Answer:

Introduction:

Tourism sector contributes around 5.5-6% to the country’s GDP. It  has become a significant contributor to the economies of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. This rapid growth in tourism has also put a strain on the fragile ecosystems of these states.

Body:

Challenges of ecological carrying capacity due to tourism:

Environmental Degradation:

• The increasing number of tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand has led to significant environmental degradation, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution.
• Tourists often indulge in activities like littering, overuse of natural resources, and degradation of fragile ecosystems, putting immense pressure on the region’s carrying capacity.
• The construction of hotels, resorts, and other tourist infrastructure has often led to the destruction of natural habitats, leading to significant biodiversity loss.
• Pollution in the region leads to clogging of water bodies.

Infrastructure Strain:

• The rapid growth of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand has put immense strain on the region’s infrastructure, leading to increased congestion, traffic jams, and overcrowding.
• It has led to increased air and noise pollution, affecting the quality of life for local residents and tourists alike.
• The inadequate supply of basic services such as water, sanitation, and waste management has led to further environmental degradation and public health challenges.

Social and Cultural Impacts:

• The rapid growth of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand has also had significant social and cultural impacts, with the influx of tourists leading to changes in local lifestyles, values, and traditions.
• The commodification of local culture and traditions has led to cultural homogenization, leading to the loss of cultural diversity and authenticity.

Conclusion:

The increasing pressure of tourism on the natural resources of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand is a cause of concern. Challenge requires a collaborative effort between the government, tourism industry, and local communities to adopt sustainable tourism practices and protect the natural heritage of these states.