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Kerala is taking new steps to improve women's safety at popular tourist destinations by introducing Green Marshals to create a local workforce that will monitor tourist spots and help address visitors' challenges, launching the programme on October 9.
Kerala To Introduce Green Marshals for Women's Safety at Tourist Destinations
In the first phase, Green Marshals will be appointed at selected tourist destinations to maintain tourist sites, help visitors, monitor safety, ensure cleanliness, manage waste, and protect the environment. Tourism Minister P C Vishnunadh said the initiative was introduced because there is currently no effective local system for the daily monitoring of tourist destinations. The minister said Green Marshals will provide protection and support to tourists while also taking care of maintenance. They will check whether waste management is being carried out properly, tourist spots are clean, and facilities are functioning properly.
He said safety has become increasingly important as tourism patterns change, particularly because more women are travelling alone. Kerala has many solo travellers, including women, and it is important to ensure that they feel safe and secure at tourist destinations. The minister also pointed out that even a single untoward incident could have wider consequences and affect Kerala's reputation as a tourist destination.
Kerala's Green Marshals to Receive Proper Training
Green Marshals will receive proper training in environmental responsibilities and destination management. They will also be trained on how to interact with tourists appropriately. The aim is to ensure that visitors do not face complaints related to the behaviour of people appointed to assist them.
The programme will focus on identifying gaps at tourist destinations, ensuring basic facilities remain operational, helping visitors and providing support during emergencies.
People between the ages of 20 and 40 will be eligible to apply for Green Marshal positions, and the minimum educational qualification is SSLC.
The first phase of the programme is expected to create employment opportunities for around 180 people.