Swachh Paryatan Sthal Abhiyaan
National Launch at Qutub Minar, New Delhi | 30 May 2026
Overview
First Step Foundation proudly served as the Implementation Partner for the Swachh Paryatan Sthal Abhiyaan, an initiative of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), launched at Qutub Minar, New Delhi. The campaign was designed to promote responsible tourism, heritage conservation, environmental stewardship, and civic responsibility among tourists, local communities, and tourism stakeholders.
The programme was organized with the support and permissions of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Delhi Police, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The event witnessed the participation of senior representatives from IATO, officials from the Ministry of Tourism, MCD officials and sanitation staff, students, volunteers, tourism professionals, and members of the public.
The campaign featured a cleanliness drive, public awareness activities, a Swachh Tourism Pledge, and a street play (Nukkad Natak) highlighting the importance of preserving India’s cultural and historical heritage. Through collective action and community participation, the initiative emphasized that clean tourist destinations are essential for sustainable tourism and national pride.
Objectives
• To promote cleanliness and responsible behaviour at tourist destinations.
• To create awareness about the importance of heritage conservation and environmental sustainability.
• To encourage public participation in maintaining clean and welcoming tourist sites.
• To strengthen collaboration among tourism stakeholders, government agencies, and local communities.
• To support the vision of Swachh Bharat and sustainable tourism development.
Key Activities
• Cleanliness drive at and around the Qutub Minar complex.
• Swachh Tourism Pledge signed by participants and visitors.
• Nukkad Natak (street play) on cleanliness and responsible tourism.
• Awareness campaigns promoting heritage conservation and waste management.
• Engagement with tourists, students, volunteers, and local stakeholders.
• Distribution of awareness materials encouraging responsible tourism practices.
• Participation of government officials, tourism professionals, and community members.
Beneficiaries
• Domestic and international tourists visiting Qutub Minar.
• Local communities and businesses dependent on tourism.
• Students, volunteers, and youth participants engaged in the campaign.
• Tourism stakeholders, guides, and service providers.
• The wider public through increased awareness of responsible tourism practices.
Impact Created
The initiative successfully transformed a cleanliness drive into a broader movement for responsible tourism and civic engagement. By bringing together government authorities, tourism leaders, students, volunteers, and citizens, the campaign generated greater awareness about maintaining clean and sustainable tourist destinations.
More than 80 participants publicly pledged their commitment to responsible tourism and environmental responsibility. The cleanliness drive and awareness activities reinforced the importance of collective ownership of public spaces while encouraging behavioural change among visitors and local stakeholders. The programme also strengthened collaboration between civil society, government institutions, and the tourism sector in promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Outcomes
• Increased awareness regarding cleanliness and responsible tourism.
• Strengthened public commitment towards heritage conservation and environmental responsibility.
• More than 80 participants signed the Swachh Tourism Pledge.
• Enhanced community participation in maintaining public spaces.
• Promoted behavioural change through awareness activities and public engagement.
• Strengthened partnerships between tourism stakeholders, government agencies, and civil society organizations.
Partnerships & Collaboration
The programme was implemented by First Step Foundation in partnership with the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO). The successful execution of the campaign was made possible through the support and permissions of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Delhi Police, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
The event was graced by Shri Arun Srivastava, Joint Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, along with senior representatives of IATO, MCD officials, sanitation workers, students, volunteers, and community members. The active participation of these stakeholders demonstrated the importance of multi-sector collaboration in advancing sustainable tourism and public cleanliness initiatives.
Sustainability
The Swachh Paryatan Sthal Abhiyaan was conceived not as a one-day event but as the beginning of a long-term movement towards responsible tourism and heritage preservation. By encouraging public pledges, fostering community ownership, and creating awareness among tourists and youth, the initiative laid the foundation for sustained behavioural change.
The campaign contributes to the broader goals of sustainable tourism, cleaner public spaces, environmental conservation, and preservation of cultural heritage. The partnerships established through this initiative will continue to support future awareness and engagement activities aimed at strengthening responsible tourism practices across India.
Acknowledgement
First Step Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), the Ministry of Tourism, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Delhi Police, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), participating officials, sanitation workers, students, volunteers, media representatives, and all stakeholders whose support and participation made this initiative a remarkable success.
Together, we reaffirm our commitment to building cleaner tourist destinations, preserving our heritage, and promoting a culture of responsible and sustainable tourism for future generations.
