EQUATIONS, established in 1985, is a soiety registered under the Karnataka Soietes Registraton At, 1960 and the Foreign Contributon (Regulaton) At, 1976 renewed upto 31 Otober 2021. It is also registered under seton 12a of Inome Ta At, 1961 and has obtained reogniton under seton 80g of the Inome Ta At, 1961. OUR WORK IN 2017–2018 CONTEXT OFOURWORK A NOTE FROMTHEPRESIDENT ABBREVIATIONS MANAGEMENT, STAFF ANDEXTENDED TEAMS EVENTS THAT SAWEQUATIONS’ PRESENCE ANNUAL FINANCIALSTATEMENTOFACCOUNTS CONDOLENCES INTERNAL COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE KEY FUNDINGSUPPORT CONTENTS 4 50 39 39 39 20 2 47 41 40

EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 2 A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT

This report captures EQUATIONS work of 2017-2018 detailing key interventions that we have been a part of. Some of the trends and developments we responded through our work are outlined here. Exploitation of children continues to be a serious concern in tourism sector, which was highlighted through our research. There have been a number of reported cases of Travelling Sex Ofenders (TSOs) in India since the 1980s, but there are several challenges in the prosecution of these cases. This year we have initiated a research on TSOs with an objective to ascertain patterns in the operation of TSOs in India, and identify legal and institutional loopholes that have hitherto prevented the successful prosecution of TSOs. Child labour has also been a growing concern within tourism. Another area of research has been an exploratory paper on women in sex work and tourism. These are areas that we plan to take forward. There has been a major thrust by both the centre and state governments to promote religious tourism. We have started the process of documenting the issues and impacts of religious tourism, to understand the socio-political and economic situation of tourism and how it impacts local communities. Hampi saw eviction notices being issued once again to the people from Hampi World Heritage Management Authority. The local communities of Hampi village approached EQUATIONS to resist the eviction threat during which time we provided necessary background information and supported them in developing the point of arguments (both academic and technical based on the various discourses on conservation, human rights, livelihood, adverse possession). Our interactions with the tourism industry were on corporate accountability and on the issue child and tourism. We undertook a study on the functioning of the hotel chains in the context of some of their practices, policies and the efectiveness of their monitoring mechanism. We interacted with guides, car drivers, auto rickshaw drivers, cyber cafés and hotels on the issues of child and tourism. Many laws and policies – land, forests, coasts, children, women – are witnessing a change, which automatically has an impact of the tourism. These have been on our radar. We have continued our advocacy efforts with central level Ministries and other government bodies such as Tourism, Women and Child Development, National & State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights. EQUATIONS conducted a session for forest officials on the issue of tourism carrying capacity during the training conducted by Jungle Lodges and Resorts. We engaged with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Niti Aayog, and the Andaman Administration on the tourism plans. EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 3

Collaborating with organisations / peoples movements / individuals continues as a core method of our work. Our experiences over the past year have been both enriching and one of continuous learning. Last year also saw us acquiring new skills to engage with the media for wider outreach of EQUATIONS work.

MARIO PINTO ALMEIDA President Equitable Tourism Options (EQUATIONS) Society EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 4

from the e-TV scheme, ofered to citizens of 163 countries visiting India as tourists, since its CONTEXT OF launch in 2014. 1 Duration of stay in India under e-TV has been increased from the existing 30 days to 60 days. OUR WORK In the case of e-Medical Visa, extension may be granted up to 6 months. On e-TV and e-Business Tourists Visa, a foreign national is permitted double entry as against single entry at present. In the case of As per the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), from 1997 those availing e-Medical Visa, triple entry will be to 2016 the number of domestic tourist visits permitted as against single entry at present. grew by 10 times — from close to 160 mn to 1614 mn. Indian domestic travel market is poised to India is becoming the fastest growing outbound become a $48 bn industry by 2020 according to market, ranking next to China with a prediction a report published by Google India along with to grow 50 mn by 2020 as per the World Tourism Boston Consulting Group. Foreign Tourist Arrivals Organisation (UNWTO). In 2017, there were more in the year 2017 crossed the 1 bn mark with a than 2.3 mn outbound tourist departures from growth of 15.6% over 2016. Foreign Exchange India. Dubai, USA, Thailand, and Singapore are the Earnings during 2017 was INR 1804 bn with a top choices for Indian outbound tourists followed growth of 17% over 2016. by UK, Australia, Indonesia, Turkey, Oman, Sri Lanka and Maldives. In recent times, countries such as India stayed at the 40th rank for the 2nd Canada, Philippines, Mauritius, Jordan, Taiwan year, after having jumped 12 places from and Kenya are also showing an increase in Indian earlier 52nd position in 2015 in the Travel tourists rush. A number of factors have contributed and Tourism Competitiveness Index. At a towards the growth of outbound Indian tourism macro level, the primary reasons for India’s and travel industry, the most prevalent being: an jump in the Index 2017, is attributed to the increase in GDP over 7%, growing air connectivity development of tourism infrastructure and due to low-cost carriers, an increase in the easing of entry formalities for tourists. expanding urban middle class and growth of The Indian visa rules do not make declaration of women and senior travellers. criminal records mandatory, though the Ministry A signifcant shif has also been that a majority of Women and Child Development (MWCD) has of travel planning and booking now take place proposed that the visa forms be amended to online. India was projected to have accounted for include such a provision. While many countries 3.7% of the global digital travel sales. have strict visa regulations that prevent anyone with a history of sexual ofence or any criminal record from entering their territories, India has Policy and Budgets taken its ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ tradition too literally. India started giving visas on arrival and e-visas to International Policies nationals of various countries at its international In the context of the universal 2030 Agenda for airports, with no regard for their previous Sustainable Development and the Sustainable criminal record. Development Goals (SDGs), the International In 2017, a total of 16.8 mn foreign tourists arrived Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development on e-Tourist Visa (e-TV) as compared to 10.8 2017 aimed to support changes in policies, mn in 2016, registering a growth of 57.2%.The business practices and consumer behaviour government has earned INR 14 bn as revenue towards a more sustainable tourism sector and

1 This section is written based on articles in the national and local media. EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 5 contribute to the SDGs. The roadmap given by MoT in collaboration with Ministry of Culture the UNWTO to promote tourism’s role in the fve and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), State/ key areas were: UTs Governments and Local bodies launched “Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni 1. Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth Pehchaan” project to preserve the cultural 2. Social Inclusiveness, Employment and and natural heritage and to promote tourism Poverty Reduction across the country. In January 2018, under this 3. Resource Eficiency, Environmental Protection project, letters of intent for 40 monuments to 9 and Climate Change agencies of Phase-II and for 22 monuments to 8 agencies of Phase-III were signed. 4. Cultural Values, Diversity and Heritage In February 2018, 10 ‘iconic destinations’ were 5. Mutual Understanding, Peace and Security. identified by MoT for ‘holistic development’ The move of UNWTO was to hold discussions as proposed in the annual budget of 2018- with travel and tourism sector on sustainability. 19 – Iconic Tourist Sites Project. The budget The concern now is that the mainstream tourism had proposed this exercise under the industry will decide and draw on the framework National Heritage City Development and of what is sustainability and what is not, though Augmentation (HRIDAY) programme of the issues faced by local communities hardly feature government. Besides one wildlife destination in the discussions. and one beach destination, the rest of the destinations identified are all heritage National Policies monuments under the ASI. They include Delhi (Red Fort, Qutab Minar, Humayun Tomb), Taj Nationally, the UNWTO declaration of Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri (Agra), Dholavira sustainable tourism is not yet registered in and Somnath (Gujarat), Khajuraho (Madhya the minds of the Indian tourism planners Pradesh), Hampi (Karnataka), Mahabalipuram and policymakers. The focus continues to (Karnataka), Amer Fort (Rajasthan), Ajanta and be on tourism infrastructure and promotion. Ellora (Maharashtra), Kumarakom (Kerala) & The Comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Mahabodhi Temple (Bihar). Criteria for India for Accommodation, Tour Operators and Beaches, Backwaters, Lakes The Intergovernmental Committee for the & Rivers sectors, there since August 2014, Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural lacks implementation. According to MoT it is Heritage under the United Nations suficient to sign a pledge for commitment Educational, Scientific and Cultural towards Safe & Honourable Tourism and Organization (UNESCO) has inscribed Sustainable Tourism to be recognised as being ‘KumbhMela’ in the Representative List of sustainable and not be concerned about the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This impacts of tourism on local communities. inscription is the third in two years following the inscriptions of ‘Yoga’ and ‘Nouroz’. In December 2017, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry constituted Invest India for facilitating of ‘Atithidevo Bhava’ - Social Awareness foreign and other investments into India. Through Campaign has been re-introduced by the this agency, a Working Group was formed to Ministry of Tourism with the objective of formulate conducive policy interventions for sensitising stakeholders and the general public the promotion of niche tourism with MoT and on various themes including good behaviour representatives of private industry. The Group will towards tourists, honesty, civic responsibilities study the best niche tourism policies and safety of citizens, discouraging graffiti, etc. “Swachh standards and best practices in Indian states and Bharat” is a major component of the Social create a model policy and practices based on Awareness Campaign. best practices for the entire country. EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 6

MoT entered into a Memorandum of Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Understanding (MoU) with the Ecotourism Corporation plans to introduce Rayalseema Society of India (ESOI) to inform and educate Religious and Heritage Tourism Circuit, with tourism stakeholders about the importance of an estimation of Rs 133.5 cr to be spent on sustainable and responsible tourism practices religious places like Mahanadi, Ahobilam, and ensuring and promoting sustainable Mantralayam, and Lepakshi. They have also and responsible practices in the tourism identified five Buddhist sites to be developed industry. While the intentions are valid, it is as a circuit. Heli tourism in the temple city of left to be seen what happens in reality as ESOI Tirupati is already in process. themselves comprise largely of people from Tamil Nadu has sought about USD 3.15 cr from the industry and bureaucracy. Asian Development Bank (ADB) to conserve Promotion and publicity are areas where the heritage buildings and ancient temples which MoT is active, through organising various events come under the ambit of Hindu Religious and at the national and international level. Bharat Charitable Endowments (HRCE) Department. Parv, Prayatan Parv (tourist festival), Yog Diwas, HRCE and Tamil Nadu Tourism Department has Swachhta Hi Seva, are some events organised to submitted a proposal as a part of the Ramayana promote tourism. Circuit for the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram. The government has doubled In terms of of tourism products, they focused on the number of benefciaries to 1000 under the promoting cruise, adventure, medical, wellness, subsidy scheme for undertaking Manasarovar golf, polo, and MICE tourism. There has been and Mukthinath pilgrimages. a thrust on promoting the religious tourism through the Ramayana circuit, Krishna circuit, The Karnataka government launched Punitha Yatre Spiritual circuit, and Buddhist circuit under the wherein about 21 subsidized packages are ofered Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Among the religious for people to visit religious sites such as churches, circuits, the Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala and mosques, and temples in Karnataka and some Rajasthan have been allocated funds. parts of South India. These packages are catered to diferent castes and communities in Karnataka. With a major thrust on religious tourism In light of the assembly elections that will be under the Swadesh Darshan and Pilgrimage held in Karnataka in 2018, this move seems to be Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation focused towards the appeasement of the diferent Drive (PRASAD) schemes of the MoT, PRASAD communities and consolidation of votes. scheme was given INR 1.5 bn as compared to INR 1 bn in the last budget. Under Swadesh The Gujarat government launched Shravan Darshan scheme, INR 21.48 bn out of 56.48 bn Tirthdarshan Yojana wherein the government will allocated was sanctioned under diferent themes pay 50% costs of the tirth yatra by non-AC state where coastal circuits cover Andhra Pradesh, transport bus for senior citizens. Puducherry, West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, In West Bengal, ISKCON plans to have a Vedic Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Odisha. In order Centre for Culture and Education, a world-class to help augment a greater synergy between the park, community hall, light and sound exhibition, rural and urban spiritual sites and increase the at the Sagar Islands, which attracts lakhs of funding for the scheme, HRIDAY and PRASAD pilgrims during holy ‘Makarsankranti’ in January scheme have been merged. every year. Uttarakhand is planning to promote Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has multiple religious circuits such as Devi, Shaiv, transferred land to MoT to build tourist way- Vaishnav, Nagraj and Mahabarath circuit. side amenities at fve places on the Buddhist The President of India inaugurated a newly built and Ramayan Circuit across UP and Bihar. The airport at Shirdi in Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar Ministry of Highways will develop 700 such district to promote religious tourism. Alliance Air, facilities on its own in coming years.

EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS Trujet and Zoom air will operate fights between 7

Mumbai and Shirdi. Similarly, in Rajasthan, increasing the foreign tourist arrival to 10%, an airport, about 105 km from Jaipur, was setting up 50 heritage hotels, and ensuring inaugurated to connect religious destinations safety of women tourists. such as Pushkar and the Ajmer Dargah. Punjab State Tourism Policy aims to double Uttar Pradesh Government has declared tourist arrivals in the state in fve years, and is Vrindavan Nagar Palika Parishad and Barsana planning to promote thematic circuits including Nagar Panchayat in Mathura district as a holy agritourism, the Amritsar circuit, the frontier trail, pilgrimage place and the sale of meat and liquor the Mughal Circuit: the Maharajah Circuit; the is banned within municipal limits of towns. Patiala Trail: the Chandigarh Circuit, and many The Mathura police may soon wear badges more. The policy also aims to provide impetus to with Krishna image in order to make them look rural tourism, medical tourism, heritage tourism more tourist friendly. There are plans to boost and flm tourism. regional connectivity for religious tourism Kerala’s tourism policy emphasises on the purposes through new airports at Agra and participation of the diferently-abled and Kanpur. The World-Bank’s pro-poor tourism transgenders, while implementing the development project has sanctioned an Responsible Tourism Mission across the state, amount of INR 1800 cr for the development to promote the tourism sector. It proposes to of Buddhist circuit. Ramayan Museum in establish a Kerala Tourism Regulatory Authority, Ayodhya, and water sports in Ramgarh Lake which will ensure quality service for tourists in Gorakpur near the Goraknath Temple, and curb unhealthy practices. Following the ropeways in Vindhayachal (Goddess Durga Responsible Tourism Mission, Kerala Tourism has temple) and Chitrakoot have also been guided all the regional bodies and authorities planned. UP government has also plans to tie- concerned to implement and follow the Green up with Gujarat to boost Krishna tourism. Protocol at all the destinations of Kerala. In Jammu and Kashmir around 176 pilgrim It will also include a new project involving sites and shrines are being developed by local people in the tourism decision-making creating various facilities for visitors under called ‘PEPPER’ (People’s Participation for pilgrim tourism. Planning & Empowerment through Responsible Tourism) which is an attempt at spearheading The Ministry of Minority Afairs constituted a a movement that will safeguard the rights of special Haj Committee to review the existing the local community, preserve the ecological Haj Policy. The proposed Haj Policy 2018-22 by and cultural fabric of a destination and ensure the committee, recommends abolishing the Haj its holistic development. PEPPER will reinvent subsidy, reduction of embankment points, and the way the local community is involved in allowing a group of four women aged above tourism. Gram Sabhas (village communities) will 45 years to undertake the journey without a undertake activities such as tourism mapping, male companion. The funds from the cut in product development, and marketing. subsidy will be directed towards the educational empowerment and welfare of Muslims. Sikkim’s Tourism policy will give high priority to ecotourism and homestay tourism, with the government supporting over 730 homestays. State Policies Himachal Pradesh on the other hand approved Many states have, or are planning to the HP Heritage Tourism Policy aimed at announce tourism policies. The Uttar Pradesh preserving the heritage buildings, forts, palaces government announced its tourism policy in having a historical lineage. February 2018 setting an ambitious target of Karnataka has introduced a policy on Private generating five lakh jobs every year, attracting Conservancies, which provides incentives to INR 50 bn investment, creating a land bank, farmers to keep lands fallow in and around EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 8

protected areas. Farmers can develop tourist Japan’s Setouchi Holdings to fy amphibian facilities in 5% of the land and conduct planes. Airbnb and the World Bank signed an ecotourism activities in that area. This policy MoU to boost the tourism industry of developing will come into efect by introducing changes to economies with a view to enhance “rural the various forest and wildlife related laws and tourism”. Through the agreement, they plan to rules and only beneft large land holders without examine ways in which emerging destinations benefting small land holders and landless use new technology and platforms to create agricultural labourers. Also, this again leads to economic opportunities for communities that increasing tourism in the bufer areas, without have not traditionally benefted from tourism suficiently assessing the carrying capacity of and hospitality. They will share information on areas peripheral to protected areas. the current scale of alternative accommodation options and home sharing across several The Ministry of Development of North Eastern countries, beginning with pilot projects Region announced the constitution of a in Sri Lanka and India. dedicated Tourism Development Council (NETDC) for the North Eastern Region. The The tourism industry is capitalising on the push NETDC is constituted as a company under towards religious tourism. In a survey conducted, section 8 with both private and public sector it was found that about 53% of the customers equity, to promote tourism within North East were interested in opting for a pilgrimage tour if and create linkages with the region in sync a reputed travel operator ofered such services. It with the Look East policy. The Council is also indicated that about 38% sought assistance constituted as a non-profit organization where to plan a pilgrimage tour. Based on this survey, people will contribute for the promotion of SOTC has launched Darshan which facilitates tourism without profit. pre-booked darshan, special poojas, and In addition, in March 2018, the Central assisted temple visit in addition to logistics. Government decided to relax the Protected The government has pushed for connecting Area Permit regime to enable foreign tourists small towns through the Ude Desh ka Aam to access border areas. The move follows Naagrik (UDAN) scheme, under which new several requests from the border states of and existing airlines fly to remote airports at Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, rates subsidised by the government. The 502 Uttarakhand, Nagaland and Manipur, as also routes seek to connect about 116 airports the Tourism Ministry. and helipads, including 49 unserved and 15 under-served airports and 24 helipads. Under Industry and the first round of bidding, the government had approved 27 proposals for 128 routes to Infrastructure connect about 70 airports. In the Union Budget, 2018-2019, the tourism Given the rise in air passengers, the industry did not get the Goods and Services Tax government has given an in-principle approval beneft and input credit they were hoping for but for 19 greenfield airports, of which some were heartened by the other announcements, would be developed through Public Private particularly the plans to increase connectivity Partnership (PPP). In June 2017, sixteen years and expand or bolster related infrastructure. after the idea was first floated, a site for an international airport at Jewar, in the National Afer receiving the request for inclusion from Capital Region was given an in-principle a few players, Civil Aviation Ministry has even site clearance by the Indian government’s begun conducting mandatory tests for granting Ministry of Civil Aviation. The airport will have licences to construct water aerodromes in a significant human impact which would Maharashtra, North-Eastern states and other displace 20 villages (57,000 people). The places. SpiceJet announced signing a MoU with EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 9

Island Development Agency has decided to of terminal infrastructure, including stations develop an airport at Minicoy Island to boost and adjoining commercial infrastructure, tourism and promote tuna fishing industry for has been added in the category of transport, improving livelihoods in Lakshadweep. implying real estate development, will also Andhra Pradesh has asked the Civil Aviation benefit from this categorisation. The sub- Ministry to frame regulations as early as possible category is now called tourism infrastructure. to introduce sea planes in the state to promote Ropeways and cable cars have been included tourism. Following the Prime Minister’s fight to in this sub-category. This will now have a larger Sabarmati, Gujarat is devising its own Seaplane impact on eco-fragile region of the Indian state policy. Seaplanes have been known to have and the local community living in those areas. an impact on the livelihoods of fsh-workers The Mumbai Port Trust is planning to open up by causing displacements or restricting their a number of citizen-focused facilities being movements around seaplane ports in the name built at a cost of INR 3 bn. The projects related of protocol and security. to tourism include beautification of the The Central Government cleared half a dozen waterfront at Princess Dock, a domestic cruise road and rail projects worth INR 160 bn, terminal with restaurants, which is slated to including a 4.5 km tunnel in Uttarakhand, handle a cruise service between Mumbai and which will provide all-weather connectivity to Goa, water taxis on the eastern waterfront Yamunotri, one of the dham on the Chardham and two floating restaurants at Gateway of Yatra, encouraging regional socio-economic India and Marine Drive. It is also working on development, trade and tourism. A provision starting a jetty on Marine Drive, which will aid of INR 70 bn has been allocated in the Union the seaplane services and also water sport Budget 2018 for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad activities off the western coastline. high-speed bullet train corridor. The total cost for this 504-kilometer long bullet train is almost INR 1000 bn. It will have a 21-km-long tunnel Economic Policy between Boisar and Bandra-Kurla Complex, of With regard to land policy, we are seeing the which seven km will be underwater. The railways continuation of the process to create and will require around 825 hectares of land. A MoU strengthen land banks. The government has was signed between India and Japan for which acquired large parcels of land that can be Japanese government is providing a loan at a easily sold or given to corporate entities in minimal interest of 0.1%. order to reduce the hassle for corporations. In The Indian Railways have introduced the Aastha Maharashtra, there is a plan to change legislation tourist special train which starts from Puri and to avoid handing back land to afected persons coves religious destinations such as Gaya, if the time period for compensation lapses, thus Mathura, Vrindavan, Agra, Haridwar, Rishikesh, consolidating total available land in land banks. In Amritsar and Mata Vaishno Devi,for 11 days Uttarakhand, land parcels owned across various costing INR 10,195. Another 11 day train package departments are being consolidated for tourism was introduced to cover pilgrimage destinations development. And in Haryana, a ‘plug and play’ in Southern states of India – Ramanatha model is being initiated for small and medium Swami Temple, Meenakshi Amman Temple, enterprises, extending on the concept of the land Padmanabhaswami Temple, Vivekananda Rock bank by also providing industry with partially or Memorial, Gandhi Mandapam, Kanyakumari fully built buildings, not just land parcels. Temple, and Tirupati. Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department The government has included railway station is focusing on six marquee projects for redevelopment and cable cars for tourism in investments in the state. Madhurawada, the definition of infrastructure. A sub-category INS Virat aircraft carrier museum in EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 10

Visakhapatnam, Havelock Bridge in adivasis have been vehemently protesting the Rajahmundry, Bhavani Island in the middle of displacement with the Baiga adivasis taking Krishna river in Vijayawada, Kakinada’s Hope out a protest march across the area. These Island in East Godavari district, and Gandikota displacements, if continued, would cause a Fort in Guntur district are six areas declared as lot of hardship and loss of livelihoods for the Special Tourism Zones. All of these locations forest dwelling community. If tourism is later will be developed under the PPP mode. promoted in these areas, it would be truly unjust to these communities. Environment Tourism in the bufer areas of tiger reserves is gaining popularity. Even during the monsoon Governments have been pushing to increase season, when the core area of the reserve tourism in coastal and forest areas – either through is generally shut because of the weather introduction of cruise or mangrove tourism or conditions, the bufer zone of Tadoba in through new forms of tourism in popular areas Maharastra was kept open for tourism. Kanha such as the Himalayas. Across these trends, Tiger Reserve is another place where tourism neither has there been much of community in the bufer areas is open throughout the year. involvement in the tourism, nor any move to What is interesting to note, is that, wildlife does regulate tourism to keep it within acceptable not make a distinction between bufer and core limits. Even though 2017 which was declared areas, and they ofen move freely between the as the year of sustainable tourism, very little two areas. While a preliminary assessment of was done to actually make tourism sustainable, carrying capacity is done for core areas as per especially in areas having fragile ecosystems. the guidelines for tourism around tiger reserves, there is no assessment done for carrying capacity Forests in bufer zones. Since tourism in the bufer area is gaining popularity, it will now be important to Parks are kept open for more days to promote assess what the capacity for bufer areas would wildlife tourism. Previously, the season in be and provide suitable regulations for the same. Kaziranga was advanced by a month, to open from October instead of November. This past The word “ecotourism” is used freely to year, there were two massive foods at Kaziranga; describe all kinds of tourism, without being but in spite of these, sections of the park were environmentally sustainable or benefting the opened for tourism as soon the season started local communities. The West Bengal Government with an anticipation of good numbers of tourists. is developing the Gajoldba area as an ecotourist hub, with a mega tourism park, amusement park There is an initiative of the Karnataka forest and golf courses. There were a few instances department to count tigers outside of reported of tussle between state plans for protected areas by placing camera traps. tourism and the forest department of the Camera traps by themselves are ethically respective states. In Uttarakhand, the State Forest questionable, but placing them outside Minister of Uttarakhand announced opening protected areas also can have very negative of fve new ecotourism circuits and developing implications on the privacy and lives of local forest guest houses. However, this plan was villagers. Counting tigers outside protected criticized by oficials in the forest department areas is the first step to assessing whether who were opposed to the idea of having private tourism outside protected areas is viable parties manage the rest houses. or not. Further, there have been threats of displacement in Madhya Pradesh, a popular In Sabarimala, a plan was made to build a guest state for tiger tourism. These threats have been house in Sabrimala Sannidhanam for VVIPs. The in the Kanha – Achanakmar tiger corridor. The State Forest Minister had objected to the plan EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 11 as it is a violation of the Sabrimala Master plan Instead, heavy investments are needed for and the construction will mean that there is port operations and to prevent environment encroachment into the Periyar protected area. damages.

In Karnataka, the Eco-tourism Board opened Coastal circuits are being combined with India’s frst canopy walk by near Castle Rock. spiritual aspects to make coastal tourism The walkway has a carrying capacity of 10 at a areas more accessible and appealing. Through time on the walk, 2 at each platform. There is Swadesh Darshan and PRASAD more amenities also a trend seen for bird festivals. The Karnataka are added to beach sites to attract tourists Forest Department, along with the Tourism which might even make them to stay for Department had its frst Hornbill festival in longer time. This would create competition for Dandeli in February 2018. A three day bird- resources, such as water, which is a challenge festival was organized by the Uttar Pradesh in coastal areas, due to sea water ingress. Government in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. A 10k run Special emphasis has been given to Andaman and bird watching festivals were also conducted and Nicobar Islands (A&NI) to promote them in Eturnagaram wildlife sanctuary in Telangana. as major tourism destinations. Under Island Development Agency of NITI Aayog, a holistic Coasts and Islands plan to develop 10 islands of Andaman and Lakshadweep to cater tourism developments The plans for making India a hub for cruise is underway. Rs 650 cr of investment is tourism have been in the pipeline for expected through PPP and private investment sometime now. A number of initiatives have in the Andamans. 3 resorts also plan to come been planned which will boost cruise tourism, up, at Long Island (Rs 382 cr, 42 acres), Smith such as, priority for berthing of cruise ships Island (Rs 69 cr, 61.7 acres, 70 tree-houses) and and facility for e-visa and e-landing card along Avis Islands (Rs 39 cr, 6.8 acres). with biometric application for faster landing clearance at cruise terminals. The focus is on A&NI and Lakshadweep Islands because they are considered as pristine area. Cruise tourism is being promoted expansively Without regard to the sensitive ecological and various steps have been taken by Ministry ecosystems, which is also inhabited by of Shipping along with the Mumbai Port indigenous communities, tourism is promoted Trust for the construction of an international as a mere economic activity which could boost cruise terminal along with upgrading cruise the economy and bring jobs. The limited terminals at Mormugao, Cochin, Chennai and resources of Andamans is already stretched New Mangalore under respective port trusts. because of tourism. If tourism is further Cruises are proposed in river waterways that developed, problems of accessibility of basic are in coastal areas in National Waterways with needs might further aggravate. infrastructure of developing river ports under Inland waterways Authority of India. Through the Jal Marg Vikas Project, development of Mangroves inland waterways is also being implemented. Apart from tourism in the coastal areas, there The Government has allocated Rs 228.00 cr for have also been steps taken to encourage development of inland waterways transport. mangrove tourism in India. The Mangrove The infrastructure development and cruise Society of India, a private non-proft entity, movements would push already marginalised recently named twelve mangrove sites across fishing communities further to the brink. India as important locations to conserve and Local people are not always benefited by emphasised on the potential for mangrove coastal tourism especially since the cruise tourism. These twelve sites are in Gujarat, industry generates revenues for the ports they Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, visit, but not wholly for the coastal region. Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and A&NI. EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 12

Kerala has plans to develop the mangrove The mountain states are all geared to areas near Kochi as an ecotourism destination promote adventure tourism. However, the and employ local women for the supply of Himalayan mountains are young mountains food. Mangrove tourism in Sindhudurg district and have fragile ecosystems. Uttarakhand of Maharashtra is being partly funded by the has already borne the brunt of unregulated International Union for Conservation of Nature tourist infrastructure development, which and local women are employed as guides. led to widespread landslides and loss of life In Maharashtra, the state cabinet approved during the 2013 floods. Himachal Pradesh is the Mangrove Protection and Employment also a popular place for tourists. It reels from Generation Scheme, which proposes the over-crowding and environmental pollution, formation of the Mangrove Co-Management especially during the peak seasons. The Committee. This committee will also prepare impacts in Shimla as a result of tourism, a micro plan for mangrove preservation, is well documented by the National Green protection, setting up protection fences and Tribunal (NGT) as well. In such circumstances, improving quality of mangroves. However, the mountain states, which continue to the involvement of local communities seems have severe environmental impacts, need to to be limited to the extent where, women are concentrate on regulating existing tourism. employed as guides and cooks. Mangroves are fragile ecosystems, which National Green Tribunal support a huge biodiversity. In some places The NGT has passed orders regarding the such as coastal Karnataka, mangrove sites cleaning up of the river between Allahabad are also fish-breeding grounds. Introducing and Varanasi, which are both popular tourist tourism into such fragile ecosystems can places. The NGT had previously passed a slew cause imbalances in the system and needs of orders regarding the cleaning up of the to be done very carefully after sufficient Ganga between Haridwar (which sees a lot of assessment of the impacts of such tourism. religious tourism) and Unnao declaring an area There has also been a history of local of 100 metres from the edge of the river as a ‘No communities, like in Karnataka and Gujarat, Development Zone’ and has prohibited dumping resisting developmental projects and of waste within 500 metres from the river. With encroachments that destroy the mangroves. respect to food plains, the NGT has directed Many local communities are instrumental the State of Uttarakhand to prepare and submit in conserving mangroves. However, the a tourism map, showing zoning of the food participation of local communities and their plain map, within 3 months. Except for picking involvement in these tourism initiatives up and dropping tourists for river rafing, all appears to be absent. other activities are prohibited for 100 m from the middle of the river. Hills and Mountains Allahabad, Haridwar, Varanasi, which have high tourist numbers, not only draw water from the The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Commissioner river, but also dump all their waste into the river. announced plans to focus on adventure The NGT order allows Uttarakhand government tourism and aim at 8-10% growth in tourist to invoke the principle of ‘polluter pays’ and ask arrivals. The tourism minister of Uttarakhand industries, hotels and dharamshalas to pay an also has similar plans for the mountain state environmental compensation fee for discharge of and announced plans to develop Uttarakhand efluents into the Ganga. as a winter tourism destination: an adventure tourism destination with infrastructure for They also passed orders to regulate tourism skiing and other adventure sports. to some in extent in the Yatras, by capping the number of tourists to Vaishno Devi at 50,000 a EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 13 day and ordered that another path be made There would be no nod for projects until for only pedestrians and battery operated Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMP) cars. This order however is detrimental to the is framed along with maps. Some states, livelihoods of the local people as it speaks such as Goa, have asked for an extension about phasing out horses and ponies. The while others are facing stiff resistance from government is expected to take the initiative the communities and fisherfolk for the to provide alternative employment to the local Draft Coastal Zone Management Plans and people who own ponies and horses that take Maps. A public meeting was called for in tourists to Vaishno Devi shrine, though it is Tamil Nadu because of the protests from yet to be seen. communities against the preparation of the CZMP maps, which according to them, are In another case concerning tourism in full of faults. Himachal Pradesh, a local NGO had fled a petition opposing the construction of a 42 room hotel by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Legislation Development Corporation. However, afer staying the construction of this hotel, the NGT expanded the scope of the petition and set up Land a committee to inspect all the hotels in Kullu- The Right to Fair Compensation and Manali area to fnd out if they have adequate Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation permissions from the Pollution Control Board. and Resettlement Act, (LARR) 2013, is the primary In a recent order, all illegal and unauthorised land acquisition legislation at the centre, and constructions were ordered to be demolished is supposed to provide the backbone for a quickly. This has thrown the hotel and lodge thorough process. However, legislation at the lobby of Himachal Pradesh into a panic, and state level has been changing in order to make they have been trying to get the government to it easier and faster for investors to acquire relax the norms on constructing buildings. land. States which have modifed or attempted The NGT directed the closure of all private to modify laws in this manner include Goa, and government establishments in the Buxa Jharkhand, and Telangana. tiger reserve, as they were in violation of the In Jharkhand, amendments were proposed Forest Conservation Act, 1980. This is due to to the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act and Santhal fact that many tourist establishments were in Pargana Tenancy Act. However, they were reserve forest areas. In all, there were 69 private withdrawn later, afer signifcant public accommodations and 20 other boarding pressure. These amendments originally facilities, some even run by the West Bengal allowed for non-agricultural use of agricultural Forest Department. Following this order, the land, and the transfer of adivasi land for any homestay owners around Buxa impleaded purpose, among a list of specifc purposes, in this case. The developments of this case including hospitals and pipelines. In Telangana, will be crucial to understand the West Bengal several categories of projects, including Government’s reaction to regulating tourism in industrial corridors, infrastructure and projects protected areas and might also set the trend for national security, were exempted from for regulation of tourism in wildlife habitats conducting a Social Impact Assessment, across the country. conducting a public hearing, and obtaining Tourist facilities being run in contravention of the Gram Sabha consent, among other provisions. forest related laws is not restricted to Buxa tiger In Goa, two bills were passed. They expanded reserve alone. According to a Comptroller and the reasons for which government can acquire Auditor General report on Karnataka’s national land and has resulted in the removal of the parks and sanctuaries, only 86% of the surveyed processes of consent and participation found

resorts and hotels in and around protected area in the central 2013 act. The bill empowering the ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS have approvals from the forest department. 14

government to acquire land for development production resource and not as an ecosystem of public services is headed by the Revenue that supports communities, plants and Minister of the state. The practice of including animals. Whether it is the CWH notification ministers in committees is in contrast with the or the draft Forest Policy, they both fail to protocol followed in Parliament where a minister acknowledge the rights of Gram Sabhas, is not part of any Departmentally-related becoming another tool for tourism. Standing Committees or Select Committee. As committees of the legislature hold the executive Coasts accountable, having a minister on the select committee undermines the role of legislature as There are changes that were introduced to the an oversight mechanism. Coastal Regulation Zone, 2011 (CRZ Notifcation). The CRZ notifcation, allows the regularisation of projects and activities, which otherwise Forests are permissible under the provisions of this Karnataka has introduced the ‘Guidelines for notifcation, but have commenced construction Regulation of Private Resorts, Home stays, without prior clearance. This regularisation Institutions, and other Entities in Revenue would only be allowed if the application is Enclosures and around Protected areas’. submitted within the specifed time. Projects These guidelines state that only existing which are in violation of CRZ norms would not and recognized resorts will be permitted to be regularised. The amendment also extends operate within the eco-sensitive zones and the validity of CRZ clearance to seven years and enclosures of protected areas. It also lists with an additional three years. This allows one out tourism activities that will be permitted to regularise the construction along the coast within enclosures. even if the cases of violation are not reported or In a similar move, the Maharashtra registered as violations. Government has decided to permit hotels Maharashtra relaxed the previous rule of having and resorts in the periphery of national parks a 50 metres bufer zone for all mangroves, only and wildlife sanctuaries. Also, tourist homes if the mangrove afected is greater than 1000 and resorts are permitted to come up within sq. metres. This would be disastrous for the 5km of a wildlife sanctuary or national park in mangroves’ survival as smaller mangrove areas, the state. Maharashtra has 48 sanctuaries, six which are also important ecologically, would not national parks and four conservation reserves. be protected. This would hamper the breeding The regulation for development of tourism and grounds of various marine creatures and hospitality services under ‘Community Nature impact the livelihoods of local communities Conservancy’ around wildlife sanctuaries and who are dependent on the mangroves as well. national parks is done “in public interest”. The Critical Wildlife Habitats (CWH) is an area Heritage that has to be kept inviolate, after it as been established that by scientific assessment The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological that co-existence is not possible. The Sites and Remains (Amendment) Bill, 2017 notification issued is ambiguous and does was passed in January 2018, amending the not clearly spell out how consultations 1958 Act. This defines ‘prohibited areas’, with forest dwellers will be carried out and ‘public works’, lays out procedures for seeking also precludes requirement of free, prior, permission for public works, and lastly, it informed consent from forest dwellers. empowers the National Monuments Authority The draft National Forest Policy, 2017 was put to consider an impact assessment of the out for public comments but has not yet been proposed public works in a prohibited area, notified. The draft policy views forests as a including its (i) archaeological impact; (ii)

EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS visual impact; and (iii) heritage impact. 15

The Legislative Assembly has passed the Medical Tourism is being promoted in a big way. Telangana Heritage (Protection, Preservation, The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Conservation and Maintenance) Act, 2017 aimed Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy, has at securing the heritage structures across the constituted a National Medical & Wellness and State. As part of the Act, the Government would Tourism Board with the Minister of Tourism constitute a State level Telangana State Heritage as its Chairman to promote Indian systems Authority with the Chief Secretary as chairman of Medicine. Standard Operating Procedures and Archaeology and Museums Director as under the Market Development Assistance are member convener. given to medical tourism providers to promote medical and wellness tourism. Tourism Education With sports tourism gaining popularity, the MoT is focusing on Golf and Polo. The Ministry has Afer introducing the option of vegetarian constituted the India Golf Tourism Committee, cooking as part of the BSc Degree programmes which approved 8 golf events. Polo is registered in the Central Institutes of Hotel Management, in as a heritage sport and is being promoted in 2017, this option has now been extended to six association with the Indian Polo Association. IHM’s: Gandhinagar, Bhopal, Jaipur, Apart from these, newer forms such as Doom Chennai, Hajipur, Shillong. Tourism involving special ecological places of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) a importance, which are now threatened and on program under the Skill India Initiative, plans to the verge of disappearing from our planet, are set up centres across India with an investment of being introduced. INR 120 bn to create job opportunities for 10 bn The net result is that the places promoted individuals by 2020 under PMKVY. by the government and industry are often The Institute of Hotel, Catering and victims of their own success. Travellers tend Tourism Management, is set to launch an to arrive in increasing numbers and flock entrepreneurship programme for home-based to the same locations, resulting in issues agents in association with Namaste Tourism, such as overcrowding, increased stress on the umbrella brand of Compact Travels. The public services and infrastructure, cultural main focus of the entrepreneurship programme homogenization and growing dissatisfaction will be on comprehensive destination training, from local residents. and educate them on ‘how to sell’. The course programme will comprise 4 key segments: tourism - domestic and inbound, travel agent Governance operations, world geography and GDS. The central government celebrated 24th April as the national day of Panchayati Raj system. There has been an increase in allocation by the Types of Tourism central government towards the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). The 14th Finance The MoT has identified places in India to Commission awarded INR 2003 bn as grants promote adventure sports, mostly in Gulmarg, to Gram Panchayats (GP) for the period from Rishikesh, Goa and Maharashtra. They have 2015-16 to 2019-20 towards provision of basic issued guidelines for the approval of Adventure services such as sanitation, drinking water Tour Operators. For development and and maintenance of roads, footpaths, street promotion of adventure tourism, a task force lights, and burial/cremation grounds. In has also been formed to resolve any issues addition, the Ministry of Rural Development which includes safety and security of tourists. allocated INR 1077 bn, which includes INR 480 bn towards MGNREGA. However, the fact is EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 16

that these allocated money hardly gets spent Sashaktikaran Abhiyan and the District on the ground, As a result we see about 81% Component of Backward Regions Grant Fund of Gram Panchayats in Bihar and 33% Gram had been de-linked from budgetary support of Panchayats in Uttar Pradesh do not even have central government with effect from 2015-16. an office building for day to day operations. Thus, the trend we see today is in favour of by-passing local consent and aspirations Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, in the development process with a Karnataka, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh top-down approach. are going to implement a project in partnership with the National Institute of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar made a Rural Development & Panchayati Raj and State statement on how there is a signifcant fund Institutes of Rural Development of these states. transfer to the local bodies for the purpose of The objective is to strengthen capacities of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and this initiative is local governance institutions particularly believed to transform the tourism of Goa and PRIs to better leverage opportunities thereby boost the economy of the state. But created for Gender Equality and Women in reality, without understanding the caste Empowerment through legislation, policies dynamics while implementing such a project and programmes. This project emerged from for cleanliness drive and by not taking the local the memorandum signed between UN-Women concerns and panchayats into confdence, the and the India government. chances of this project remaining as a dream alone is high. The central government is giving a big push to e-governance at panchayats through projects Thus, the state and central governments like BharatNet under the narrative of Digital are distancing themselves from their India where they aim to provide internet responsibilities of devolution of decision connectivity to all the Gram Panchayats (GPs). making, power and functions. The mere In addition to this, Haryana state cabinet transfer of funds without suficient decision pledged that all their GPs will have wi-fi zones making power would render the whole within a period of two years. The central process futile. The inception of development government under e-Panchayat project, authorities directly for tourism development developed a suite known as the Panchayat or for development in general will only Enterprise Suite which contains core further marginalise sections of our society software applications to address various and their aspirations in the long run. As the aspects of Panchayats’ functioning including existing political climate in the country is that of planning, budgeting, implementation, intolerance and violence to dissent – the dalit accounting, monitoring, social audit and groups, adivasi’s, student protest movements and delivery of citizen services like issue of religious minorities would eventually get severely certificates, licences, and tax collection. under-represented. Tourism development is not an exception under these circumstances. While we see a push for e-governance we can also see that, under the garb of ‘village Niche tourism products developed by the self-governance’ there is a call for voluntary government are getting prioritised in the policy contributions from communities itself on making process under the name of development. key aspects like – labour (shramdaan), land There are separate committees and boards such (bhoodan) and financial resources (chanda) for as National Medical and Wellness Tourism Board, development activities. This is given a further Task Force for Cruise Tourism, India Golf Tourism push by this government and the resultant Committee, India Convention Promotion Bureau withdrawal from the actual strengthening of and Task Force for Adventure Tourism which are PRIs across the country. For example, a Lok formed to speed up the process of promotion, Sabha question recently revealed that the publicity and implementation of niche tourism.

EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS State Component of Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat It is mandatory for all committees and boards 17 to undergo several rounds of consultation September 2017, 90 sanitation workers have died process with the local communities and in sewers. 2 workers at Taj Vivanta’s Ambassador panchayats before planning for any tourism hotel in Delhi died due to asphyxation. locations or before introducing tourism to any In Vishakapatnam, sanitation workers including region for the first time. women, work in night shifs to keep the city clean. Interestingly, the city has moved up from Social Groups 5th position to 3rd position as the cleanest city with the media praising them as ‘unsung heroes’. What is not evident here is again the caste angle Caste of how dalits are forced to work at night. The focus of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan today, is mainly on the constructions of toilets. Children However the mission for a clean India will not The case of foreign nationals sexually exploiting work without breaking the link between caste local children is not a new phenomenon. and occupation. According to the National India has experienced it from 1991 when Convenor, Safai Karmachari Andolan, “Certain the frst case of Freddy Peat’s came to light. communities from particular castes clean the However India has not yet come up with any country. If that were not the case, why is it that mechanism that prevents foreign travellers for the last 4,000 years, the same communities from sexually exploiting children in India. The are cleaning the countryside? Without breaking Safe and Honourable Tourism Code that is the chain, those who make Bharat Swachh will being promoted by Ministry of Tourism and never be a part of the campaign.” Culture, does not have any mention of a process EPW survey of 360 workers employed by of reporting, if a foreign/ domestic traveller is Bruhanmumbai Mahanagar Corporation (BMC) identifed as child sex ofender. Most reports say suggests that 90% of the safai karmacharis that foreign national sex ofenders come to India belong to SC and OBC castes. on the pretext of volunteering or as a donor. In April 2017, the Supreme court ruled that The government has plans to set up a sex 2700 sanitation workers of BMC would be ofenders registry and recently the Supreme made permanent employees. However, in Court asked the government to establish a May 2018 this has not yet happened and the hotline to take up cases of child abuse. Running KVSS had planned various forms of protest a helpline could be useful if there is a service including strikes to ensure that the Corporation structure in place to address the concerns. implemented the Supreme Court verdict. An area to consider is the implementation of Protection of Children from Sexual Ofences Act Pourakarmikas in Bangalore struggling against 2012 (POCSO), prior to initiating another process the BBMP to end the Contractor system and for of developing a sex ofenders registry. A batch increase of wages. Contractors waged a counter of petitions including one fled by Bachpan war by stopping collection of wages. Bachao Andolan informed the Delhi High Court In July, sanitation workers in East Delhi that delays have resulted in cases where accused Municipal Corporation had not been paid have either got bail or are yet to face trial. salaries for 2 months. On the other hand 7th pay A mobile phone app is the latest tool for commission recommendations were approved, campaigners seeking to end child marriage in which meant higher house rent allowance Bihar, where nearly two-thirds of girls in some of and other benefts to 34 lakh government the rural areas are married before the legal age employees and 14 lakh pensioners. of 18. The app, Bandhan Tod, was developed Death of people engaged in manual scavenging by Gender Alliance – a collective of more than across the country. Termed as ‘culpable 270 charities in Bihar focused on gender rights homicide’ by a Delhi High Court bench. As of ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 18

and backed by the United Nations Population women’s safety and dignity. From these funds, Fund. Though this an important step towards they will also build lounge facilities specifcally preventing child marriage in Bihar, but the for women in the major bus stations, and install recent Supreme Court judgement criminalised CCTV cameras in the buses. sex with a minor wife aged between 15 and 18 years, saying the exception in the rape law was A host of applications have been fled by various arbitrary and violation of the constitution. It groups on the restrictions imposed on women, is felt that the apex court order will help curb aged above 10 and below 50, from trekking the child marriages as it has created the needed holy hills of Sabarimala and ofering worship “legal deterrent”. The impact of this Order in the at Sabarimala shrine by the Dewaswom Board. situation of girl children in tourism locations While women activists have termed the practice is yet to be understood as one of the trend discriminatory, other sections say it has to do in tourism locations is the fake marriage of with complex ritualistic practices of Sanatana teenagers with foreign nationals. dharma of temples in South India. Reference of the Sabarimala entry row by the Supreme Court A development that took place in the realm to a fve-member Constitution Bench is, in itself a of child protection issues is the ordinance to radical judicial move. Preventing women’s entry provide death penalty to the rapists of girls to the Sabarimala temple with an irrational and below 16 years. The death penalty ordinance obsolete notion of “purity” clearly ofends the has received extreme criticism from all walks equality clauses in the Constitution. It denotes a of life stating that this is a regressive ordinance patriarchal and partisan approach. that will prevent children and their guardians to report cases of sexual exploitation as in most The Maharashtra State Commission for cases the sex ofenders are a known person Women and International Justice Mission in within the family or in the close neighbourhood. partnership with UNDP will provide counselling This ordinance has also received criticism from and employment to victims of rape, acid the civil society stating that this is a knee-jerk attacks and trafficking, while assisting with skill response of the government without any public development. The Maharashtra government consultation. Death penalty ordinance will make and the Hotel Industry of India signed an it extremely dificult to punish any travelling child agreement, under which they will cooperate in sex ofender once they leave the country as most curbing women trafficking. of the countries have abolished death penalty as There is a recognition of the increasing number part of their own legal mechanisms. of solo women travellers by the Central and the State governments and steps that have Women been taken for the safety of women travellers. MoT has set up two Incredible India Helplines: The Indian Government has recently appraised one is 1800111363 for domestic tourists and projects on safe cities worth INR. 29 bn under the other is 1363 for international tourists. the Nirbhaya Fund for eight cities to make them These helplines for tourists in India will soon safer for women. Ministry of Women and Child be launched in 12 diferent international Development is the nodal authority for appraisal languages The Government of India has of the schemes/ proposals received under roped in Chief Ministers of all Indian states Nirbhaya Fund. For the year 2018-19, INR 5 bn to implement the ‘Code of Conduct’ with has been allocated for Nirbhaya Fund. immediate efect across the country. The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport The Kerala government has opened one-day Corporation is training women to drive buses homes to ensure the safety of women who and light motor vehicles. To conduct the travel alone. The frst such home will be training, the city will use funds from the Central opened at the bus terminal at Thampanoor in EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS Government’s allotted Nirbhaya Fund, meant for Thiruvananthapuram. The homes are being 19 planned in such a way that women who reach rules to enable FTCs in industries. In March 2018 the capital for various purposes can stay there the government legalised contractualisation of for 2-3 days at afordable rates. The government work through a Gazette Notifcation allowing is also considering opening of ‘she lodges’ at FTCs in all industries. district headquarters. The Delhi governor cleared a proposal for a 37% The Home Ministry had taken a step by minimum wage hike across several sectors. The announcing the launch of an online registry for High Court later revoked this stating that it was listing names and details of ofenders in any violative of the Constitution. However, during a crime against women in any part of the country. hearing earlier, the High Court challenged the Women-only cab service, which has already employers who had fled a petition against the started in Goa and Kerala, is gaining momentum hike, saying ‘Charity begins at home’. in the rest of India. These cabs are equipped with The central trade unions called for a massive GPS and panic alert systems. Women only dorms mobilisation in New Delhi. 70,000 workers are another service that has started in places gathered with 12-point charter of demands like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Delhi, Jaipur, Kochi, on minimum wage, social security, workers’ Lucknow, Mysore and Varanasi amongst others. status, and pay and facilities for the scheme The Union Cabinet cleared the Anti-Traficking workers against privatization and mass scae Bill, which provides for stringent punishment contractorisation. Central trade unions also ranging from 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment called for a nation wide strike of all scheme to life imprisonment and a fne of at least Rs workers in December 2017. 1 lakh in cases of “aggravated” crimes, while earmarking the National Investigation Agency to perform the task of anti-traficking bureau. The Traficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Act, 2018 proposes decentralised rehabilitation and investigation framework down to the district level. Under the Ujjawala Scheme for prevention of traficking and rescue, rehabilitation, re-integration and repatriation of victims of traficking, 162 protective and rehabilitative homes have been set up which can accommodate upto 8100 traficked victims.

Labour The government has abandoned the target of training 500 million workers in new skills by 2022. Originally started with a corpus of Rs. 1600 crore, upped to Rs. 6,000 crores. According to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, it appears to have turned into a gigantic racket for milking state funds. The government has passed a notifcation allowing practice of fxed-term contracts in the garment and shoe sector and proposes to make it applicable to all sectors. It published a draf notifcation to allow amendments to the Industrial Disputes Act and Model Standing Order EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 20

The work linked to the India Network Against Sexual Exploitation of Children, is in collaboration with Action Against Traficking and OUR WORK Sexual Exploitation of Children, Child In Need Institute, Childline, India Alliance for Child Rights, IN 2017 – 2018 National Action and Coordinating Group against Violence against Women and Children, Sanlaap, Stop Traficking and Oppression of Children & Collaborations Women, Tulir and End Child Prostitution and Traficking International. Collaborating with organisations and peoples movements continues to be the backbone of We have continued our engagement with our work. We have been able to strengthen ECPAT International and ECPAT South Asia our work with important national and local Regional Network on child and tourism. people’s movements and organisations, to Through the Tourism Action and Advocacy be in solidarity and to bring in the linkages Forum we engaged with Alternative Tourism between tourism and their wider struggles/ Group, Altervoyages, Badayl Alternatives, CESA, issues. We have been in solidarity with Ecobenin, community leaders from Tremembe, people’s movements and various struggles and Sardinal, Mapuche, and an academician from movements linked to land, forest rights, coastal the University of South Australia. and environmental groups and unorganised sector. Our alliances with civil society To build awareness on tourism issues with organisations and groups on child rights, students and academics we engaged with the women’s rights, and monitoring groups of Student Conference on Conservation Science, national and international fnancial institutions, Pondicherry University and Srishti Institute of public private partnerships, forest rights, dalit Art, Design & Technology. and adivasis rights, globalisation and trade in We have continued our advocacy eforts with the country continued. central level Ministries and other government We collaborated with Jan Jagran Sansthan bodies such as Tourism, Women and Child (Bihar), Kachchh Heritage, Art, Music, Development, National & State Commission Information and Resources, (Gujarat), for the Protection of Child Rights. EQUATIONS Himalayan Niti Abhiyan (Himachal Pradesh), conducted a session for forest oficials on Alternative Law Forum, Concerned for the issue of tourism carrying capacity during Working Children, Dakshin, Informal Tourism the training conducted by Jungle Lodges Committees in Hampi and Anegundi, Karnataka and Resorts. We engaged with the Ministry of Grama Panchayat Haqotaya Andolana, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Niti Samanvaya Karnataka (Karnataka), Adhar Aayog, and the Andaman Administration on the Khajuraho, Dharohar Guide Association, M tourism plans. We wrote letters to UNESCO on P Institute of Social Science Research, Vikas the evictions in Hampi. Through of researches we Samvad Samiti (Madhya Pradesh), Econet also interviewed many government oficials at (Maharastra), Indigenous Perspectives the local and state level. (Manipur), ANIDEA, Cornerstone, National Our interactions with the tourism industry Campaign for Dalit Human Rights, Social were on corporate accountability and on the Awareness for Society and Youth, Society for issue child and tourism. We collaborated with Education and Action, Tulir (Tamil Nadu), SÜDWIND, on a study on the functioning of the Himalayan Ark, Mountain Shepherds Initiative Accor and Marriott hotels in the context of some (Uttarakhand), Kumirmari Jan Paryatan Samiti, of their practices, policies and the efectiveness Sanlaap, Sundarbans Jan Shramjeevi Manch of their monitoring mechanism. The work on (West Bengal), on addressing tourism issues.

EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS labour practices in Marriott hotels was then taken 21 forward in collaboration with New Trade Union a request from Uttarakhand to extend the Initiative and Global Labour Justice Project. On fellowship for a 2nd year to strengthen the the issue of child and tourism we engaged with work on the ground – to have an increased guides, car drivers, auto-rickshaw drivers, cyber understanding of Uttarakhand’s tourism cafés and hotels. With the formal industry we policies, act, schemes and plans, networking interacted with Breathing Earth, a resort and had at the state and local level, organise capacity a meeting with Hyatt Group of Hotels, Kolkata, building workshops, contribute to print, digital West Bengal on issues of child protection. and social media and collaborative work towards building a platform of alternative tourism operators in Uttarakhand. Institutions, Policies and Tourism Policies Tourism Models EQUATIONS in collaboration with Himalayan The programme aims to infuence tourism Ark organised a consultation on Ecotourism – policies, models and practice by the leadership Opportunity and Truth in May 2017 in Munsiyari of local communities for greater sustainability Valley, Uttarakhand. With the many policy and local benefts. The work on policy looks changes that are taking place at the central and at analysing and infuencing state and central state level we felt it was important to initiate a tourism policies & schemes, with the objective to discussion on ground reality, challenges and making them more representatives of people’s policy implication of tourism in Uttarakhand aspirations of tourism. and bring people together to respond to these changes. As a follow-up of this meeting, it has Fellowship been agreed to organise a meeting of alternative tourism operators from across the state on The fellowship programme aims to build a the issues of policy, scheme, regulation and group of individuals who will look at tourism monitoring. For this, EQUATIONS and Himalayan critically, engage with local communities Ark have taken the responsibility of analysing and provide them necessary support in national and state tourism policy and schemes questioning, resisting and demanding which will be shared and discussed during the people centric tourism. The first round of the state level meeting. work with the fellows in Uttarakhand and Manipur with Himalayan Ark and Indigenous Religious Tourism Perspective respectively in collaboration EQUATIONS coordinating this process EQUATIONS has started the process of came to an end. EQUATIONS, during this documenting projects initiated by the central process, also met with the fellows and the and state governments in order to promote organisations to discuss with them about religious tourism. EQUATIONS tracks the PRASAD the work, and share feedback. We received and Swadesh Darshan schemes through news

Van Panchayat Baithak, Himalayan Ark Fellowship (Uttarakhand) ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 22

The new Buddhist monasteries being constructed in Bodhgaya.Ayang Rinpoche’s Buddhist Monastery. articles and government notifcations. The Following this we were invited by the People’s detailed project reports sanctioned under the Film Collective, Kolkata and Jawaharlal Nehru aforesaid schemes which contains project details University, Delhi to have a discussion on the concerning the type and nature of infrastructure report as well as on the broader aspects of planned, money allocated, and aim of the religious tourism and the role of the state. We project were collected and collated through were interviewed by Newsclick, online video Right to Information (RTI) queries. news network. On reading this report, a group of youth from Pahalgam, started a cleanliness drive EQUATIONS plans to document the issues and along the yatra route. impacts of religious tourism in these places, and bring out a base paper on religious tourism. We have started the secondary research on Community Based Tourism Bodhgaya and Amritsar. We have created In continuation of work on the Community- a research framework based on which two based Tourism (CBT) initiative in Kumirmari, the visits were conducted to Bodhgaya so as to next steps included the formation of Sunderbans understand the socio-political and economic Tourism Cooperative Society, capacity building situation of tourism and understand how it and construction of temporary traditional impacts the local communities. These visits huts for accommodation in the village. Several included interviews with multiple stakeholders meetings in village with members of Kumirmari as well, and to map land usage patterns. Jan Paryatan Samiti (KJPS), Sundarbans Jan EQUATIONS participated in Bodh Gaya Shramjeevi Manch (SJSM) and EQUATIONS were Global Dialogues, a conference organised organised to develop an understanding about by Deshkal Society. The discussions and the work, structure, systems, and processes of plenaries constituting of academics, eminent individuals, researchers on Sustainable Development, Heritage, and Enlightenment. On reading the Amarnath Yatra JKCCS and EQUATIONS released the report report, a group of youth from on the Amarnath Yatra in April 2017. The study Pahalgam, started a cleanliness and release was covered by the Kashmir media drive along the yatra route. and by some national online and print media. EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 23 tourism enterprise, which is to be registered as a Research on CBT with special focus on cooperative society Sunderbans Tourism Service women, Himachal Pradesh: EQUATIONS in Cooperative Society. We are also in touch with a collaboration with Himalayan Niti Abhiyan lawyer on understanding the legal requirements initiated a research on assessing community of the cooperative society. Currently, we are in involvement & ownership with a special the process of fnalising the documentation focus on women, across different models of which is required for submission for registration. CBT in Himachal Pradesh. This is an internal collaboration between the Institutions, Policies Three members of KJPS were trained by and Tourism Model and Society, Culture and Mountain Shepherd Initiative, Uttarakhand for a Tourism programme. After data collection, we period ranging from 1 to 2 months. They received worked on transcribing and translating data. training on food preparation, housekeeping and We have developed a code sheet and structure guiding. This also helped build their confdence to write the case studies for Naggar, Dhameta to interact with tourists and in managing the and Spiti. Currently, we are in the process of tourism operation. A short training for homestay coding the data through a qualitative analysis operators was also organised in Kumirmari. software MAXQDA, which will also be a process The third area of work included identifying land to identify the data gaps. For this we will need to construct the temporary accommodation to plan one more visit before we finalise the huts, for which we have been in touch with case studies. As a part of the data collection, an architect to ensure that we maintain local we have also filled RTIs to the various architecture, aesthetics and culture in the departments and ministries. structure of huts. Homestays, as another accommodation option, is being explored and EQUATIONS received an invite by the Tata people who have extra rooms have renovated Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai to them and are building bathrooms as well. contribute a volume on Sports Studies in India for Oxford University Press. The volume

Kumirmari Jan Paryatan Samithi Meeting ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 24

plans to cover social theories and sports; Tourism Projects in India. This was followed social, economic and cultural constructs in/ by a Strategy meeting of TAAF to focus on the of sports; gender in sports; media, technology plan for the coming two years. and emerging sports culture; governance and regulation (including law and sports); and sports and development. EQUATIONS Economics of Tourism submitted a paper based on our report This programme is primarily concerned with ‘Humanity-Equality-Destiny? - Implicating implications of tourism on the local economy, Tourism in the Commonwealth Games 2010’, tourism industry imperatives on tourism documented developments post the games and development and macroeconomic issues of how mega sport events such as the under-17 tourism finance. FIFA World Cup continue to impact the Corporate Accountability: EQUATIONS in people and environment. collaboration with SÜDEWIND, initiated a Tourism Alert and Action Forum: EQUATIONS study on the “Sustainability of the Hotel Chains is member of the Tourism Alert and Action Accor and Marriott in India”. The draft report Forum (TAAF). TAAF organised its 2nd was prepared and shared. We were invited as a meeting of tourism groups during the World speaker at the ‘Engagement Forum’ of Social Forum (WSF) in Salvador, Brazil. During KD Bank in Berlin which was hosted the WSF, TAAF organised three workshops on by SUDEWIND, WISSENCHAFTLICHE, the themes of Tourism and Local Struggles, MITRAEBEITERIN, Germany in December Tourism and Indigenous Peoples and 2017. The Board of K D Bank accepted the Palestine – Pilgrimages for Transformation study and have decided to negotiate with the and participated in the Agora of the Future. two companies for change in their practices EQUATIONS presented during the first based on the findings, especially on their workshop on Resistances Against Mega labour practices. At an informal gathering

TAAF at World Social Forum EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 25

Loktak , Manipur we also shared on the ‘Sustainability and collaboration with Indigenous Perspectives Accountability of the Hotel Industry in Tourism’ (IP). One of the fellows associated with organised by GATE-Themenabend. IP was involved in documenting the mega tourism project that has been proposed To take forward our work on corporate in Loktak. This along with other work accountability, EQUATIONS in collaboration culminated in a dossier on tourism issues in with New Trade Union Initiative and supported Manipur, which was released in April 2017. by the Global Labour Justice Project, have initiated a study to develop and test a research An application on the Jewar Airport, Noida, methodology for Multinational hotels in was accepted and presented at 6th Session of India that results in a deeper understanding International Tribunal on Evictions in Venice of the sector and key points of leverage at in September 2017. The case study focussed different level so as to improve wages, working on the role of the proposed airport in boosting conditions, and preconditions for collective the real-estate market in the area and the bargaining. connection to the industrialisation of said area – thus making connections between tourism and other parallel processes, all of which Mega Tourism Projects contribute to displacement of people in their Tourism in the North-East Region (NER) has own ways. A person from the jury has been given been a focus for EQUATIONS for several the mandate for the follow up of the case. The years now – where we have worked on jury member is responsible to help fnalise the International Financing Institutions funding recommendations and also the follow up for tourism, by co-organising regular with the government. meetings on tourism in the NER and by Hearing about the experience of Kenya was actively engaging in work in Manipur in also very helpful. Tourism is causing a host of EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 26

Tourists at Raja Seat, Coorg violations of the Maasai including massacres. Ecosystems, Communities It put in perspective how wrong, things could go if the intentions of the high-end ecotourism and Tourism industry in the Protected Areas and the This programme works on tourism in international tourism companies had their natural spaces such as forests, coasts, hills way and the importance of the work we do on and mountains and critically examines the tourism in forest areas in India. The Sri Lanka effects of tourism and related policies on the case also added to our understanding on environment and the local communities. militarisation and tourism, which we have gained during our documentation of the Amarnath Yatra. Forests, Communities and Tourism Migration and Tourism Reconnaissance visits were made to places in Karnataka and Maharashtra to identify EQUATIONS in collaboration with an according to the number of footfalls it sees, the academician from JNU is undertaking a profle of tourism and the kind of tourism that Research on the Challenges of Internal the place has. During these visits we spoke to Migration in India: A Case Study of Migrants local people, people involved in the tourism from North East Region to Bangalore. The industry and with activists fghting for the study has progressed into conducting a rights of the adivasis. These recce visits, earlier detailed questionnaire of 200 respondents. to Maharashtra and this year to Karnataka, The resultant report will add weight to the will identify issues and areas for future work. existing evidence of challenges that migrants During the visit to Maharastra, we met with from the northeast face, as well as seek to Econet, an organisation working on issues contextualise these challenges within the related to forestry and environmental policies, realm of the casualisation of the labour force, and currently work with the adivasi’s and non and institutional interactions between the pastoral nomadic tribal groups in Maharashtra. state and people. One of the important prerequisites to tourism planning is a sound understanding of the EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 27 thresholds of the area being used for tourism. students about interrelationship between Tourism Carrying Capacity is one such concept conservation and tourism. that allows for planning tourism in a sustainable We keep track of the judgements and orders manner. Assessment of tourism carrying capacity from the National Green Tribunal that are related in India is at a very rudimentary stage and is to tourism. The tracking takes the form of a applied to only one context - wildlife tourism in repository. Indigenous Perspectives who has been protected areas. Previously we had undertaken involved in a case against ecotourism practices in an in-depth study of the various models for Manipur, requested for support from EQUATIONS. assessing tourism carrying capacities. Using We shared with them relevant case laws that would this theory, a conceptual framework was be help them in fling their petition to the Tribunal. proposed. The proposed framework will be tested on the ground to make it more robust. EQUATIONS submitted three proposals for a The objective of this work is to advocate for a publication titled Environmental Impacts of more comprehensive and holistic method for Tourism in Developing Nations, which is to tourism planning, that considers the needs of be published by IGI Global. We sent abstracts the local communities as well as the natural linked to our work on the Tourism Carrying thresholds of the ecosystems. The broad Capacity, Tourism issues in the Sigur Plateau concept of this was also presented at a session and Community based tourism in Kumirmari. for the Indian Forest Officers, as a part of their All three abstracts were accepted and we have yearly training, which was organised by Jungle submitted frst drafs of the paper, which is in the Lodges and Resorts in June 2017. process of being peer-reviewed. Lok Panchayat, that works with adivasi groups requested EQUATIONS to facilitate an exposure Coasts, Communities and Tourism visit to diferent kinds of ecotourism ventures in The Government of India has adopted the Blue the Western Ghats region, as a learning experience. Economy development strategy. The Sagarmala Honnermaradu and Anshi-Dandeli were visited. A project and the Swadesh Darshan project are list of potential sites for the visit has been prepared some of the ways in which this is being done. and shared with Lok Panchayat. We are waiting to Groups, organizations and researchers working hear back from them. on coastal issues have been critiquing these In September 2017, EQUATIONS participated policies for coastal development. As a part of in the Students Conference on Conservation the Blue Economy mode of development, a Sciences held in Bangalore. We put up a stall number of plans have been lined up to increase disseminating our work and interacting with coastal and island tourism. The meeting of

Opus Laguna Beach Golf Resort proposed site ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 28

World Forum for Fisher People held in Delhi and in quick succession. The overall objective for in November 2017 addressed the issue of such changes appears to be to allow for private ocean grabbing and blue economy model of ownership of common resources such as forests development. We participated in the forum and to ease regulations around infrastructure and contributed a paper on Coastal Tourism in development. These changes also aid the India, that was part of the publication released tourism industry, at the cost of the environment at the General Assembly. and the local communities such as forest dwellers and fshworkers. Many organizations We are closely tracking the progress of one and people working on similar issues have tourism project along Karnataka’s coasts: Opus come together to submit memorandums to the Laguna Golf and Beach Resort. This resort is concerned Governments. We plan to examine being proposed at Bengre village in Mangalore by and critique these policies and laws from the Opus Laguna Golf and Resorts Pvt Ltd. The site lens of tourism. We have regularly participated proposed comes under a restricted development and contributed in state and national level zone and is in an inter-tidal zone. If the project meetings that were conducted to prepare a comes up, it would disrupt the local fsher folks’ response to the changes in policies and laws. access and prevent them from using the beach. The local communities and organizations, are We underwent a capacity building course titled resisting the construction of beach resort since PRiMER (Primer in Methods and Ecological June 2015. The construction of the boundary Research) course conducted by Gubbi Labs. It wall has currently been stalled. The project is was a 6-day course in December 2017 which pending approval from the Karnataka State gave a training on methods of ecological Coastal Zone Management Authority. research, including a basic introduction to GIS mapping and ecological statistics. The reason Island tourism to participate was to enable us to build capacity on reading and engaging with ecological The Niti Aayog has announced that 10 islands studies relevant to our work on forests and in Andamans and Nicobar(5 islands) and coasts. We would also like to use tools such as Lakshdweep (5 islands) will be developed GIS mapping in our work. for tourism. Dakshin and WWF organised a meeting in Port Blair in March 2018 with members of Niti Aayog, MoEF&CC and the local administration including the Navy and Airforce Governance, Law and present. The objective of the meeting was to Tourism get the line departments in the Andamans to speak with Niti Aayog about their concerns, This program studies local self governments within a framework which would be set by and their role in tourism development, helping civil society organisations. Dakshin invited them exercise their rights and play an active role EQUATIONS to make a presentation on tourism in developing guidelines and mechanisms to in the Andamans – drawing from our detailed strengthen local regulations of tourism. research conducted in 2008, comments to the tourism policy and our response to the current Parastatal Bodies and Tourism tourism developments in the Andamans. Research work on ParaStatal Bodies (PSBs) in The presentation was well received by the tourism is progressing with the last round of participants, especially the government oficials. data collection in the Hampi and Mamallapuram In the current political-economic context, a region completed. host of changes to policies and laws are being In Tamil Nadu, we met the Additional Chief made which will alter governance of forests and Secretary of Rural Development & Panchayat coasts. These changes are being made rapidly, EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS Raj Department, Tamil Nadu and the Principal 29

Secretary, the Municipal Administration of Water The local communities of Hampi village Supply Department, Tamil Nadu and other approached EQUATIONS to resist eviction oficials in Directorate of Town and Country threats which was in the form of notices from Planning, Department of Tourism, Archaeological Hampi World Heritage Management Authority Survey of India, MLA of Tirukalukundram (HWHAMA) to about 70-80% of the residents. constituency, MLPA and MNTDA. Later as per We were able to provide necessary background their advice we drafed letters to these oficials information to the people and their lawyers seeking more answers to the concerns we raised to help them in building the case. We also for the purpose of the study. We are yet to receive supported in developing the point of arguments a response from them. (both academic and technical based on the various discourses on conservation, human In Karnataka, we met the oficials from the rights, livelihood, adverse possession) that were State Archaeological Department, Department considered important to strengthen the case in of Tourism, Commissioner of Hampi World favour of the local communities. We regularly Heritage Area Management Authority held discussions with the local community (HWHAMA)/ Co-chairperson, Assistant and helped in strategising their course of Commissioner of Hospet, Superintendent of action as well as in drafting the letters that Police – Koppal, CEO- Zila Panchayat – Koppal, the community sent to various authorities MLA of Koppal constituency, Social Coordinator and government officials, including UNESCO. (one of the longest serving oficial of HWHAMA), Though the case filed at the Dharward Bench and an academician from Hampi University. did not help the community to regain their right to operate tourism related commercial The transcriptions and translation work activities in the Hampi village, at least the is completed. At present, the coding work people were able to get an interim order from is progressing which will be followed by the court to maintain the status-quo with data analysis. The research fndings will be respect to the dwelling units. The case is on- shared with the local communities, and afer going and the final verdict is awaited. incorporating their comments and feedback, we will fnalise the report.

Meeting with MLC’s Karnataka - Strengthening of Local governments and Devolution of Powers ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 30

Panchayati Raj and Tourism tracked till Monsoon Session 2016 and data segregation completed. The winter session A two day national consultation to strengthen 2016, budget session 2017 and monsoon local government was organised by Human session 2017 has been tracked currently on Rights Research and Advocacy Forum in Delhi thematic basis. It provided valuable information in November 2017. Setting up of a structure on the ideology of the present government and to take up the initiative of strengthening their plans with respect to legislative and policy local governments forward was the key idea. directions with respect to tourism and related Strategies were discussed to protect the existing issues. These trends tracking brings into focus provisions as enshrined in the Constitution and criticality of diferent laws, policy initiatives, several other state Acts where devolution has projects and schemes of the government, both been ensured. The consultation recognised at the central and state level. and highlighted the importance of ‘right to Legal analysis, preparation of a RTI ready reckoner, participation’ as a practice for the promotion RTI fling support and support on tourism and of grassroot democracy and our collective related issues are provided to the diferent principles towards it. The participants also programme teams based on their requirements. invigorated the campaign for Constitutional Amendment to Part IX & IX-A (Article 243 G & W) and Amendment to Create List IV in the Seventh Schedule (Local Government List) to make the Society, Culture and functioning of panchayats meaningful. Tourism Later, as per the strategies chalked out in the The Society, Culture and Tourism programme consultation, Concerned for Working Children works with the tourism industry, the local and Karnataka Grama Panchayat Haqotaya communities and concerned groups in and Andolana conducted the Karnataka State around tourism regions on issues of protecting level Chintana Mantana to bring all the state the interests, rights and entitlements of children, wide panchayat level leaders together and to women in general and the marginalised groups discuss ways of strengthening the Karnataka on the principles of equity, social justice , Grama Swaraj and Panchayat Act, to identify decentralisation and democratic inclusion. the challenges that they face and to come out with strategies. In both the above cited consultations, we were able to draw attention Caste and Tourism towards the issues emerging out of tourism As a part of the Study on Caste and Religious development, the roadblocks it creates for Tourism in Tamil Nadu we fled RTIs to Thanjavur, efective functioning of local governments as Chidambaram and Chennai ofices in various well as the implication and the implementation departments, the response to which was positive of the Panchayati Raj Act in relation to tourism. from Thanjavur and to a lesser some extent from Chidambaram. We also completed library Tracking Parliamentary Questions visits at Periyar library, Chennai and Annamalai Tracking legislative changes that has relevance University, Chidambaram. A limitation of this to our work like changes in Ministry of Culture study is that we have not been able to meet any and Ministry of Tribal Afairs and related to retired oficials or sex workers as they have been local-self governing institutions like panchayats unwilling to share their views openly. First round helped us understand the emerging legal of coding has been initiated. The draf structure trends of the country. On similar lines, tracking of the report for this study was shared with our of parliamentary questions and debates were collaborators and fnalised following which we undertaken. Parliamentary questions of both have started work on the chapters. the houses Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha was EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 31

We have completed the 1st draf of the SCSP & published. This was disseminated through TSP study, and this has been shared internally a state level consultation organised By Vikas as well as with Samanvaya Karnataka, who we Samvad Samiti (VSS) and EQUATIONS in Bhopal, collaborated with, for their comments. Based on Madhya Pradesh. The consultation was attended feedback, the report will be fnalised. by the Chairperson of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) and Child and Tourism representatives of organisations working on the issue from Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal The collaborations as a part of our work and Bihar. Following the workshop, a letter on child and tourism were with Jan Jagran with priority recommendations was sent to the Sansthan (Bihar), Alternative Law Forum SCPCR Chairperson for action. During the same (Karnataka), and Adhar Khajuraho, Dharohar workshop, VSS had also put together a critique Guide association, Vikas Samvad Samiti of the state tourism policy based on which we (Madhya Pradesh). The work linked to the organised a session. EQUATIONS provided India Network Against Sexual Exploitation of inputs to strengthen the critique. The aim was to Children, is in collaboration with ATSEC, CINI, widen the framework of discussion from being Childline, NACG, Sanlaap, STOP, Tulir and child centric to one that takes into account the ECPAT International. various other dimensions of tourism and how The work on child and tourism during the past those infuence issues of children. Due to the year has focussed on research, preparation of a consistent engagement with VSS over the past kit on child and tourism, interactions with local years, tourism is an area that they now have people on the impacts of tourism on children consciously started connecting with. and advocacy actions with government and We have engaged with communities and tourism industry. particularly with children to raise their We have initiated two researches. The first is awareness of Child Sexual Exploitation of on Travelling Sex Offenders (TSOs). There have Children (CSEC) and its link to tourism. been a number of reported cases of TSOs in Around 1200 children participated in these India since the 1980s, but there were several awareness workshops in Madhya Pradesh challenges in the prosecution of these cases. (Khajuraho) and Bihar (Bodh Gaya, Rajgir and The objective is to ascertain patterns in the Vaishali). An outcome of these workshops operation of TSOs in India, and identify legal has been an increase in reporting of missing and institutional loopholes that have hitherto children in Bodh Gaya, reporting on the sexual prevented the successful prosecution of exploitation of children in Khajuraho by a TSOs. We have completed the desk research foreign tourist and a case of trafficking of an 11 of identifying cases of TSOs and are in the year old girl from a neighbouring district who process of writing out an analytical report was brought to Khajuraho. based on the secondary research. EQUATIONS has also engaged with the child The second research is on the Code of protection committees, SCPCR and Village level Conduct for Safe and Honourable Tourism. child protection committees to discuss on the This study aims to evaluate and assess the issues related to child and tourism. In Khajuraho, implementation of the existing mechanism we have progressed on our engagement with and to recommend concrete action points at guide association. We have trained around 55 the national and state level for making S&H guides, 30 car drivers, 45 auto drivers on child Code more stringent and one that covers all protection issues and their role in implementing types of tourism service providers. child protection mechanisms in tourism locations. Following this training, around 5 hotels in The study Caught in the Legal Mesh – Crisis Khajuraho have displayed a board that states

of Justice for Sexually Exploited Children was ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 32

Training of guides on child protection their commitment to child protection; a badge coalition can identify issues that should form highlighting the Child helpline number was given part of its action. We have also participated to the tourism service providers so that they can in several meetings and training programs to speak about child protection with their guest and understand the new phenomenon of online also show them the child helpline number for child sexual exploitation – identifcation, reporting of any incident. manifestation and responses.

With the formal industry we had a frst level training We facilitated a South Asia learning visit between with staf members of a local resort Breathing Earth Bangladesh and India. This was a valuable learning situated on the Diamond Harbour road, and a experience for both countries as the commonality meeting with Hyatt Group of Hotels, Kolkata, West of issues were identifed for strengthening cross- Bengal. In Bodh Gaya we had discussions with border advocacy actions. We also facilitated the cyber cafés to display a board to convey messages development of “Signs of Change” to assess the on child protection. progress towards the agreed Theory of Change document for India as well as South Asia. EQUATIONS holds the Secretariat for the India Coalition building process against sexual exploitation of children India. EQUATIONS is also the National task group (NTG) member We have trained around 55 along with 11 other organisations working guides, 30 car drivers, 45 auto on child issues in India. At present, three drivers on child protection issues members of NTG are engaged in writing and their role in implementing a paper on online sexual exploitation of children and its link to child traficking. As child protection mechanisms in part of this initiative, a mapping exercise tourism locations. is being conducted across the country to map out organisations, networks, coalitions, alliances that are working against child sexual A draf of the child labour position paper is exploitation. Another aspect of this mapping complete, but we are yet to fnalise the paper. exercise is to explore and prioritise issues of The delay is caused due to the staf member child sexual exploitation so that the proposed being on maternity leave. EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 33

Engagement as ECPAT member: We have been perspectives from moral prisms to prisms involved in several meetings with the South Asia of choice and agency. The law enforcement ECPAT members on the ECPAT’s strategic agenda agencies have also taken positions on the for next four years as 2018 is the General Assembly right to privacy with respect to soliciting and year for ECPAT International. During the ECPAT sexual engagements. In the present political South Asia meeting it was decided to propose atmosphere where right to expression, a constitutional amendment that would make resilience and decency is constantly being youth participation in decision making mandatory rejected, the unpaved path to autonomy for all ECPAT members as well as in ECPAT’s own over one’s body and its agency remains governance. This process enabled us to come up jeopardized. As such the market driven labour with a consolidated statement and an action plan economy, which includes the labour of women that can help support this proposed constitutional in sex work opens up the need for a discourse amendment with evidences and voices of youth, especially in the context of tourism. claiming their right to participate. Jashn-e-Sangharsh is a coming together of people’s movements – a platform for bringing Women and Tourism along the challenges, experiences, victories, politics and culture of various movements We are working on an exploratory paper on to collectively refect on and celebrate their women in sex work and tourism. The interviews struggles. The theme this year was to celebrate with people who have been linked to this area women leadership in resistance. It was organised of work has thrown reflections on changing in Chaibasa, Jharkhand by Programme for Social

Meeting with Down to Zero regional members in Bangkok ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 34

Jashn-e-Sangarsh

Action and hosted by BIRSA. Various peoples Tourism Resource Centre movement from across the country participated, who shared their experiences of struggles The Tourism Resource Centre plays a vital role on a wide ranges of issues- adivasi and dalit, as a repository of information management transgender, communal politics, displacement, and dissemination, internal capacity building wages and labor. Women leaders spoke explicitly and research support, communication and on the repressive nature of the state and society external engagement. and their consistent resilience to it. We participated at the National Consultation Information Management and on Sexual Harassment at Workplace, Delhi. Dissemination A forum of women’s rights organisation was News is tracked through feeds from more than created to look deeper into the law and the 50 sources online, segregated by class code and gaps in implementation by bringing in the stored digitally in a central repository once in 15 perspectives from various sections – corporates, days. This forms the basis for the analysis of the civil society, institutions and the unorganised tourism trends and research that we undertake. sector. This has paved the way for interventions Apart from these, we also have subscriptions to that needs to be undertaken with respect to magazines, tourism journals, and online portals bringing the necessary changes to the Rules to aid our research work. Over 74 additions and also in the implementation processes. The (books, reports, and CD’s) were made to the library recommendations also focus on of how the during the past year, bringing the total number of law can be accessed by all sections of working resources to 4653. The library was shifed to a new women and that it enables easy access to justice. premises to make room for new additions and for For EQUATIONS, we plan to create awareness staf to have a place to read and research. on the law and its provisions with the tourism industry – formal and unorganized sector. Over 3200 copies of books, reports, briefng sheets, posters, were disseminated through meetings, workshops organised and attended, EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 35 and through postal dissemination. For the period The work involved the use of digital and offline April 2017 to March 2018, there were 46777 media to reach new and wider audiences and unique visitors to the website, with a total of engage with them continuously. To enable this, 12878 PDFs which were downloaded. 10 articles the staff team went through various workshops were covered by the media, and 1 press release where they learnt the basics of writing for issued. TRC has monitored and coordinated different audiences; how to take photos that the translations, designing and printing of tell a story. We discussed collectively, and publications for EQUATIONS. agreed upon, what the tone, voice and style of EQUATIONS writing would be through a series Communication Strategy: of deliberations and workshops. We continued working with the communication Through our communication strategy we are strategist to look into the communication working on our engagement with social media and media strategy of EQUATIONS. The for wider outreach of EQUATIONS work and implementation of the strategy is under way on issues of tourism. We have had a series of with the introduction of new technology such capacity building workshops for the team on as Slack and Trello for internal communication. understanding the different ways to write for We submitted an application to TECHSOUP and social media; on understanding editing and got approved for receiving Google Suite for free. how to edit; as well as a session on design EQUATIONS has now moved to Google Suite. and creating infographics, all of which will The contact database has become a Google help when we launch EQUATIONS social form which is easy to use. The other goal of the media presences. Right now we are building a communication strategy is of accessibility that repository of content for both a Facebook page enable staf and people externally to utilise the and a Blog. wealth of knowledge housed in EQUATIONS better. Keeping this in mind documentation We are keeping our website relevant by accessed by staf was streamlined and moved to regularly updating it, even though the sofware a cloud where staf could access it remotely. is fairly outdated. The second phase of our

Community Media workshop, Palampur ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 36

Panel discussion on Activity Based Tourism communication strategy aims at designing and During our presentation we spoke in relation developing a new website which is dynamic, to plans that each of the other panellist had engaging and relevant. We are looking to have shared and about the possible issues and an easy content management system to ease impacts of that activity. For example one uploads. We are also putting together a list of what industry person was talking about developing does not work in the present website and would beach tourism in Puducherry and he wanted also take feedback from staf and collaborators to the students to lobby with the Government incorporate into our new website. to give the required permissions. Taking that we spoke to the students on beach erosion, External Engagement efect on the biodiversity, restrictions imposed on the local community impacting the lives and EQUATIONS participated in a workshop on livelihood. This generated a lot of discussion community media in Palampur in Himachal by the students and questions were asked to Pradesh. The workshop helped us understand the industry heads on the sustainability of their the diferent ways of creating content for social type of tourism. Other topics covered that day media in very easy ways. It was a great learning were on rural tourism, volunteer tourism, child which we were bringing back to the organisation. sexual exploitation and the local community. The Part of our future plans is to conduct a similar students hearing about the impacts and issues workshop in Karnataka and use it as a platform that each type of tourism brings with it, had to make people aware and sensitise them about many questions even afer the discussion. the impacts and issues of tourism. In March 2018, we organised a session for the We were invited to a panel discussion by the foundation year students of the Srishti Institute tourism department of Pondicherry University. of Art, Design & Technology on the politics of The topic was Activity Based Tourism – an north east region vis-a-vis India and exploring the emerging trend. All panellists, except for context of tourism within this. This session was EQUATIONS were from the tourism industry. part of their contextual inquiry courses, for the Each panellist spoke about their plans and students to gain insights on diferent disciplines. packages they had for activity based tourism. EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 37 Research in Tourism and Capacity Building

Quantitative Research Methodology As part of the Migration Study, we had invited a resource person who is an expert at the National Council for Applied Economic Research having several years of field experience. A one day workshop was organised on Quantitative Research in June 2017 focussing on creating questionnaires for quantitative research, data cleaning and organising and analysing the data collected. While the context of the workshop was the study, this gave the programme team an opportunity to work with data sets that were already collected and reflect on how does one prepare a questionnaire keeping quantitative methods in mind.

Qualitative Research Methodology: In July 2017, the programme team had a two day interaction doing a quick re-cap of some important concepts that we had dealt with in the previous workshop on qualitative research methods, we discussed in detail issues that the research teams have been confronted with, and introduced the refexivity method that we can use in our research. We also spoke about the expectations that the people have from us, areas that we are uncomfortable dealing with and what could be ways of approaching these situations. We also did an exercise of mapping the power structures within the research areas, so as to understand an added dimension to our work.

Research Software: For qualitative data set we have purchased 3 MAXQDA licenses. EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 38 Reflections: Looking Back best possible ways to research, document, and share work. The arguments we recognise need and Going Forward to embedded within the constitutional values backed with empirical data. There is also a need Collaborating with organisations, people’s to delve deeper into the aspects of women and movements and individuals continues as a core labour, or on issues of tourism carrying capacity method of our work. Our experiences over the to expand the discussions on tourism. past year have been both enriching and one of continuous learning. An important insight we gained is with respect to communication of content, according to Working on strengthening our research has been the audience. There were two instances of an area of focus for the past years. The study interaction with diferent groups of people – one on migration of people from the Northeast to was a presentation to the Indian Forest Service Bangalore is largely a quantitative study, which oficers at JLR and the other was with students at is a modality of research that EQUATIONS is the SCCS conference. We presented the concept less familiar with. In the process of conducting of Tourism Carrying Capacity to oficers – a this study, we have developed several insights – complex concept. While the presentation did coding procedures, data cleaning and entry. As generate interest from the oficers, there was a the study proceeds, we expect to develop more need to simplifying the concept more, to make it understanding about other aspects of quantitative easily understandable. At the SCCS conference, we methodologies, including data analysis. chose to use a simple interactive game to generate Going through the diferent phases of the interest on the topic of the relationship between research, one also understands the challenge tourism and conservation. The game became a and the amount of time that needs to be conversation starter and a lot of students asked factored in while doing the transcriptions and questions about how tourism and conservation translations of the interviews conducted. It was a interact and how it afects local people. challenge fnding translators and transcribers for Working with tourism industry, particularly our recordings and within the budgets available. unorganised sector (such as guide associations, In some instances we had close to 350 fles to cyber café, taxi unions) needs to be initiated by be transcribed, which took up a considerable understanding their priorities and by working amount of time. This is time we need to factor with them on issues of responsibility and in our research plan in the future or have the accountability in tourism as a value that can fnancial provisions to give them out. help them economically as well as socially in A learning we have had is the requirements terms of their business. for academic publishing. This has been a new We recognised that our decision to start the experience for us and the rigour of academic discussions on the tourism issues, impacts publishing though a bit tedious, was very regulation and tourism operations in Kumirmari, insightful. The process of peer review, where West Bengal has increased the interest of the reviewers give us feedback on our work, local communities in relation to tourism in the contributed a lot to strengthening the work itself. surrounding islands. People from other islands Timely release of research reports is an have approached us to initiate the tourism absolute necessity to continue with the manifesto process. The discussions on tourism momentum that gets developed during the are also more visible in public places and in research data collection process at the field political conversations on how community- level to optimise advocacy actions. based tourism will help people in the island. As we work on contentious issues that are Working with alternative tourism practitioners, linked to tourism (religious tourism, caste, especially with the women entrepreneurs in labour), EQUATIONS needs to understand the Himachal Pradesh has built an understanding EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 39 on the meaning of ownership and involvement in work. It gives us further insights when implementing the CBT initiative in Kumirmari. INTERNAL From our engagement with media is that, with people being transient, our database is of COMPLAINTS little value as people keep moving on. We also realised with technology being so advanced, we need to move with the times and engage in COMMITTEE alternate/ social media. EQUATIONS has an Internal Complaints We need to develop skills on engagement with Committee formed under The Sexual media for wider outreach of EQUATIONS work. Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, This is true more so given that it has been dificult Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The to have our articles published in mainstream committee comprises of three members from media especially the English dailies, as asking the EQUATIONS staf team and one external questions of the government is becoming a member. There were no complaints fled with the challenge. Some of these lessons, coupled with committee during the period 2017-2018. the on-going capacity building workshops for communication, has allowed us to engage deeply with diferent ways of communication. CONDOLENCES

KEY FUNDING Divya Kasargod had worked with us earlier and rejoined EQUATIONS in August 2016. She was part of the Tourism Resource Centre programme SUPPORT team. We lost her on 3rd December 2017 during a complicated childbirth. Our deepest Our core donors Bread for the World and condolences to her family. Misereor have continued to provide critical support to our work on People Centred Tourism in India. Misereor also supported through a separate grant our work on building capacity and strengthening our research in tourism. The Down to Zero project is funded by the Defence for Children (ECPAT Netherlands) who in turn are supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Afairs. ECPAT International supported our work Building the India Coalition Against Sexual Exploitation of Children in India. We received a grant from ING Groenbank N V towards our work on community based tourism in Kumirmari, West Bengal. The Institute for Development and Communication funded us to conduct a research on Challenges of Internal Migration in India: A Case Study of Migrants from Manipur. EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 40

ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS

Balance Sheet as on 31.03.2018 Current Assets Amount in Rs.

Fixed Assets 40,23,851 Investments 36,78,897 Loan, Advances and Deposits 2,13,931 Cash and Bank Balance 56,02,581 Total Assets 1,35,19,260

Current liabilities Amount in Rs. Capital Fund 40,23,851 Corpus Fund 40,000 General Fund 36,63,111 Staff Fund 4,21,460 Project Fund 45,34,666 Other Liabilities 8,36,172 Total Liabilities 1,35,19,260

Income and Expenditure Account for the Period ended 31.03.2018

Income Amount in Rs. Grants and Donations 1,63,02,255 Contribution towards Institutional 1,80,048 Overheads Bank Interest 2,40,121 Other Income 1,79,868 Total Income 1,69,02,292

Expenditure Amount in Rs. Project expenses 1,63,02,255 Institutional expenses 3,31,447 Depreciation 4,47,983 Total Expenditure 1,70,81,685 Excess of Expenditure over Income 1,79,393 EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 41 EVENTS June 2016 - Consultation on Access to Justice for Sexually Exploited Children in collaboration with THAT SAW Adhar Khajuraho, Alternative Law Forum, EQUATIONS, M P Institute of Social Science EQUATIONS’ Research, Vikas Samvad Samiti and Sanlaap, 9th June 2017, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. EQUATIONS presented the study fndings. PRESENCE - EQUATIONS facilitated a training session for Indian Forest Service oficers on ‘Assessing Limits of Acceptable Change for Ecotourism Meetings Development and Planning’ organised by Jungle Lodge and Resorts, 13th June 2017, Kabini, Karnataka. April 2016 - Talk on ‘Lives afer Divorce: Section 10 A Divorce - Meeting on Critical Issues in Tourism with Gram Act 1869 and 2012’ organised by Vimochana, Panchayat members, 5th April 2017, organised 23rd June 2017, Bengaluru, Karnataka. by SJSM, Shamsher Nagar, West Bengal. - Talk on ‘Introspection of Initiative of Justice: - Meeting on the Asian Development Bank 2007-2015’ by Vrinda Grover and Saumya Uma in the North East organised by Indigenous organised by People’s Union for Civil Liberties Perspectives, 9th April 2017, Guwahati, Assam. and Alternative Law Forum, 28th June 2017, - Workshop on Building Critical Tourism Bengaluru, Karnataka. in North East organised by Indigenous - Regional Brainstorming Consultation Perspectives and EQUATIONS, 10th April 2017, exploring a South Asia Regional Initiative Guwahati, Assam. to End Sexual Exploitation of Children - Release of the Report – Amarnath Yatra: A organised by ATSEC, 29th & 30th June Militarised Pilgrimage organised by JKCCS 2017, Kolkata, West Bengal. We presented and EQUATIONS, 20th April 2017, Srinagar, on National Coalition Building Process to Jammu & Kashmir. address Child Sexual Exploitation in India. - Jashn-e-Sangharsh Consultation: Women Leadership in Resistance organised by July 2016 People for Social Action in collaboration - Meeting on Indo-US Promotion of Travel & with Jharkhand Mines Area, Coordination Tourism organised by The Indo-American Committee, Jharkhandi organisation for Chamber of Commerce, 7th July 2017, Human Rights, Jharkhand Jungle Bachao Bengaluru, Karnataka. Andolan, Johar Asanghathit, Mazdoor Sangh, Omon Mahila Sangathan, 28th to 30th April - Meeting on Community-based Tourism 2017, Chaibasa, Jharkhand. initiative organised by KJPS, 8th July 2017, Kumirmari, Sundarbans, West Bengal. May 2016 - Cross-border peer learning exercise between India (Bihar & West Bengal) and Bangladesh, - Workshop on Ecotourism: Opportunity and 14th to 19th July 2017. Realities organised by Himalayan Ark and EQUATIONS, 3rd and 4th May 2017, - South Asia Regional Consultation on Child Munsiyari, Uttrakhand. Sexual Exploitation: Towards building EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 42

a regional strategy organised by ATSEC - EQUATIONS presented on Sustainability in South Asia, 27th and 28th July 2017, Tourism on the occasion of World Tourism Day Kolkata, West Bengal. for tourism students organised by Karnataka University, 27th September 2017, Dharwad, August 2016 Karnataka. - EQUATIONS talk on Religious Tourism - Presentation of a case study on Jewar Airport organised by People’s Study Circle, 5th August at the International Tribunal on Evictions: 2017, Kolkata, West Bengal. Session on Tourism organised by International - EQUATIONS talk on ‘Sacred Geography Alliance of Inhabitants, 28th to 30th of Himalayan Pilgrimages: Ecological and September 2017, Venice, Italy. Social Concerns’, organised by Center for International Politics, Organization and October 2016 Disarmament, School of International Studies - Participated at the ‘Woman with the at Jawaharlal Nehru University, 9th August Broom Protest’, on sexual harassment of 2017, New Delhi. pourakarmika women organised by BBMP - Asia Regional Outcome Harvesting Festival Guttige Pourakarmikara Sangha, 25th October organised by Down to Zero alliance 10th to 2017, Bengaluru, Karnataka. 16th August 2017, Bangkok, Thailand. - Fifh meeting of National Task Group of the - Talk on Contract Labour, Neoliberalism and India Network Against Sexual Exploitation of Repression of Worker’s Struggle’ by Rakhi Children, 26th October 2017, New Delhi. Sehgal organised by Alternative Law Forum, November 2016 11th August 2017, Bengaluru, Karnataka. - Meeting with state level legislators, Kagodu - Film Screening of ‘Voices of the Ruins’ Thimmiah and K C Kondiah, along with organised by People’s Solidarity Concerns, representatives from Hampi, 4th and 5th 22nd August 2017, Bengaluru, Karnataka. November 2017, Bengaluru, Karnataka. - Meeting with People of Pakhiralay on Tourism September 2016 issues in the Sunderbans, 7th November 2017, - Public meeting on killing of Gauri Lankesh, 6th Gosaba, Sunderbans, West Bengal. September 2017, Bengaluru, Karnataka. - Meeting on Tourism issues in Dayapur, - Meeting on Community-based Tourism 8th November 2017, Dayapur, Sunderbans, initiative organised by KJPS, 9th September West Bengal. 2017, Kumirmari, Sundarbans, West Bengal. - Sharing on the work on Community-based - EQUATIONS facilitated an Orientation tourism initiative by KJPS, SJSM & EQUATIONS Workshop for resort employees on Child with BfTW, 9th November 2017, Kumirmari Protection issues in Travel and Tourism Sunderbans, West Bengal. at Breathing Earth Resort, 15th and 16th - 7th General Assembly of the World Forum September 2017, Kolkata, West Bengal. of Fisher People organised by National - EQUATIONS participated in the ‘Who’s- Fishworkers’ Forum, 15th to 21st November Who’ session of the Student’s Conference 2017, New Delhi. on Conservation Sciences, 21st to 24th - Orientation on Online Child Sexual Exploitation September 2017, Bangalore, Karnataka. and its link to Child Traficking organised by - Meeting on Community-based Tourism Sanlaap, STOP and ATSEC India, 20th to 22nd initiative organised by KJPS, 22nd September November 2017, Kolkata, West Bengal. 2017, Kumirmari, Sundarbans, West Bengal EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 43

- National Consultation on Strengthening of February 2017 Panchayati Raj Act organised by Human Rights Advocacy and Research Foundation, 23rd and - Chinthana Manthana, a State Level 24th November 2017, New Delhi. Symposium on Gram Swaraj organised by Concern for Working Children, 23rd and 24th - Vikalp Sangam, 26th November to 1st February 2018, Udupi, Karnataka. December 2017, Udaipur, Rajasthan. - ‘Let me Speak’ - Regional Conference for Survivors of Traficking and Abuse organised December 2016 by ATSEC India and Jharkhand State Child - Engagement Forum of KD Bank organised Protection Society, 27th and 28th February by Sudewind, Wissenchafliche and 2018, Ranchi, Jharkhand. Mitraebeiterin, 8th December 2017, Berlin, Germany. We presented the Study on March 2017 Sustainability of the Hotel Chains Accor and Marriott in India. - Meeting on Sustainable Island Development: A Stakeholder Meeting on the Andamans - Talk on ‘Sustainability and Accountability of organised Dakshin Foundation and World the Hotel Industry in Tourism’ at an informal Wildlife Fund, 5th March 2018, Port Blair, gathering organised by GATE-Themenabend Andaman and Nicobar Islands. EQUATIONS on 7th December 2017. presented on Tourism Planning and - Consultation on Sexual Harassment at Development in the Andaman Islands: Workplace organised by the Joint Women’s Principles and Potentials. Programme, Indian National Bar Association - Bodhgaya Global Dialogues on Sustainable and The Asia Foundation, 10th December Development, Heritage, and Enlightenment, 2017, New Delhi. organised by Deshkal Society, 9th to 11th - Meeting with K C Kondiah, District Collector of March 2018, Bodh Gaya, Bihar. Bellary, Assistant Commissioner of Hospete - Panel discussion on ‘Activity Based Tourism’ and the Tahsildhar of Hospete, along with organised by Pondicherry University, 16th representatives from Hampi, 11th December March 2018, Puducherry. 2017, Hospete, Karnataka. - Meeting with Assistant Director, Ministry - Workshop on Private sector’s Interaction on of Women and Child Development on the Sexual Exploitation of Children in Travel and National Coalition building process to address Tourism, 11th to 13th December 2017, Colombo, sexual exploitation of children in India, 21st Sri Lanka. EQUATIONS presented the India March 2018, New Delhi. experience in working with Accor Group of Hotels in India to implement The Code. - Meeting with Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF on the National Coalition building - Talk by Prof. Kancha Ilaiah (Maulana Azad process to address sexual exploitation of National Urdu University, Hyderabad) on children in India, 22nd March 2018, New Delhi. ‘Social Smuggling: How it Works in India’, organised by Indian Institute of Management, - Workshop on Tourism and Local Struggles 21st December 2017, Bengaluru, Karnataka. organised by Tourism Alert and Action Forum at World Social Forum, 14th March 2018, Salvador, January 2017 Brazil. EQUATIONS presented on Resistances Against Mega Tourism Projects in India. - Meeting of South Asia ECPAT Members organised by CWIN – Nepal, 12th and 13th - Workshop on Tourism and Indigenous Peoples January 2018, Kathmandu, Nepal. organised by Tourism Alert and Action Forum EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 44

at World Social Forum, 15th March 2018, - Briefng Sheet: Unholy Nexus (English, reprint). Salvador, Brazil. - Briefng Sheet: Not a choice But An Obligation - Workshop on Palestine – Pilgrimages for (English, Hindi reprint). Transformation organised by Tourism Alert - Poster: Street Vendors – Inclusive Tourism and Action Forum at World Social Forum, 17th (English, reprint). March 2018, Salvador, Brazil. - Strategy and Action Plan Meeting of Tourism Alert and Action Forum, 18th March 2018, Translations and Salvador, Brazil. Transcriptions - Transcripts & Translation: Caste and Religious Publications / Papers / Tourism in Tamil Nadu (Tamil to English). Statements - Transcripts & Translation: Community Based Tourism with special emphasis on women in - Corporatising Tourism in Manipur, April Himachal Pradesh (Hindi to English). 2017 (English) - Transcripts & Translation: Parastatal bodies - Amarnath Yatra: A Militarized Pilgrimage, and Tourism (Kannada to English). April 2017 (English) - Transcripts: Tiger Tourism Case (Hindi to English). - Caught in the Legal Mesh, June 2017 (English) - Translation: Publication: Women Street - Annual Report, 2016-17, August 2017 (English) Vendors & Tourism: Negotiating Lives and - Breached Governance, September 2017 (English) Spaces (English to Hindi). - Review Report: Sustainability in Tourism - Translation: Publication: Tracing the Maze: A (English, reprint) Dossier on Women and Tourism (English to Hindi). - On The Brink: The Tragedy of Forest Governances (English, reprint) - Translation: Kumirmari Tourism Manifesto (English to Bengali). Visual Materials - Copy Editing: Case study on Community- based Tourism in Hulgol. - Briefng sheet: Caught In The Legal Mesh, June - Copy Editing: Paper on Accessing Community 2017 (English, Hindi & reprint). Rights and Livelihood Through Tourism: - Briefng Sheet: Breached Governance, A community-based Tourism initiative in September 2017 (English). Kumirmari, Sundarban. - Poster: Breached Governance, September - Copy Editing: Paper on Tourism in the Sigur 2017 (English). Plateau in the Western Ghats of India: An Impact Assessment Report. - EQUATIONS Brochure (English, reprint). - Copy Editing: Paper on Tourism Carrying - Briefng Sheet: Forest Communities and Capacity: A Multi-dimensional Framework Tourism (English, Hindi reprint) for Assessment. - Briefing Sheet: The Looking Glass: Understanding Eco-tourism (English, Hindi reprint).

EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 45 Media Reports Training and Staff - Release of Amarnath Yatra: A Militarised Capacity Building Pilgrimage, 20th April 2017, organised by - Workshop on Language facilitated by Bridget Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society Raju, 24th April 2017, Bengaluru, Karnataka. (JKCCS), Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. - Workshop on Social Media facilitated by Avinash - Amarnath Yatra: A Militarised Pilgrimage: Kuduvalli, 26th April 2017, Bengaluru, Karnataka. JKCCS and Banglore based organization release report, 20th April 2017, Kashmir Life. - Workshop on Photography facilitated by Vivek Muthuramlingam, 17th May 2017, - Goa’s Slums are Full of Karnataka Migrants: Bengaluru, Karnataka. Study, 15th May 2017, Times of India. - EQUATIONS Group Review facilitated by - Migrant Kids in Goa Open to Sexual Exploitation: Ganesh Ananthraman, 26th & 27th May 2017, Study, 17th May 2017, The Pioneer Bengaluru, Karnataka. - Mahesh Sharma’s performance as a - Workshop on Quantitative Research minister for culture doesn’t match up to his Techniques facilitated by Atul Sood and achievements as a tourism minister, 18th May Khursheed A. Siddiqui, 15th June 2017, 2017, India Today. Bengaluru, Karnataka. - Amarnath Yatra Clashes with Burhan Wani - Nino Charles and Swathi Seshadri attended Death Anniversary, Forces Anxious, 29th May a Group Relations Conference titled ‘The 2017, News18.com. Courage to Lead: Exploring Dynamics of - Interview: A tourism model owned, governed Collaboration and Dissent’ organised by and implemented by people can only sustain Group Relations India and Human Institutional in the long term, 8th June 2017, Hospitality Biz Development Forum, 26th June to 1st July India. 2017, Mumbai, Maharashtra. - India is Weaponizing its Spiritual Tourists, 9th - Joyatri Ray attended Training on Online Sexual August, 2017, foreignpolicy.com Exploitation of Children organised by ECPAT - Interview: Is Amarnath Yatra, a Tool for India to International and DTH Netherlands, 4th to 6th Occupy Kashmir?, 12th August 2017, News click. July 2017, New Delhi. - 57,000 “to be Evicted” for Jewar Airport- - Intern presentation on Trends and Analysis Aerotropis of Delhi, 20 villages to be of Culture and Tourism by Chaitanya Pramod Uprooted, UK Advocacy Group The airport- Pawar, 14th July 2017, Bengaluru, Karnataka. cum-aerotropis Site At Jewar, 22nd December - Intern presentation on Trends and Analysis of 2017, www.counterview.net. Religious Tourism in India by Hemanta Hazarika, - Meet the Majid Squad, a Group that Voluntarily 14th July 2017, Bengaluru, Karnataka. Cleans Filth on Amarnath Yatra Routes, 29th - Intern presentation on Exploitation of Women January 2018, freepresskashmir.com. in Tourism by Varsha Shrivastava, 14th July 2017, Bengaluru, Karnataka. - Research Methodology Workshop facilitated by Kaveri Tara, 20th to 22nd July 2017, Bengaluru, Karnataka. - Workshop on Tone, Voice and Style facilitated by Avinash Kuduvalli, 1st August 2017, Bengaluru, Karnataka. EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 46

- Training on Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 facilitated by Durang Bosu Mullick & K S Sharmila, 8th August 2017, Bengaluru, Karnataka. - Workshop on Social Justice, 25th to 27th August 2017, Bangalore, Karnataka. - Aditi Chanchani, James N and Theresa Florina Lobo attended a Workshop on Goods and Services Tax organised by Financial Management Service Foundation, 6th September 2017, Bengaluru, Karnataka. - Induction to the Strength Finder Process facilitated by Organisations & Alternatives Pvt. Ltd., 22nd September 2017, Bengaluru, Karnataka. - Workshop on Writing for Social Media facilitated by Avinash Kuduvalli, 10th & 18th October 2017, Bengaluru, Karnataka. - Workshop on Editing facilitated by Avinash Kuduvalli, 19th October 2017, Bengaluru, Karnataka. - Joyatri Ray attended a Training on Tracking Child Sex Ofenders organised by ECPAT International, 27th and 28th October 2017, New Delhi. - Kavitha M and Nino Charles attended the Workshop on Barefoot Media organised by Sambhaavana Institute, 5th to 10th November 2017, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. - Nayana Udayashankar attended the ‘PriMER in Methods and Ecological Research’ organised by Gubbi Labs, 1st to 10th December 2017, Kumta, Karnataka. - Aditi Chanchani attended Workshop on Governance of NGOs organised by Financial Management Service Foundation, 19th and 20th February 2018, Hyderabad, Telengana. - Reading Group on Tourism-Conservation Nexus facilitated by Nayana Udayashankar, 23rd February 2018, Bengaluru, Karnataka. - Workshop on Design & Infographics facilitated by Avinash Kuduvalli, 28th March 2018 Bengaluru, Karnataka.sdt EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 47 MANAGEMENT, STAFF AND EXTENDED TEAMS

Managing Committee (2016-2017)

# Name Designation 1 Mario Pinto Almeida President 2 Ravi Chellam Secretary* 3 K T Suresh Secretary* 4 Mahesh Lobo Treasurer 5 TT Sreekumar Member 6 Haritha Sarma Member* 7 Aditi Chanchani Director, (ex-oficio) 8 Nayana Udayashankar Staf Representative, (ex-oficio) Staff Team # Programme Coordinator Team Members 1 Institutions, Policies and Swathi Seshadri Aditi Chanchani / Tourism Models Rajesh Ranjan# / Sudhamshu Mitra* 2 Ecosystems, Swathi Seshadri Chidananda G* / Communities and Nayana Udayashankar Tourism 3 Economics of Tourism Swathi Seshadri Ashwin Thomas* 4 Governance, Law and Aditi Chanchani* / Kavitha M Tourism Philip Varghese* 5 Society, Culture and Aditi Chanchani* / Durang Bosu Mullick / Tourism Joyatri Ray#* Kumari S Sharmila / Sangeeta Rath 6 Tourism Resource Centre Nino Charles Divya Kasargod#* / Kavitha M / Sophia Vijay#* 7 Networking Swathi Seshadri* 8 Research Swathi Seshadri Ghanshyam Kumar* 9 Institutional Support Services a Admin Theresa Florina Lobo Girisha V / Sowbhagya b Finance Theresa Florina Lobo James c HR Kumari S Sharmila d IT Rajiv Das# # part time staf * for part of the year EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 48

EQUATIONS Team

Short Term and Project Based Contracts

# Name of Staff Programme

1 Abish Chakma a. Study on Challenges of Internal Migration (Economics of Tourism) b. Research on Safe and Honourable Tourism Code – Status and Implementation Challenges (Society, Culture and Tourism) 2 Abo Arangam Study on Challenges of Internal Migration (Economics of Tourism) 3 Ananya Dasgupta Research on Parastatal Bodies and Tourism (Governance, Law and Tourism) 4 Anati K Yeptho Study on Challenges of Internal Migration (Economics of Tourism) 5 Avinash Kuduvalli Communication Strategy (Tourism Resource Centre) 6 Nadika Nadja Study on Caste and Religious Tourism in Tamil Nadu (Society, Culture and Tourism) 7 Harsh Raveendra a. Developing a database of Mega Tourism Projects (Economics of Tourism) b. Study on Sustainability of Hotel Chains: Accor and Marriott (Economics of Tourism) 8 Khursheed A. Strengthen Quantitative Research Methodologies in Tourism Research Siddiqui (Research) 9 Kaveri Tara Strengthen Qualitative Research Methodologies in Tourism Research (Research) 10 Kavitha Kanan Nath Tourism Impact Assessment in Banni Region, Kutch (Economics of Tourism) 11 Mary Kath Study on Challenges of Internal Migration (Economics of Tourism) 12 Santosh Yadav Study on Challenges of Internal Migration (Economics of Tourism) EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 49 Translation and Design and Transcription Support Communication Support

- Anil Kumar - Anjora Noronha - Chinmay Mishra - Avinash Kuduvalli - Dutta Raychaudhuri - National Printing Press - Mahika Banerji - Prabhakaran - Meetu Desai - Shashwati Balasubramanian - Nisha Yadav - Shine Ofset Press - Paresh Chandra Mondal - Smriti Chanchani - Pauline Anthony - Ponni Meenakshi - Prabhakaran - Prajnaparamita - Ravi Kumar - S.S.Rajani - Santosh Kumar - Shilpa Ganesh - Sridhar K R - Sudhanshu Kumar

Interns and Volunteers and their Work

# Name Academic Institution Period Details Programme course (weeks) worked with 1 Varsha MBA Indian Institute 25th May to Trends and Society, Shrivastava (Tourism) of Tourism 25th July 2017 analysis on the Culture and and Travel (9 Weeks) Exploitation Tourism Management, of Women in Amarkantak, Tourism Noida. 2 Hemanta MBA Indian Institute 1st June Trends and Institutions, Hazarika (Tourism) of Tourism 2017 to 15th analysis of Policies and and Travel July 2017 (7 Religious Tourism Management, Weeks) Tourism in Models Gwalior India

3 Chaitanya MBA Indian Institute 1st June Trends and Society, Pramod (Tourism) of Tourism 2017 to 15th analysis Culture and Pawar and Travel July 2017 (7 Culture & Tourism Management, Weeks) Tourism in Gwalior India EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 50 EDII ABBREVIATIONS Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India A&NI ESA Andamans and Nicobar Islands Ecologically Sensitive Areas ADB ESOI Asian Development Bank Ecotourism Society of India ALF GIS Alternative Law Forum Geographic Information System ASI GP Archaeological Survey of India Gram Panchayats ATSEC HNA Action against Traficking and Sexual Himalayan Niti Abhiyan Exploitation of Children HRCE CBT Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Community based tourism HRIDAY CINI National Heritage City Development and Child in Need Institute Augmentation CRZ HWHAMA Coastal Regulation Zone Hampi World Heritage Area Management CSEC Authority Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children IACR CWC India Alliance for Child Rights Concerned for Working Children INASEC CWH India Network Against Sexual Exploitation of Children, Critical Wildlife Habitats IP CZMP Indigenous Perspectives Coastal Zone Management Plans JJS e-TV Jan Jagran Sansthan e-Tourist Visa JKCCS ECPAT Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society End Child Prostitution and Traficking EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 51 JNU NCPCR Jawaharlal Nehru University National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights KHAMIR Kachchh Heritage, Art, Music, Information and NER Resources North East Region KJPS NETDC Kumirmari Jan Paryatan Samiti North East Tourism Development Council MLA NGT Member of Legislative Assembly National Green Tribunal MLPA NTG Mamallapuram Local Planning Authority National Task Group MNTDA NTUI Mamallapuram New Town Development New Trade Union Initiative Authority PMKVY MoEFCC Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change POCSO Protection of Children from Sexual Ofences Act MoT 2012 Ministry of Tourism PPP MoU Public Private Partnerships Memorandum of Understanding PRASAD MoU Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Memorandum of Understanding Augmentation Drive MPISSR PRI M P Institute of Social Science Research Panchayati Raj Institutions MWCD RTI Ministry of Women and Child Development Right to Information NACG SASY National Action and Coordinating Group Social Awareness for Society and Youth against Violence against Women and Children SCCS NCDHR Students’ Conference on Conservation Sciences National Campaign for Dalit Human Rights EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS 52 SCPCR UNICEF State Commission for the Protection of Child United Nations Children’s Fund Rights UNWTO SCSP World Tourism Organisation Scheduled Castes Sub Plan VSS SDGs Vikas Samvad Samiti Sustainable Development Goals WWF SEA World Wildlife Fund Society for Education and Action SJSM Sundarbans Jan Shramjeevi Manch STOP STOP Traficking and Oppression of Children & Women TAAF Tourism Alert and Action Forum TCC Tourism Carrying Capacity TIA Tourism Impact Assessment TRC Tourism Resource Centre TSO Travelling Sex Ofenders TSP Tribal Sub-Plan UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientifc and Cultural Organization EQUATIONS ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 EQUATIONS Equitable Tourism Optons (EQUATIONS) Flat No. A-2, 1st Floor, No.21/7, 2nd Cross, 1st A Main Road, Atmananda Colony, Sultanpalya, R.T. Nagar Post, Bengaluru – 560032, Karnataka. Tel: +91 (80) 23659711 / 23659722 Email: [email protected] URL: www.equitabletourism.org

Design: Rahul & Rohan Layout: Avinash Kuduvalli Printng: Natonal Printng Press, Bengaluru August 2018