Sustainable Travel Projects at Indian Colleges: Students Making a Difference
As the world grapples with climate change, pollution, and the depletion of natural resources, the travel and tourism industry faces increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices. College students, particularly those studying in tourism, environmental science, and hospitality, are uniquely positioned to drive this change. Across India, students are becoming catalysts for sustainable travel through a range of creative and impactful projects that encourage eco-friendly travel choices, community engagement, and conservation efforts.
Indian colleges are fostering an environment that encourages students to develop innovative solutions for sustainable travel, contributing to the global movement towards greener tourism. In this blog, we explore some notable sustainable travel projects initiated by Indian college students, illustrating their commitment to making a positive environmental and social impact.
1. Eco-Friendly Travel Itineraries by DU’s Department of Tourism Studies
The University of Delhi (DU) is known for its comprehensive tourism studies programs, and its students have taken it a step further by developing sustainable travel itineraries. These projects focus on eco-tourism, promoting responsible travel, and minimizing the carbon footprint of travelers.
Key Initiatives:
- Promotion of Off-Season Travel: DU students have developed travel itineraries that encourage off-season tourism to reduce overcrowding at popular tourist destinations. By spreading tourism over the year and avoiding peak seasons, these itineraries help reduce the strain on natural resources and local communities.
- Eco-Tourism Routes: Students also curate eco-tourism routes that highlight less-visited, yet environmentally rich destinations like the Spiti Valley and Kanha National Park. These routes focus on promoting local conservation efforts, supporting community-based tourism, and preserving the natural beauty of these areas.
These initiatives not only help promote sustainable tourism practices but also empower local communities to participate in the tourism industry without compromising their ecological integrity.
2. Sustainability Club at Symbiosis International University, Pune
Symbiosis International University’s Sustainability Club has been actively engaged in promoting eco-friendly travel and tourism practices. The club encourages students to initiate projects that reduce waste, promote conservation, and raise awareness about the environmental impact of tourism.
Key Initiatives:
- Waste Reduction Campaigns at Tourist Spots: One of the club’s most notable projects involves organizing waste reduction campaigns at popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra. Students work with local authorities and tourists to educate them about responsible waste disposal, reducing plastic use, and organizing clean-up drives.
- Awareness Campaigns for Sustainable Transportation: Students from the Sustainability Club have also focused on encouraging the use of eco-friendly transportation options such as bicycles, public transit, and electric vehicles for tourist travel. The club organizes information sessions and drives to promote these alternatives to tourists visiting Pune and surrounding areas.
The Sustainability Club at Symbiosis serves as a platform for students to collaborate, learn, and promote sustainability within the tourism industry, and their efforts have resulted in more eco-conscious travel practices being adopted by both tourists and locals.
3. Eco-Conscious Travel Program at Amity University, Noida
Amity University has always been at the forefront of encouraging students to think creatively and act sustainably. Their students have initiated several projects to promote responsible tourism practices, particularly in North India, where the impact of tourism on the environment and communities is significant.
Key Initiatives:
- Sustainable Travel App Development: A group of students from Amity University’s School of Hospitality developed an app designed to help travelers make eco-friendly travel choices. The app provides information on sustainable hotels, eco-friendly activities, and transportation options in popular tourist destinations like Agra and Jaipur. The app also suggests less-crowded, nature-centric travel spots to avoid the negative effects of over-tourism.
- Eco-Friendly Travel Guidelines: Amity’s students collaborated with local authorities to create a set of sustainable travel guidelines for tourists visiting historical sites like the Taj Mahal. These guidelines encourage visitors to use biodegradable products, reduce water consumption, and adopt eco-conscious practices during their visits.
The students at Amity University are taking proactive steps to bridge the gap between technology, tourism, and sustainability, making it easier for travelers to make responsible choices.
4. Eco-Tourism Initiatives by Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai is renowned for its social impact initiatives, and its students are heavily involved in promoting sustainable tourism practices, especially in rural and less-explored regions of India. Through fieldwork, research, and partnerships with local NGOs, TISS students have been at the forefront of promoting eco-tourism in marginalized communities.
Key Initiatives:
- Community-Based Eco-Tourism Projects: TISS students work with rural communities in Maharashtra, Goa, and Kerala to develop sustainable tourism models that benefit local communities. For example, in rural Goa, students collaborated with local artisans to create community-led eco-tourism programs that not only highlight the region’s cultural heritage but also help preserve the local environment by minimizing commercial tourism’s negative impact.
- Sustainable Wildlife Tourism: TISS students have worked on projects to promote sustainable wildlife tourism in the Sundarbans and Kanha National Park. These initiatives focus on educating both tourists and locals about the importance of wildlife conservation and creating sustainable income opportunities for local communities through eco-tourism ventures.
TISS students are pioneering community-driven eco-tourism models, demonstrating how tourism can be a force for good when it prioritizes conservation and benefits local communities.
5. Green Travel Campaign by Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-B)
IIT Bombay, one of India’s premier technical institutions, is home to a number of student-led sustainability initiatives. The institute’s Sustainable Development Cell has launched various projects to raise awareness about green travel and its environmental benefits.
Key Initiatives:
- Green Travel Awareness Campaign: IIT-B students launched a campaign aimed at encouraging sustainable modes of transport for tourists traveling to Mumbai. The campaign emphasized the use of bicycles, electric vehicles, and the city’s metro system to reduce the environmental impact of private vehicle use. They also introduced bike-sharing programs to make eco-friendly travel more accessible to both locals and tourists.
- Digital Platform for Eco-Tourism: Students have also developed a digital platform that promotes eco-friendly travel itineraries for popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra. The platform highlights eco-conscious hotels, green-certified tour operators, and sustainable activities such as nature walks and farm visits.
IIT-B students are using their technological expertise to make sustainable travel more accessible and appealing to both domestic and international tourists.
6. Sustainable Travel Workshops at Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in India, is working to raise awareness of sustainable tourism practices through workshops, seminars, and community engagement programs. The university’s tourism studies department collaborates with local stakeholders to promote eco-friendly tourism in culturally rich destinations like Varanasi, Sarnath, and Khajuraho.
Key Initiatives:
- Workshops on Responsible Tourism Practices: BHU organizes workshops for students, local businesses, and tourists that emphasize responsible tourism practices such as reducing plastic waste, respecting local customs, and supporting sustainable businesses. These workshops have helped raise awareness among students about the importance of tourism as a tool for conservation and cultural preservation.
- Green Certifications for Local Businesses: BHU students work closely with local hotels, restaurants, and tour operators in Varanasi to encourage them to adopt eco-friendly practices. The university offers support and certifications for businesses that implement sustainable measures such as waste management systems, energy-efficient appliances, and sourcing products locally.
BHU’s efforts are helping to create a sustainable tourism ecosystem in one of India’s most visited cities, demonstrating how local engagement and education can lead to long-lasting positive changes.
Conclusion
Indian college students are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable travel. From developing eco-friendly travel apps to organizing awareness campaigns and collaborating with local communities, students are taking initiative to ensure that tourism contributes positively to the environment and society. Through their efforts, they are proving that sustainable travel is not just a concept but a tangible reality that can be implemented at every level of tourism.
These projects not only contribute to environmental conservation and cultural preservation but also equip students with practical skills and knowledge to lead the way in responsible tourism. As India continues to grow as a global tourism destination, the influence of these student-driven sustainable travel projects will undoubtedly play a significant role in preserving the country’s natural and cultural heritage for generations to come.