← All questionsGS1 · 2015 · Geography ·Himalayan Tourism and Carrying Capacity
MAINS 2015
GS1
12.5 marks

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

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9 min
200 words
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What the examiner wants

Evaluate whether tourism is pushing J&K, Himachal and Uttarakhand beyond their ecological carrying capacity.

Critically evaluateJudge the merits and the limits with evidence, and give a clear verdict.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1Pressures: unplanned construction, roads on fragile slopes, traffic, solid waste, water scarcity, glacier and forest stress (Shimla, Manali, Rohtang, Kedarnath)≈35 words
  2. 2Evidence of limits: Kedarnath 2013, Joshimath subsidence 2023, Shimla water crisis 2018≈35 words
  3. 3Other side: tourism is a major livelihood; some damage is from hydro projects and roads, not tourism alone≈35 words
  4. 4Way forward: carrying-capacity studies, caps and permits, eco-tourism, homestays, waste rules, zoning≈35 words

Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.

Answer plan

Tourism pressuresDisasters as evidenceCounter-viewMeasuresConclusion

Where marks usually go

  • Listing problems without the critical counter-view
  • No state-specific examples

Draw this

  • Map of the three states marking hotspots (Rohtang, Kedarnath, Joshimath, Shimla, Pahalgam)

Value addition

  • JudgmentThe NGT (2015) restricted vehicle numbers to Rohtang Pass to cut pollution and glacier damage.National Green Tribunal, 2015
  • EventJoshimath land subsidence (January 2023) was linked to unregulated construction and loads on fragile slopes.NDMA and ISRO reports, 2023