THE CONTEXT: Kashmir, once a pristine sanctuary, is facing severe environmental challenges due to unchecked tourism and commercialization, threatening its delicate ecological equilibrium. The region’s natural beauty, a significant draw for tourists, is being compromised by unsustainable practices that have catastrophic consequences.
ISSUES FACED DUE TO RISING TOURISM AND CORRESPONDINGLY EXPANDING URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE:
- Environmental Degradation: Over four crore tourists have visited Kashmir since 2020, including 1.2 million in the first half of 2024 alone, putting immense pressure on the fragile ecosystem. Since 1992, Kashmir has lost 10% of its forest cover due to tourism infrastructure encroachment. Due to unplanned construction, major tourist destinations like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg are being transformed into “concrete jungles.”
- Waste Management Issues: Popular tourist spots lack proper waste management infrastructure, leading to the accumulation of solid waste and pollution of water bodies. Poor waste management increases pollution in lakes and rivers, further degrading the ecosystem.
- Water Scarcity: Increased tourism has led to unchecked groundwater withdrawal, depleting aquifers at an alarming rate. There is an acute shortage of drinking water in many areas of Kashmir. Climate change is causing glaciers to weaken rapidly, exacerbating water scarcity.
- Infrastructure Strain: The tourism boom has resulted in unregulated construction, disrupting wildlife habitats and increasing soil erosion. Rising demand for water and electricity is straining local resources, requiring more hydroelectric projects that can damage aquatic ecosystems.
- Natural Disaster Risks: Unchecked tourism was a critical factor in the catastrophic floods of 2014, which affected around 5 million people and caused economic losses of ₹5,400-5,700 crore. In 2022, flash floods near Amarnath killed 16 people and left 40 missing. Construction activities for tourism in fragile areas often trigger landslides.
- Overcrowding: A 2015 study found that Pahalgam’s tourist flow in July was almost four times the area’s “tourism carrying capacity.” Major resorts struggle to accommodate the influx of visitors, leading to overcrowding and strain on local resources.
CLIMATE CHANGE FURTHER EXACERBATING THE GROUND SITUATION:
- Accelerated Glacier Melt: Kashmir’s largest glacier, the Kolahoi, has lost 23% of its area since 1962 and fragmented into smaller parts. This rapid melting threatens water security, as glaciers are critical sources for rivers like the Jhelum, which support agriculture and provide drinking water.
- Increased Flood Risk: The catastrophic 2014 flood in Kashmir was partly attributed to climate change. Over a seven-day period, abnormally high rainfall (617 mm in some areas) affected 2.2 million people in 287 villages and caused significant economic losses.
- Agricultural Impact: Saffron acreage in Kashmir has decreased from 5,707 hectares in 1996 to around 3,500 hectares in 2017, primarily due to climate change and pollution. Saffron production has dropped from 15.85 million tonnes in 1997 to 9.6 million tonnes in 2017.
- Rising Temperatures: Kashmir’s temperature has risen to 1.45°C over the last two decades. According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) monitoring, the region’s temperature is rising by 0.05°C per year.
- Extreme Weather Events: Kashmir is experiencing more frequent and intense extreme weather events, including droughts and floods. The great floods of September 2014 have been attributed to drastic climate change in recent years.
- Ecological Imbalance: Climate change disrupts the delicate ecological balance of Kashmir’s ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and wildlife habitats. The changing climate patterns are altering the natural habitats of various species, potentially leading to biodiversity loss.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Implement Carrying Capacity Limits: Each tourist destination should be evaluated scientifically to determine its carrying capacity. This can help regulate visitor numbers and reduce environmental strain. Bhutan has successfully implemented a “High Value, Low Impact” tourism policy, limiting the number of tourists and charging a daily fee. This has helped preserve its environment and culture while benefiting economically from tourism.
- Improve Waste Management Infrastructure: Develop and implement a comprehensive waste management system to address the garbage problem. Install more recycling bins and waste collection points at tourist sites. Establish proper waste treatment facilities to process collected garbage. Implement a ban on single-use plastics in tourist areas. The hill station of Matheran in Maharashtra, India, has successfully banned plastics and maintains cleanliness through strict regulations and community involvement.
- Promote Eco-friendly Transportation: To reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion, introduce electric buses and encourage the use of e-vehicles for tourist transport. Develop pedestrian-only zones in popular tourist areas. Promote cycling to explore tourist destinations. Zermatt, Switzerland, is a car-free town that relies on electric vehicles and horse-drawn carriages, preserving its air quality and charm.
- Invest in Green Infrastructure: Construct eco-friendly accommodations using sustainable materials and energy-efficient designs. Implement rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems in tourist facilities. Develop nature trails and boardwalks to protect sensitive ecosystems while allowing access. Costa Rica has successfully promoted eco-lodges and sustainable tourism infrastructure, becoming a global leader in ecotourism.
- Promote Alternative and Off-season Tourism: To reduce pressure on popular sites and spread economic benefits, develop and promote lesser-known destinations to distribute tourist load, encourage off-season visits through targeted marketing and special events, and promote cultural and rural tourism experiences to diversify offerings.
THE CONCLUSION:
Adopting a resilient and sustainable tourism model is crucial for Jammu and Kashmir to safeguard its natural beauty, support local communities, and ensure that tourism remains a viable economic driver for future generations. By prioritizing environmental conservation and social equity, the region can balance economic development with the need to protect its fragile ecosystem.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:
Q.1 Define the concept of the carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for the sustainable development of a region. 2019
Q.2 How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? 2019
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q.1 Discuss Hilly states’ environmental challenges due to increased tourism and climate change. Analyze the impact of these challenges on the region’s ecological balance and socio-economic conditions.
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