Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Impact of Tourism policy on Himalayan areas;
Why in the News?
Kashmir’s fragile environment faces severe damage from urbanization, commercialization, and climate change, underscoring the urgent need for a resilient and sustainable tourism model.
Aims and Objectives of J&K Tourism Policy
- Promoting all forms of Tourism: The policy aims to promote traditional recreational tourism as well as adventure, pilgrimage, spiritual, and health tourism. This diversification can attract a wider range of tourists.
- Sustainable Practices: The policy emphasizes the need for sustainable tourism practices that minimize environmental degradation, conserve water, and protect biodiversity.
- Infrastructure Development: It seeks to improve infrastructure, including hotels, roads, and recreational facilities, to accommodate the growing number of tourists.
- Community Engagement: The policy aims to include local communities in tourism planning and decision-making processes, promoting their involvement in conservation efforts and sustainable practices.
- Diversification of Tourism: By promoting various forms of tourism, such as eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural tourism, the policy aims to reduce over-reliance on traditional tourist spots and distribute tourist footfall more evenly across the region.
What are the effects of the new Policy?
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Major Challenge: Fragility of the Region
- Natural Disasters: Jammu and Kashmir is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides, which can be exacerbated by unchecked commercialization and environmental degradation.
- Ecological Sensitivity: The region’s delicate ecosystems are highly vulnerable to the impacts of tourism and urbanization, necessitating careful management to prevent irreversible damage.
- Resource Depletion: The increased demand for water and energy resources is leading to the depletion of aquifers and heightened reliance on hydroelectric projects, which disrupt local aquatic ecosystems.
Need for a Resilient Tourism Model (Way Forward)
- Sustainable Tourism Practices: There is an urgent need to adopt a resilient and sustainable tourism model that prioritizes eco-friendly practices, waste reduction, and conservation of natural resources.
- Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in tourism planning and decision-making is crucial for fostering sustainable practices and ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared equitably.
- Infrastructure Resilience: Developing infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events and diversifying tourism offerings beyond peak seasons will help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
- Policy Integration: A cohesive approach that integrates sustainable tourism policies with broader economic and environmental strategies is essential for preserving the region’s natural beauty while supporting local economies.
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