Question 16Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate the potential environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states?GS1GS1
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 impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states? (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks
Introduction
Recent Land Subsidence in Joshimath in 2023 shows the impact of excessive human activities like tourism in ecologically fragile regions.
20 words
Main Body
Increasing trend of tourism
1Tourism is only income source for hilly people, no private sector, agriculture
2Rising middle class in India → More demand for tourism
3Developing infra - Char Dham roads,
Environmental Impacts
1Concretion of mountain leading to altering of drainage patterns causing land subsidence.
2Increased pressure on land, deforest addition → soil, loose → landslides.
3Loss of biodiversity when forests diverted for dams/human settlements.
4Increased black carbon → emitted from diesel vehicles → deforested abode → more glacies melting.
5Flouting of construction guidelines — waste dumped in rivers → flash
Measures Needed
1Restricting development above 1000 m, >30 slopes (Chopin Committee).
2Sustainable tourism, E.g: Using EVs in hills, ban on plastic etc.
3Environmental Impact Assessment of projects like dams, resorts, etc.
4Developing Services Sector, to reduce dependence on tourism.
5Following construction guidelines - leaving floodbanks vacant, no vertical cutting, etc.
155 words14 paragraphs
Conclusion
Himalayas being ecologically fragile need sustainable tourism to ensure economy with ecology.
12 words
Topper
Aniket Danjanshwoor Hinde
AIR 812023
Subject & Paper
GS1GS1
Topic
Geophysical Phenomena & Environmental Changes
Himalayas/issues and concerns
Sustainable tourism in ecologically fragile hilly regions
Writing Stats
187
Total words
14
Paragraphs