SS

Surabhi SrivastavaAIR 56· 2023

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?

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AnswerStrengthsGapsKeywords

Main Body

Ecological carrying capacity is the ability of an ecosystem to sustain population and biodiversity with its existing resources.

The large scale tourism is threatening it.

The factors leading to this trend-

1Development of hotels, resorts in vicinity of spots [eg Nainital]
2Satellite towns development to cater to extra tourists [eg Bhimtal near Nainital]
3Cheap mobility and air leading to more people venturing [eg shireline project will cut cost to visit western ghats hill spots]

[Same content as previous page - continuation]

4Increasing per capita income of population leading to more recreational attitudes

[eg RILE 1990-2020 ₹2395]

5Demography considering 65% population in working age - more amenities and energy to travel
6Deforestation in the zones
7Governmental push with tourism as sunrise sector [eg Creation of heritage area, tourism policies, Chardham road]

As a result of this trend and rising tourism, we see impact on environment

8Retreating glaciers - The Hinduish assesment report suggested 1/3 of retreat
9Environmental tragedies as -

[eg 2013 Uttarkhand flood 2023 Himachal floods]

10Livelihood loss to the tribal communities due to loss of natural forestry
10Guzo Animal - wildlife conflicts as witnessed in south Indian states as Karnataka
11Forest fires incidences due to ignorance of tourists [eg Uttarkhand - 2022]

To overcome this issue -

1Focus on sustainable tourism model [eg Manali of Adutra]
2Usage of community to conserve the natural landscape as suggested by elders esteem [eg Saved groves - Kudi Kadya]
3Use of homestays and local solutions -to help support livelihood -to reduce need of hotels, resorts [eg Intakeru model in Peru]
4Policy - National mission of sustaining himalayan ecosystem - practiced in litter and spirit.

Thus there should be focus on sustainable tourism that creates a positive loop between economy, tourism and environment

305 words20 paragraphs
Answer continues on next page
  • Clear definition of carrying capacity
  • Specific examples with locations
  • Hierarchical point structure
  • Structured enumeration
  • Includes economic data (RILE 1990-2020)
  • Links demographic factors to tourism demand
  • Connects policy to environmental impact
  • Provides contemporary examples
  • Provides multiple solution strategies
  • Includes international best practices (Peru)
  • Links community participation to conservation
  • Mentions policy framework

Open original scan

Page 38

Topper

Surabhi Srivastava

AIR 562023

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Effects of Globalization on Indian society

Environmental Issues and Sustainable Tourism

Ecological carrying capacity and tourism

Writing Stats

305

Total words

20

Paragraphs

solution-oriented and policy-focused

Tone