Responsible/Sustainable Tourism
Having being repurposed as a fine heritage hotel with luxurious fittings, Bari Kothi opened in 2018 as a self-sustaining eco-system that generates its own income, improves the local economy, betters the lives of the local community, preserves the tangible and intangible heritage and carries forward its legacy.
No Single Use Plastic: There is almost no single use plastic used, and if used, is disposed consciously. Water is provided in glass bottles; it is safe and filtered. The bathroom amenities come in compostable bottles.
Safe Garbage Disposal: Garbage is segregated and handed over to the local municipality. Future plans include looking at waste closely to reduce and reuse.
Water Conservation: Recycling of water for irrigational purposes is carried out and training is given to the local community on how to keep the Ganges clean. Guests are encouraged to reuse linen especially for short stays. Rainwater harvesting is minimal, however it is used for basic tasks.
Energy Efficiency: A small bit to conserve electricity is the use of a candle in the bathroom all night so one doesn’t grope around in the dark looking for the light switch. For sightseeing, electric carts and ferry boats are used. The local community are encouraged to use bicycles. All lighting is with the use of LED lights.
Local Community Engagement: The team at Bari Kothi almost entirely comprises of the local community. The staff is handpicked and trained (who then help train the others). Interactions with the team reveals the sheer pride with which they engage with guests. There is a genuine sense of ownership and belonging to Bari Kothi that the staff and team revel in. The hotel works in empowering local farmers in tilling their land. In turn, they offer the produce to Bari Kothi thus ingredients are sourced from local organic farms and guests are welcome to pick produce and enjoy as part of their meals. The farmers are additionally encouraged to reduce and not use inorganic pesticides and fertilisers.
Light Footprint Tourism: For restoration, eco-friendly building materials were sourced, most of the furniture repaired and restored and the décor was done by recycling of other materials. Locally sourced fabrics have used extensively and once it has outlived its purpose, it is recycled and repurposed.
Sensitive Destination Discovery: Murshidabad’s history has immense significance with the Battle of Plassey fought here leading to the British colonial rule in India. It has seen its share of highs and lows. Bari Kothi has worked toward putting Murshidabad on the traveller’s map with its sensitive approach to showcasing the area through storytelling.
Heritage Preservation: Bari Kothi has been immensely focussed on ensuring that the intangible heritage in the form of cuisine, culture, and folk performances is not only preserved but promoted. Every evening folk dance and music is showcased, be it the Baul or Fakiri singers or Rae Beshi, a martial art dance form, where guests and the team join in as well. Future plans include creation of various platforms such as a teaching centre for local artisans to improve upon their skills and promote the handmade products made by them.
Human Touch: The restoration work at Bari Kothi has followed two main principles – that of sustainable restoration and to enable the development of the community. Different ethnic groups with no gender bias are part of the hotel and this shows their commitment in ensuring that the local community is an integral part of the hotel. A large part of the workforce is made up of women from the immediate area and have been encouraged to upskill and take on other responsibilities.
