Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential environmental impact. Ensure sustainable tourism in these states.

Factors contributing to this trend:

1. Increasing population → More number of youths prefer to visit hilly tourist destinations. [E.g] Manali, Zadakh etc.

2. Rapid growth of tourism infrastructure like hotels, connectivity → Attract more people.

[E.g] Auli in Uttarakhand

3. Tourism promotion by hilly states → as major source of revenue.

[E.g] Uttarakhand branding as 'Devbhumi'

Environmental Impact of this phenomenon:

1. Leading to disasters like landslides, Glacial lake outburst floods etc.

[E.g] Landslides near Tapovan

2. Loss of biodiversity - Through deforestation to enable infrastructure

[E.g] Resorts on hill-top, Char Dham project

3. Encroachment over river valleys - leading to interference with natural path.

4. High carbon emission → Impact on glaciers.

[E.g] Deposition of carbon particles → reduced albedo → fast melting.

Measures required: Sustainable Tourism

1. Limit on number of tourist, like Bhutan's tourism policy

2. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before any infrastructure project

[E.g] Flood zonation mapping, Landslide vulnerability assessment

3. Nature-based solutions → Ban on plastic use, houses made up of woods etc.

4. Community engagement through Home-stays, joint forest management etc

5. Shifting toward electric vehicle in Himalayan region → To limit carbon emission.

Sustainable Tourism → necessary for sustainable development under SDG Goal.

— Prajnanandan Giri · AIR 24