MUMBAI: Beverage conglomerate Coca-Cola India and its Foundation, Anandana, and the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board have signed an MoU to launch Project Clean Destination in Bandhavgarh. The aim is to promote solid waste management over the next three years. The MoU, which aligns with the Government of India’s Responsible Tourism Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission, was executed in the presence of Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture, Tourism, Religious Trust, and Endowments.
The expansion of ‘Project Clean Destination’ in Bandhavgarh National Park builds on Coca-Cola India’s success at Panna National Park, where waste management was implemented across 30 surrounding villages. In partnership with Saahas, Coca-Cola India has engaged local communities, establishing Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and village-level storage centers to streamline waste management.
The initiative also creates livelihood opportunities by training Swachh Mitras (Waste Workers) for waste collection. As part of Coca-Cola India’s flagship campaign, Maidaan Saaf, this initiative promotes source segregation, raises awareness about responsible waste practices. The aim is to foster strong community participation for long-term impact.
Speaking on the dedication to promoting sustainable tourism and forging strong public-private partnerships in Madhya Pradesh, Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture, Tourism, Religious Trust and Endowments stated, “The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is proud to strengthen its collaboration with Anandana – The Coca-Cola India Foundation through the expansion of Project Clean Destination. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to preserving the ecological heritage of iconic sites like Panna and Bandhavgarh National Parks. By addressing waste management challenges and fostering community participation, we together aim to set new benchmarks for sustainable tourism in the state, contributing to a cleaner and greener Madhya Pradesh.”
Rajiv Gupta, Director – Anandana, the Coca-Cola India Foundation, said, “Project Clean Destination continues the vision we set out three years ago when we began our partnership with the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board for the cleanliness of national parks, starting with Panna National Park. It reflects our commitment to responsible waste management and eco-friendly practices. By establishing an efficient waste collection and recycling system in the villages around prominent tourist sites in Madhya Pradesh, we aim to protect these vital biodiversity hotspots while empowering local communities to adopt environmentally conscious practices. This partnership is a significant step towards creating scalable models for responsible tourism in India.”
By tackling waste at its source and fostering long-term community ownership, Project Clean Destination contributes to a cleaner, greener future said the parties.
