7th March 2025 (11 Topics)

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Ecotourism in India

Context

The Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) government has announced a new policy to develop Bangus Valley as an ecotourism destination. This move aims to prevent unplanned construction, which has led to environmental degradation in popular tourist locations like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg.

What is Ecotourism?

Ecotourism is a sustainable form of tourism that focuses on preserving natural ecosystems, promoting conservation, and ensuring minimal environmental impact.
It encourages responsible travel to natural areas, where tourists engage in activities that support local communities, wildlife protection, and ecological balance.
Key Features of Ecotourism:
- Emphasizes nature-based tourism.
- Supports environmental conservation efforts.
- Promotes local community participation and benefits.
- Encourages educational experiences about biodiversity and sustainability.
- Minimizes negative impacts on the environment and cultural heritage.

Need for Ecotourism in India

India’s Rich Biodiversity: India is one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world. The country is home to 4 biodiversity hotspots:
- The Himalayas
- The Western Ghats
- The Indo-Burma region
- The Sundaland (Nicobar Islands)
Increasing Environmental Concerns: Rapid urbanization, deforestation, and pollution are threatening India’s ecosystems.
- Unregulated mass tourism leads to waste accumulation, resource depletion, and habitat destruction.
- Human-wildlife conflicts are rising. Climate change is affecting fragile ecosystems like the Western Ghats and the Himalayas.
Sustainable Development & Economic Benefits: Ecotourism promotes sustainable livelihoods for tribal and rural communities. It helps develop lesser-known remote regions, boosting rural economies.
Promotion of Responsible Tourism: Educates tourists about local culture, traditional practices, and biodiversity.
Global Shift Towards Ecotourism
- With rising environmental awareness, tourists prefer eco-friendly travel options.
- The United Nations has declared 2021-2030 as the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, encouraging sustainable tourism practices.
- Successful global models like Costa Rica’s biodiversity conservation-based ecotourism can be replicated in India.

Successful Ecotourism Models in India

Thenmala Ecotourism, Kerala: India’s first planned ecotourism project, focusing on sustainable tourism and conservation.
Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala: Promotes community participation through eco-development committees (EDCs).
Kabini Resorts, Karnataka: Joint venture between Tourism & Forest Departments; a model for sustainable wildlife tourism.
Dzüleke Village, Nagaland: Developed community-based eco-tourism, banned hunting, and trained locals as nature guides.

About Bangus Valley

Bangus Valley is in Kupwara district, near the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir.
Geography: The valley consists of two bowl-shaped valleys at an altitude of 10,000 feet above sea level.
Strategic Importance: Previously, the valley was a militant infiltration route, but it is now being developed for tourism, like other border areas such as Gurez, Machil, and Keran.
Connectivity: The valley is about 100 km from Srinagar and has limited accessibility.
The J&K government has introduced strict ecotourism rules to prevent uncontrolled urbanization:
- All infrastructure projects will require forest clearance through the Parivesh Portal (a government platform for environmental approvals).

Current Status of the Tourism Sector in India

India is ranked 10th globally in terms of travel and tourism GDP contribution.
International tourist arrivals (ITAs) are projected to reach 30.5 million by 2028, indicating strong future potential.
Economic Contribution of Tourism
- In 2022, the tourism sector contributed USD 199.6 billion to India’s GDP.
- By 2028, this contribution is projected to reach USD 512 billion, reflecting an annual growth rate of 7.1%.
- The sector is a major employment generator, expected to create 53 million jobs by 2029.
Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) – Rapid Growth FTAs in 2023 rose to 9.24 million, up from 6.43 million in 2022, showing a strong recovery. Top three source countries for foreign tourists:
- Bangladesh – 24.5%
- USA – 20.4%
- UK – 6.9%
India improved its ranking in the 2024 Travel and Tourism Development Index (World Economic Forum). It ranked 39th among 119 countries (up from 54th in 2021).
Government Interventions to Promote Tourism in India
- Swadesh Darshan 2.0 – Develops sustainable and responsible tourism destinations.
- PRASHAD Scheme – Enhances pilgrimage and heritage sites.
- Dekho Apna Desh – Encourages domestic travel.
- Niche Tourism Promotion – Focus on eco, wellness, rural, and culinary tourism.
- E-Visa Facility – Available for 167 countries across 7 categories, with reduced fees.
- UDAN Scheme – 53 tourism air routes to boost connectivity.
- NIDHI & NIDHI+ – Digitalization of hospitality & tourism sector for ease of business.

PYQ

Q.1 How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? (2019)

Q.2 The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are reaching the limits of their ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate. (2015)

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