UPSC Mains 2015 · GS I · Q17 · 12.5 marks · 200 words

The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are reaching the limits of their ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate.

हिन्दी में

पर्यटन की प्रोन्नति के कारण जम्मू और काश्मीर, हिमाचल प्रदेश और उत्तराखंड के राज्य अपनी पारिस्थितिक वहन क्षमता की सीमाओं तक पहुँच रहे हैं ? समालोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिये।

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Tourism in hilly states is threatening to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the region. Analyze the factors contributing to this trend and evaluate potential Environmental impacts of this phenomenon. What measures can be taken for sustainable Tourism?”

Saloni VatsAIR 273 · CSE 2025 · 176 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a figure

Tourism is a major contributor to GDP and employment (~12% jobs). However, recent images of garbage patches and blocked river systems highlight negative effect of 'UNSUSTAINABLE TOURISM' in hilly areas.

Body · points and prose

Factors contributing to unsustainable Tourism

  1. Ill-Planned Tourism structures → Haphazard development of Resorts, hotels. → Poor urban designs → Lack of adequate drainage and other civic amenities (Garbage disposal)

  2. Lack of Civic Sense in Tourists due to lack of awareness

→ Often, there is lax following of rules and norms

(3) Inadequate Policies → Outdated laws, lack of data based planning → Inadequate monitoring → Heavy touristes inflow during vacations

Potential Environmental Impacts

(1) Disaster Vulnerability → Floods, landslides, cloud bursts → More hazardous.

(2) Biodiversity loss → Encroachment to habitats → Lack of ecosystem stability

(3) Emissions of Greenhouse gases → Congestion & Traffic

(4) Case Study : Chamoli and Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand) → Tourism → Garbage → 2023 floods-damaged → Illegal construction

Diagram
* Map showing outline of Chamoli District with a pointer to its location
Diagram
Measures to reduce unsustainable Tourism - Holistic Policy Design - Experts & Environmentalists - Community - Sustainable Practices - promotion of Green/Eco Tourism - Training of Tourist guides, people - Strict implementation of building codes
Diagram
Case study → Kerala & Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu) → Sustainable Tourism practices - Local resorts - Renewable energy - Community involvement

Close

The Hilly States are already vulnerable to disasters due to natural factors. They must be protected by human activities, not vice-versa.

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2015, General Studies Paper I, Q17. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.