Source– The post is based on the article “MV Ganga Vilas: A welcome push for riverine tourism” published in The Indian Express on 16th January 2023.
Syllabus: GS3- Economy
Relevance– Issues related to tourism sector
News– The article explains the potential of riverine tourism in India.
Recently, the Prime Minister launched the MV Ganga Vilas from Varanasi.
What are some facts about MV Ganga Vilas?
The luxury 51-day cruise will be operated in partnership with private players by the Inland Waterways Authority.
It will traverse several states, two countries and make stops at about 50 tourist and heritage sites along the Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems.
It will generate employment for people living in these states.
What is the way forward to ensure sustainable growth in riverine tourism?
The employment generation must go hand-in-hand with ecological repair.
Issues of silting and pollution must be addressed by the government to realise its goal to increase cruise passenger traffic.
Sustainable growth is possible if it involves local communities.
There is huge potential for expansion of larger, luxury liners, riverine tourism. But, the expansion must take into account the best practices from around India and the world. Also, smaller vessels may pose less of an ecological challenge.
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