The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), has awarded its prestigious IGBC Green Resort Silver Certification to Evoke Dholavira Resort, a unit of Eyak Ventures Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad, recognizing the resort’s outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability, responsible resource management, and sustainable hospitality practices.
Located near Dholavira: A Harappan City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kutch, Gujarat, Evoke Dholavira has emerged as a benchmark for environmentally responsible hospitality by integrating sustainable design, efficient resource utilization, ecological conservation, and community-centric procurement practices into its operations. The resort is also the first resort in the Kutch region to achieve this recognition, reinforcing its leadership in responsible tourism and destination development.
One of the key highlights of the project is its sustainable landscape strategy. More than 81 percentage of the landscaped area of the project has been provided with drought-tolerant and native plant species, significantly reducing the demand for potable water for irrigation while enhancing biodiversity. The project has contributed to improved green cover, enhanced microclimatic conditions, and superior outdoor environmental quality for guests and visitors. Native tree plantations and greenscaping initiatives further support the region’s fragile desert ecosystem.
Demonstrating exemplary water stewardship, Evoke Dholavira has implemented robust water management measures that enable the reuse of treated wastewater generated on-site for flushing and landscaping applications. Through these initiatives, the resort has achieved nearly 90 percent wastewater reuse, substantially reducing its dependence on freshwater resources and promoting circular water management practices. In addition, the resort supports the potable water requirements of the nearby Dholavira village, reflecting its commitment to community well-being and responsible resource management.
Speaking on the achievement, C. Shekar Reddy, National Chairman, CII Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), said: “The hospitality sector has a critical role to play in advancing sustainable development and responsible tourism. Evoke Dholavira has demonstrated leadership by adopting comprehensive sustainability measures that address water conservation, biodiversity enhancement, sustainable procurement, and environmental stewardship. We congratulate the Evoke team on achieving IGBC Green Resort Certification and setting an inspiring example for the hospitality industry.”
The resort has also demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable operations and procurement by adopting environmentally friendly housekeeping chemicals, supported by comprehensive housekeeping protocols and an integrated pest management plan. These measures help minimize environmental impact while ensuring high standards of hygiene and guest comfort.
Further strengthening its sustainability credentials, Evoke Dholavira actively supports local communities and sustainable supply chains through its procurement practices. The resort sources 100 percent of its fruits and vegetables from local vendors which reduces transportation-related carbon emissions, strengthens regional economic development, and encourage responsible local sourcing.
The IGBC Green Resorts Rating System evaluates resorts across key sustainability parameters, including Guest Experience, Resort Design and Infrastructure, Sustainable Landscape, Resort Facility Management, Societal Contribution, and Innovation and Development. The Silver Rating reflects Evoke Dholavira’s commitment to resource-conscious hospitality within a sensitive desert and heritage landscape.
Commenting on the recognition, Debabrota Roy, GM, Evoke Dholavira, said: “Receiving the IGBC Green Resort Silver Certification is a significant milestone for us and reaffirms our commitment to sustainable hospitality. Our efforts are focused on creating meaningful guest experiences while preserving the ecological and cultural heritage of Dholavira. We remain dedicated to implementing responsible environmental practices and contributing positively to the local community and ecosystem. We are proud to be the first resort in the Kutch region to achieve this recognition, and we look forward to extending this commitment across our other hospitality destinations as well.”
The IGBC Green Resort Certification recognizes projects that successfully preserve their resort ecology while making unique destinations accessible to domestic and international travelers. The rating system also safeguards the economic interests and heritage of local communities while addressing diverse climatic zones and ecological conditions. Through its integrated sustainability initiatives, Evoke Dholavira exemplifies how hospitality developments can successfully balance guest comfort, environmental responsibility, and community engagement. The certification is valid for a period of three years, from 2026 to 2029.
