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 impact. Ensure sustainable tourism in these states.

Introduction

Recent report by Wadlia Institute of Himalayan Geology has found that tourism in the hilly states will exceed its carrying capacity within few years with rise in population.

28 words

Main Body

Factors contributing to this trend:

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

2. Rapid growth of tourism infrastructure like hotels, connectivityAttract more people.

[E.g] Auli in Uttarakhand

3. Tourism promotion by hilly statesas 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 emissionImpact on glaciers.

[E.g] Deposition of carbon particlesreduced albedofast 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 solutionsBan 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 regionTo limit carbon emission.

Sustainable Tourismnecessary for sustainable development under SDG Goal.

201 words20 paragraphs

Open original scan

Page 38

Topper

Prajnanandan Giri

AIR 24

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Important Geophysical Phenomena and Environmental Geography

Tourism and Environmental Impact

Ecological carrying capacity in hilly regions

Writing Stats

229

Total words

Paragraphs

analytical and structured

Tone