Journalist turned eco-entrepreneur, Sanjay Austa, sought refuge in the hills to evade Delhi’s pollution. He then restored his grandfather’s old Himachali house and turned it into a homestay— MeenaBagh Ratnari—in the middle of a Permaculture farm. The entrepreneur talks about the significance of offering travel experiences in nature and upholding local culture.
Despite making Delhi my home, my heart always yearned for the quietude of nature. The increasing pollution in the capital became a strong nudge to return to the mountains. For someone like me, hailing from the hills, Delhi can be a harsh contrast. My journey in journalism and photography led me to venture into eco-tourism.
Sanjay Austa’s Humble Beginnings
As a journalist, my travels took me across India and around the globe. I encountered some truly fascinating lodgings. It was only when I turned inwards and began exploring places like mine, did I realise the beauty of my homeland. It struck me, why not create something similar here? Thus, I embarked on the restoration of my grandfather’s old Himachali house in the hills, transforming it into a charming farm stay. The future of homestays shines bright, provided they offer something distinct, something special that regular hotels cannot replicate.
One standout experience was in Lapland, where I noticed that the log cabin that I stayed in remained wonderfully warm with minimal heating. It was all thanks to effective insulation. This inspired me to ensure that the homes I build in the hills are equally well-insulated. As a result, our properties require very little heating even during the coldest winter months.
Sustainability Made Local
For me, sustainable travel in the mountains isn’t just a choice, it is a necessity. The devastation we witnessed in Himachal this July and August was a stark reminder. Our structures must embrace eco-friendliness, plastic has no place in our hills, and water conservation and harvesting are imperative.
When it comes to sustainable travel, there’s a misconception that it means compromising on luxury. Eco-friendly properties often implement measures like bucket baths and low shower heads, putting the onus of sustainability on the travellers themselves. However, it is important to note that many travellers may not actively seek out eco-friendly practices. For instance, if you have successfully harvested and stored rainwater, there is no need to limit guests to bucket baths. At our property, MeenaBagh Ratnari, we have collected nearly three lakh litres of rainwater, allowing us to offer bathtubs in nearly all our rooms.
While travellers can play a part in preserving natural and cultural heritage through local and sustainable efforts, I believe it is up to the properties to offer such experiences. One should refrain from placing such responsibility solely on their guests.
Passion with a Cause
My profound interest in evolutionary biology has opened doors for me. The MeenaBagh Ratnari farm stay, nestled within a Permaculture farm, is where my scientific curiosity finds boundless joy and experimentation in farming practices. We take pride in ensuring our guests have an enriching experience at the farm, from handpicking berries and fruits to actively participating in composting processes.
Additionally, we offer an observatory featuring India’s largest privately owned telescope for unforgettable stargazing sessions. Travellers relish the opportunity to harvest their own organic produce for lunch, a unique experience often unavailable even in the most upscale.accommodations.
Sanjay Austa’s Driving Force
In my view, there are no true challenges, only a need for motivation. Embracing sustainability is not just a responsibility but also an enjoyable endeavour. Visitors to offbeat places tend to be remarkably conscientious and are individuals who incorporate sustainability into their everyday lives. This is truly gratifying, as they value and uphold local culture, actively engaging in all the experiences our farm stays offer.
Ground Reality
Running eco-friendly homestays in Himachal has been a rich experience, both for the local community and the environment. One notable aspect is that we’ve repurposed 95 per cent of the wood used in constructing our homes, providing inspiration for many to utilise this previously discarded resource.Additionally, we actively engage the local community through plantation camps and workshops on rainwater harvesting and plastic reduction. These initiatives involve and empower the locals, fostering a sense of environmental responsibility within the community.
Eyes on the Horizon
Sustainability in travel is crucial, but it shouldn’t compromise luxury. For instance, hotels can readily phase out packaged drinking water, a move that would significantly reduce plastic waste. Instead, guests could be provided with a superior alternative, such as water dispensers offering unlimited, clean drinking water. With this enhancement, guests are unlikely to opt for plastic- packaged water again.
— As told to Pooja Naik
Related: 8 Female Entrepreneurs Who Are Changing The Travel Space
Written By
