AS

Annapurna Singh

Question 16GS1GS1

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?

Open scan (p.41)

Introduction

The ecological carrying capacity of a hilly region is its ability to sustain population with its available resources.

18 words

Main Body

[Tourism threatening to exceed carrying capacity ⇒] [factors]

1Population influxe at specific time [ex] Rise of tourists from Delhi in Manali during summers → causes extreme pressure on resources (overcrowding & jams)
2Disturbs natural ecology by infrastructure construction etc. [Kasturirangan comm]
3Geological mapping before tourism projects not followed

[ex] Uttaranchal's vishnyaprayag several constructions bypassed it

4Excessive waste generation due to tourism intoxicates the ecology [ex] Plastic bottles, chips packets across Kedarnath trek became viral.
5Urban heat affects microclimate of the hilly region [ex] Urban heat islands leading to cloudbursts etc in Chamoli (Uttarached).
6Man-animal conflict: to safeguard tourists, biodiversity span of movement shrinked

[Environmental impacts]

○ Adherance to local ecology results in natural disasters

↓ loss of life & livelihood

↓ change in the ecological makeup of the region

[ex] Western ghats cut soon for tourism infrastructure development

steps for sustainable tourism :-

1Hill area development proj. (HADP) talks about such measures L effective implementation & monitoring of these
2Rigard zonation ecological mapping before constructions
3Stricts laws on waste generation in these ecosensitive zones
4Promoting rural tourism, ecotourism in these regions.
5Community engagement in planning:
196 words2 paragraphs

Conclusion

Government has taken several steps by incorporating Swadesh parshan to sustainable goals. further steps needs to be taken for same.

20 words

Diagram

showing carrying capacity curve with factors marking exceeding of capacity

  • Clear definition of ecological carrying capacity provided
  • Specific example (Delhi tourists to Manali in summers)
  • Reference to Kasturirangan committee shows knowledge of official reports
  • Diagram aids visual understanding
  • Recognition of seasonal patterns

Topper

Annapurna Singh

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Salient features of World's Physical Geography

Important Geophysical Phenomena and Environmental Management

Ecological Carrying Capacity and Tourism Impact on Hill Regions

Writing Stats

234

Total words

2

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone