safety from numbers

Over-exploitation of some Himalayan towns due to huge influx of people and vehicles can be dealt with by developing more tourist spots and through targeted afforestation and solid waste management measures

- JAGDISH CHANDRA KUNIYAL

THE INDIAN Himalayan region, with its rich biodiversity, glaciers, water resources and cultural diversity, attracts a large number of visitors from all over the world. According to government think tank niti Aayog, as of 2018, West Bengal sees the highest inflow of tourists, while the northwestern and central Himalayan states and Union Territories (UTs) of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Tripura also record large numbers. Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland have a relatively lower inflow.

The Himalayan region offers conditions suitable for several activities, including recreation, adventure or religious pilgrimages. Tourism is also an important source of income and livelihood for people living in these states and UTs. Ensuring that these activities take place in a sustainable manner, from the grassroots to the top levels, is not a difficult but certainly a challenging task. Over the last year, the Union government has laid emphasis on promoting sustainable tourism in the Himalayan region. In June 2022, the Union Ministry of Tourism launched the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Traveller Campaign in a summit organised in partnership with UN Environment Programme and the Responsible Tourism Society of India. The strategy document focuses on promotion of environmental, economic and socio-cultural sustainability; protection of biodiversity; capacity-building and governance among other aspects. There is also recognition on need for greater investment in green infrastructure with more efficient transport facilities, reduced air pollution, conservation of heritage sites and open spaces.