Imagine arriving at a popular tourist destination alone. You want to explore the place, take in the landscape, and spend a few hours at your own pace. But what happens if you feel unsafe, cannot find a working public facility, or need help navigating an unfamiliar area? And who do you turn to if something goes wrong?

For women travelling alone, access to assistance can shape how comfortable they feel exploring a place. 

Kerala is seeking to address these concerns through its Green Marshal initiative, which aims to place trained personnel at selected tourist destinations to assist visitors, monitor safety and improve the upkeep of public spaces. 

The first phase is expected to create around 180 jobs, bringing local workers into the day-to-day management of tourist destinations.

More than a safety checkpoint

The Green Marshals are being envisaged as a visible, accessible point of contact for visitors. Their responsibilities will include monitoring tourist spots, assisting travellers, identifying problems and helping ensure that basic facilities remain functional.

For a women exploring an unfamiliar destination, knowing whom to approach when she needs assistance can make a difference. The presence of trained personnel could also help visitors report concerns and seek support without having to navigate an unfamiliar administrative system.

The initiative comes at a time when independent travel is an important........

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