

The initiative was developed through a public-private partnership between the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA), SSM Shipping & Logistics, and Bharat Mata Ventures, the creators of the Vagamon bridge. Alongside the glass skywalk, other attractions such as ziplining and sky cycling by RJ Adventures are also being introduced, turning Kailasagiri into a growing adventure hub.

The bridge is expected to be inaugurated soon, with final touches like lighting and safety checks underway. Once opened, it is anticipated to become one of the most popular attractions in the region, drawing tourists from across India and abroad to experience Vizag’s natural beauty from a whole new perspective.


Biggest Setback to Char Dham Yatra Since the 2013 Kedarnath Disaster

Biggest Setback to Char Dham Yatra Since the 2013 Kedarnath Disaster

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 7, 2025

The Char Dham Yatra this year has suffered its worst disruption in more than a decade, second only to the catastrophic Kedarnath floods of 2013. Continuous rains, flash floods, and landslides have brought the annual pilgrimage to a standstill for over 50 days, leaving behind significant human and financial losses.

According to official data, 80 people lost their lives, 114 were injured, and 95 remain missing due to weather-related incidents since April 1. The calamities also destroyed 229 houses and left 1,828 partially damaged, underscoring the widespread impact of the extreme weather conditions.

The pilgrimage to Gangotri and Yamunotri was halted for over 20 days each, while Badrinath and Kedarnath saw shorter suspensions of four days each. Since the yatra began on May 4, more than 40 lakh devotees have visited the four Himalayan shrines. However, from July onwards, heavy rains forced authorities to impose repeated bans on movement, causing a steep decline in pilgrim turnout.

Stakeholders said that excluding the pandemic years, this season may have caused the highest financial losses in recent history. “This has been the most challenging season in recent memory. Many bookings have been cancelled, and there are no new inquiries. September was our last hope, but numbers may fall far below last year’s,” said Sudhir Rana, a travel agency owner.

Among the worst-hit destinations is Gangotri, where the Dharali disaster caused severe damage. “It will take us a long time to recover. Most people are still coming to terms with the magnitude of their losses,” said Rajnikant Semwal, a resident of Mukhba.

The shortened duration of the yatra has worsened matters. With Diwali falling earlier this year, three of the four shrines are expected to close by October, reducing the earning window for locals. “Hotel occupancy rates in July, August, and now early September have plummeted to around 10%. Except for some business in May and June, the season has remained completely dry,” said Rakesh Ranjan, president of the Joshimath Hotel Association.

Echoing these concerns, Brijesh Sati, general secretary of Char Dham Teerth Purohit Mahapanchayat, said, “We had just begun recovering from the Covid-induced losses. This year’s natural disasters have pushed us back further.”

As the season heads towards an early closure, pilgrims, hoteliers, and traders remain uncertain about recovery, with many still grappling with the devastation caused by nature’s fury.


Akasa Air Expands Chennai–Abu Dhabi Connectivity with 6x Weekly Service

Akasa Air Expands Chennai–Abu Dhabi Connectivity with 6x Weekly Service

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 6, 2025

Akasa Air has strengthened its international operations by inaugrated its direct flight from Chennai to Abu Dhabi route with 6x weekly services. The flights, which began on 1st September, are now operating with enhanced frequency to meet growing travel demand.

This new route not only improves connectivity between Chennai and Abu Dhabi but also offers travellers the airline’s signature service at affordable fares. The route functions as a turnaround flight, with inbound and outbound operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport and a ground time of just two hours, ensuring efficiency and convenience.

This inaugral service reflects Akasa Air’s focus on expanding its global footprint and supporting seamless travel between India and the UAE. By offering more flight options, the airline continues to cater to both business and leisure travellers while reinforcing its reputation for reliability and customer-friendly service.

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