ZAHOOR AHMAD SHAH AND SABEENA SHAH
After abrogation of Article 370, Kashmir has seen sustained peace and a significant drop in terror-related activities. Peace has brought to Kashmir a tourist boom.
The delight over the high number of tourists has now turned to worry. In late July, a team from Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) met Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police RR Swain. One of the issues raised by them was “steady growth in tourist footfall having increased pressure on a few tourist destinations.”
KCCI urged that new tourist destinations in Kashmir should be developed “in a planned and organized manner, taking in consideration carrying capacity, environmental impact assessment and climate change/ global warming concerns.”
From being a place that people were afraid to go to during the terror years, Kashmir has become one of the hottest destinations for tourists. In the first half of 2024, Kashmir saw a tourist influx of 1.6 million, marking a 23% growth over the first half of 2023, when 1.3 million tourists visited Kashmir. The number of international tourists visiting Kashmir has also gone up significantly.
Raja Yaqoob Farooq, the Director of Kashmir Tourism, recently said that the number of international tourists has increased to around 26,000 in 2024, compared to 14,000 in the previous year – a massive increase of 86 percent. He stated that the credit for the tourism boom in Kashmir goes to the improved security scenario and the organizing of international meets like G-20 in the valley.
The successful and peaceful G-20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar last year is regarded as the turning point for Kashmir Tourism globally. Speaking at a public event, J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha called the delegates for the G-20 meeting the brand ambassadors of J&K Tourism.
The growing tourism in Kashmir has admittedly revived the region’s ailing economy. However, it poses several environmental challenges.
DIRECTOR GENERAL TOURISM, INDIA, SHARED WORRIES OVER TOURIST PRESSURE IN KASHMIR
‘Tourist pressure can become a problem; we need a safety valve’
On 13 July, Manisha Saxena, the Director General of Tourism, GOI, led a stakeholders’ conference in Srinagar. Speaking at the event, DG Saxena cautioned against over-tourism in Kashmir. Her concern resonated with stakeholders across diverse sectors. She stated, “We feel pride at the tourism numbers from Kashmir, but there are also concerns. Tourist pressure can become a problem, and we need a safety valve.”
The tourism industry stakeholders in the Valley raised concerns over sustainability and called for regulations on the number of tourists. Nasir Shah, chairman of the Indian Association of Tour Operators Kashmir chapter expressed his concerns regarding over tourism.
“With trains reaching Srinagar soon, we are expecting a greater influx of tourists, but with that, we are also worried about over-tourism and feel concerned for our ecology,” he said.
Zahoor Ahmad from the Tourist Trade Interest Guild (TTIG) spoke about the difficulties faced by tourists, with some destinations getting a heavy influx of visitors. Sameet Baktoo from the Eco-tourism Society of Kashmir sought the Ministry of Tourism’s intervention in regulating the number of tourists at these destinations, citing limited carrying capacities at these locations.
Wasim Raja, Director of Gulmarg Development Authority, expressed his concerns about overcrowding at Gulmarg. “Gulmarg has a carrying capacity of about 3,500 people and we sometimes see even 10,000 people in a day,” he stated.
How Over Tourism Harms A Region
- The influx of tourists results in a substantial increase in waste, such as plastic bottles, bags, and other things that do not decompose naturally. Ineffective waste management methods worsen the issue, leading to the scattering of garbage and the pollution of picturesque locations.
- Dal Lake, a well-known tourist destination, is plagued by water contamination caused by the release of sewage from houseboats and hotels. The overutilization of detergents and soaps by visitors adds to the pollution of water sources.
- Building tourist infrastructure, such as hotels and resorts, frequently results in the clearing of forests leading to deforestation. This further leads to the destruction of natural habitats for local wildlife and affects the region’s biodiversity.
- Tourists flocking to delicate ecosystems, particularly in trekking and camping zones, can lead to soil erosion. This not only causes harm to the physical environment but also affects agricultural land and local flora.
- Tourism leads to a rise in air pollution because of the higher volume of vehicles on the road. The exhaust emissions released by automobiles, buses, and motorbikes contribute to the deterioration of air quality, affecting both human well-being and the natural surroundings.
- During peak seasons, popular sites experience overcrowding, which puts pressure on local resources such as water, food, and housing. This often results in unsustainable practices to meet the high demand. Human activities in natural areas can disrupt indigenous wildlife.
- Environmental factors such as noise pollution, trash, and the invasion of natural habitats have a detrimental impact on animal behavior and can lead to a decline in certain species. Addressing these challenges requires sustainable tourism practices, stricter regulations, and increased awareness among both tourists and local communities.
BUILDING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN KASHMIR
The Chillai Kalan of 2023 saw a lack of precipitation, resulting in the absence of substantial snowfall in popular cold tourism sites such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg. This was the moment when the consequences of excessive tourism became prominent. Chillai Kalan is the local name for the forty-day period of intense, harsh winter in Kashmir, from 21 December to January 29 every year.
The official tally of tourists visiting Gulmarg in 2023 reached a record-breaking total of 1.65 million. The high influx of visitors has sparked worries over the region’s welfare, ecological landscapes, and indigenous population.
These unprecedented numbers of tourists in Kashmir are damaging the local ecology.
WASTE AND LITTER IN PRISTINE MOUNTAIN DESTINATIONS
Following the Covid pandemic, there has been a significant surge in the number of tourists visiting Kashmir, and this year’s record-breaking rate is shattering previous records.
This phenomenon has resulted in the occurrence of over tourism. The trend is causing detrimental effects on iconic tourism destinations and pristine environments. There are concerns over whether Kashmir is seeing an influx of tourists that exceeds its capacity to accommodate or the ability of the local population to manage.
Travel destinations that suffer from high levels of over-tourism get littered with plastic waste such as disposable bags and water bottles.
The impact of this huge influx of visitors on the surrounding environment and local inhabitants is harmful. Travel destinations that suffer from high levels of over-tourism get littered with plastic waste such as disposable bags and water bottles. Many locations lack sufficient recycling and waste processing infrastructure.
Positive Impact of Abrogation of on Tourism in Kashmir ARTICLE 370
The revocation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, has positively impacted tourism in the region. Before 2019, Kashmir saw low tourist arrivals due to insurgency and negative perception, heightened security measures, disruptions in communication, and political uncertainty. A large number of tourists cancelled their trips, resulting in a substantial decline in the number of visitors to the region.
The revocation of Article 370 opened new opportunities for increasing investment in the region’s tourism infrastructure, including hotels, transportation, and other services. This has resulted in an enhanced overall visitor experience. The central government has placed high importance on improving connectivity and developing infrastructure to facilitate tourist arrivals to Kashmir.
The presence of a stable and centrally regulated territory facilitated the implementation of improved promotion and marketing methods by national tourism boards, resulting in an increased influx of tourists. The region saw many new opportunities for hitherto limited forms of tourism, including adventure tourism, eco-tourism, and cultural tourism.
The Centre initiated and implemented many programs and promotional campaigns to attract tourists to Kashmir. The region’s beauty and traditions have been showcased through events such as the Tulip Festival and many other cultural festivals with local flavours.
SIGNIFICANT GAINS FOR THE ECONOMY
The heightened security measures and a stable political climate have instilled a sense of safety among tourists, hence fostering an increase in visitor numbers. Higher tourism has meant higher employment opportunities for locals in sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and tour guiding. Shops have seen brisk business. The region’s economy has seen a major upturn, with a cascading positive impact on local businesses and communities.
Although the potential positive consequences are substantial, it is crucial to take into account that tourism will continue to be impacted by the region’s political stability, security status, and the effectiveness of government initiatives in promoting tourism.
EXPONENTIAL GROWTH IN TOURISM IN KASHMIR
Following abrogation of Article 370, Kashmir has aggressively been promoted as a center for adventure and eco-tourism, attracting enthusiasts for sports including hiking, skiing, and river rafting. Overall, while the abrogation of Article 370 initially disrupted tourism in Kashmir, the region has been witnessing a revival with increased government efforts and a gradual return of tourists.
ENSURING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM INITIATIVES
Measures such as implementing policies and regulations, regularly monitoring the environmental and social impacts of tourism, controlling the number of tourists in sensitive areas, enforcing penalties for harmful activities, promoting tourism during off-peak seasons, diversifying attractions and activities that are not dependent on the peak season, collaborating with national and international organizations, and partnering with NGOs and other stakeholders are crucial for ensuring sustainable tourism initiatives.
The central government has placed high importance on improving connectivity and developing infrastructure to facilitate tourist arrivals to Kashmir.
Through the implementation of these strategies, Kashmir has the potential to establish an environmentally sustainable tourist model, that preserves its natural beauty, promotes the well-being of local communities, and safeguards its cultural legacy for future generations.
