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Coca-Cola India and its foundation, Anandana, in partnership with the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, have officially launched “Project Clean Destination” in Bandhavgarh National Park. This initiative is a part of Coca-Cola India’s broader commitment to solid waste management and sustainable tourism, designed to align with the Government of India’s Responsible Tourism Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission.
The project is set to run over the next three years and was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in the presence of Sh. Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture, Tourism, Religious Trust, and Endowments. This launch builds on the success of the program previously implemented at Panna National Park, where waste management solutions were introduced in 30 villages, providing a sustainable framework for waste collection and recycling.
Expanding Waste Management to Bandhavgarh
Building on the success at Panna National Park, Project Clean Destination is focused on establishing effective waste management in the villages surrounding Bandhavgarh National Park. In collaboration with Saahas, Coca-Cola India has worked to set up Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and village-level storage centers, ensuring streamlined waste collection and processing.
Through this initiative, Coca-Cola India aims to train local waste workers, known as Swachh Mitras, in effective waste collection practices while generating employment opportunities for them. As a part of Coca-Cola India’s Maidaan Saaf campaign, the project also promotes awareness about waste segregation and responsible environmental practices, encouraging strong community participation to ensure a lasting impact.
Shared Vision for Sustainable Tourism
At the launch, Sh. Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, Minister of State for Culture, Tourism, Religious Trust, and Endowments, emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in preserving natural ecosystems. “The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is proud to expand its collaboration with Anandana, the Coca-Cola India Foundation, through Project Clean Destination. This initiative is a testament to our collective effort to safeguard the ecological heritage of iconic destinations like Panna and Bandhavgarh. By addressing waste management and promoting community participation, we are setting new standards for sustainable tourism in Madhya Pradesh,” he stated.
A Commitment to Responsible Waste Management
Rajiv Gupta, Director of Anandana, Coca-Cola India Foundation, shared insights on the initiative: “Project Clean Destination extends the commitment we made three years ago with the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, beginning with Panna National Park. We are dedicated to responsible waste management practices that protect biodiversity hotspots like Bandhavgarh, while empowering local communities with eco-friendly practices. This partnership is a step toward creating scalable models for responsible tourism across India.”
A Cleaner, Greener Future for Madhya Pradesh
Through Project Clean Destination, Coca-Cola India and the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board are tackling waste at its source while fostering community ownership and participation. The project is expected to have a lasting positive impact on local ecosystems and communities, contributing to a cleaner and greener future for the region. This initiative showcases the power of collaboration between public and private sectors to address environmental challenges and create sustainable solutions for tourism in India.
By setting new standards for waste management in iconic tourist destinations, Project Clean Destination aims to inspire responsible tourism and environmental stewardship across India.