Question Q16GS1GS1
Tourism in the hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyse the factors contributing to this trend & evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the phenomenon. What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable tourism in these states?
Introduction
Ecological carrying capacity can be defined as maximum limit up to which resources of a region can be used without causing significant damages to ecology.
25 words
Main Body
Ecological carrying capacity can be defined as maximum limit up to which resources of a region can be used without causing significant damages to ecology.
Factors contributing to exceeding at ECC
1Unsustainable infrastructure development (PVCT) in ecologically sensitive zones
2Poor land use planning
E.g: Developing houses on slopes, golf hills for tourist accommodation
3Plastic pollution by incessant tourists eg. Vaishno devi area.
4Poor waste management & segregation
No standard operating procedure followed.
5Overcrowding of tourists ⇒ pressure on local community, flora & fauna.
Potential environmental impact
1Flooding: Infrastructure dev. may trigger outburst of glacial lakes
Eg: 2013 Kedarnath flood.
2Biodiversity distruction: Habitat distruction changing animals behavior Eg: Snow leopard
3Destroying uniqueness of scenic beautiful landscape Eg: Toshimah sinking.
4Affecting the route of migratory species Eg: Central Asian flyway
Measures that can be taken
1Exclusive economic zone (EEZ) declaration as per Supreme Courts order.
2Land use planning & Hazard mapping using satellites by ISRO.
3Awareness & sensitization of tourists identifying them with some length
4Forest research institute should be given more funding
5Local community participation Madhav Gadgil Committee report regarding maintaining sanctity of hilly areas should be implemented.
202 words15 paragraphs
Topper
Abhishek Singh
AIR 17473118689912023
Subject & Paper
GS1GS1
Topic
Important Geophysical Phenomena
Environmental impact and ecological carrying capacity
Tourism and ecological sustainability in hilly regions
Writing Stats
227
Total words
15
Paragraphs
analytical
Tone