Subject: Indian Geography

The Himalayan states have witnessed unprecedented tourism growth, with J&K receiving 2.36 crore tourists in 2024 and Himachal Pradesh hosting 62,806 foreign tourists in 2023, raising serious concerns about their ecological carrying capacity.

Indicators of Reaching Ecological Limits

Environmental Degradation:

• Widespread deforestation for tourism infrastructure development and expansion of accommodations in fragile mountain ecosystems.
• Increasing soil erosion due to unplanned construction activities and excessive footfall in sensitive areas.
• Rising water pollution in pristine mountain streams and lakes from improper waste disposal.
• Growing air pollution from increased vehicular traffic in narrow mountain valleys.

Resource Strain:

• Overburdened water supply systems, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Inadequate waste management infrastructure leading to garbage accumulation.
• Excessive pressure on local transportation networks causing traffic congestion.
• Overexploitation of natural resources for tourism activities.

Impact on Local Ecosystem

Biodiversity Loss:

• Destruction of natural habitats affecting local flora and fauna.
• Disturbance to wildlife corridors and breeding grounds.
• Degradation of alpine meadows and forests.

Socio-economic Consequences:

• Strain on traditional lifestyles and cultural practices.
• Increased cost of living for local communities.
• Unequal distribution of tourism benefits.

Way Forward

Sustainable Tourism Practices:

• Implementation of carrying capacity limits at popular tourist destinations.
• Promotion of eco-tourism and responsible tourism practices.
• Development of alternative tourist circuits to distribute tourist pressure.
• Strengthening waste management infrastructure and implementing strict regulations.

The surge in tourism in these Himalayan states demands immediate attention to balance economic benefits with environmental conservation. Implementation of sustainable tourism practices, coupled with strict regulatory measures like the National Green Tribunal guidelines, can help preserve these ecologically sensitive regions for future generations while maintaining their tourism potential through initiatives like PRASAD and Swadesh Darshan schemes.