Ministry of Tourism hosts Award Ceremony Celebrating Innovations in Eco-Friendly Cutlery and Crockery

New Delhi, March 14, 2024: In a momentous event, the Ministry of Tourism orchestrated an award ceremony to honor the ingenious solutions born from the ‘Design Challenge: Eco-Friendly Cutlery and Crockery to Substitute Single Use Plastic.’ This significant initiative, aimed at combatting the detrimental effects of single-use plastic on the environment, saw its culmination today at New Delhi.

Chaired by D.G. (Tourism), Ms. Manisha Saxena, and graced by the esteemed presence of Senior Economic Advisor Mr. Gyan Bhushan, along with renowned culinary experts Chef Manjit Singh Gill and Chef Gunjan Goela, the ceremony resonated with the spirit of innovation and sustainability.

The ‘Design Challenge,’ a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism and the National Council for Hotel Management & Catering Technology (NCHMCT), witnessed participation from 22 esteemed Hotel Management Institutes across the nation. Out of these, seven top-ranking institutions emerged victorious, showcasing their groundbreaking edible cutlery and crockery designs.

Earning coveted positions were SIHM Indore, IHM Lucknow, IHM Raipur, SIHM Ranchi, IHM Mumbai, IHM Gurdaspur, and Dr. Ambedkar Hotel Management Institute Chandigarh. Displaying remarkable attributes such as durability, cost-effectiveness, scalability, nutritional value, and adherence to hygiene standards, these innovative creations set a new benchmark in eco-conscious hospitality.

IHM Mumbai clinched the top position, with SIHM Raipur and IHM Lucknow securing second and third place respectively, underscoring their commitment to sustainable practices.

Aligned with the ethos of Travel for LiFE, a specialized program under Mission LiFE, the initiative champions behavioral change among tourists and industry stakeholders, advocating the rejection of single-use plastic. By conceptualizing the Design Challenge, the Ministry aimed to foster a culture of eco-friendly alternatives in cutlery and crockery, paving the way for sustainable tourism practices.

As part of the event, an informative booklet detailing the ‘Design Challenge: Eco-Friendly Cutlery and Crockery to Substitute Single Use Plastic’ was unveiled. Furthermore, a comprehensive panel discussion ensued, deliberating on the efficacy of such initiatives and the challenges in their widespread adoption.

Notably, beyond environmental preservation, this initiative holds the promise of generating employment opportunities for stakeholders, reinforcing its multifaceted impact on society.

In essence, the Ministry’s endeavor stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring a paradigm shift towards a greener, more sustainable future in the realm of hospitality and tourism.