Thrust laid on carbon neutrality to curb dilapidation of ecology
Revenue to be used to fund medical, social needs of people
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, Feb 10: To promote unexplored places of Ladakh across the world while maintaining the carbon neutrality of the cold desert region, the Union Ministry of Tourism has prepared draft Tourism Vision Document, which will be given final shape by ending March this year. The step will go a long way in fostering sustainable, competitive and inclusive growth of this unique geographical location.
At present, tourism in Ladakh is concentrated in a few major places thus benefiting only a portion of the population leading to the development of only prominent cities. Despite a rich cultural heritage, the remote communities are overlooked and due to this there is rapid rural to urban migration. Moreover, overcrowded tourist hotspots like Leh city and Diskit create an adverse impact on the ecological, social and cultural balance of the region.
Keeping all these and other important aspects in mind, the Union Ministry of Tourism has prepared draft Tourism Vision Document and the process of inviting objections and suggestions will conclude on February 15. Thereafter, document will be given final shape and action on the strategy will begin from next financial year starting from April 1, 2022.
“Our vision is to promote Ladakh as a high-value and low-impact tourism destination that fosters sustainable and inclusive growth for the local community. The vision captures the expectations of the stakeholders of the tourism industry as well as the local population considering their economic and social needs”, the Union Tourism Ministry said, adding “by integrating best practices to improve convenience and experience, the goal is to create tourist experiences in Ladakh that are comparable to the best places of the world”.
The principle of ‘high-value, low-impact’ will promote sustainable tourism in Ladakh by marketing it as a ‘unique and exclusive experience’ to boost tourism while simultaneously curbing adverse ecological and social impacts on the region, the Ministry said, adding “tourism revenues bring economic growth and prosperity to attractive tourist destinations, which can raise the standard of living in host communities. Thus, the goal is to involve local communities to build sustainable tourism practices in Ladakh”.
As currently tourism in Ladakh is concentrated in a few major places thus benefiting only a portion of the population leading to the development of only prominent cities, the Vision Document will help in dispersing tourism to unexplored places so that tourism revenue can ensure direct welfare of each segment of the population and tourism fees collected would fund the medical, economic, and social needs of the local population.
As major problem being faced by the region is rural to urban migration, the Government of India wants to create opportunities within rural regions and spread tourism throughout Ladakh including remote border villages and unexplored towns instead of concentrating on the already overburdened cities. This can be achieved by creating unique and niche tourist experiences; focusing on increasing inflow of international tourists and regulating activities to protect the environment.
As overcrowded tourist hotspots like Leh city and Diskit create an adverse impact on the ecological, social and cultural balance of the region, the objective of the Ministry is to disburse the large inflow of tourists from these overrun zones to other untraveled and unexplored areas that have a bountiful to offer thus creating an equitable and sustainable balance.
Pointing towards menace of vehicular population due to large increase in the number of motor vehicles and great rush of tourists, thrust has been laid on usage of greener fuels and adoption of renewable energy to curb the dilapidation of ecology in Ladakh, an important milestone for sustainable and green tourism.
Adequate attention has also been paid towards promotion of carbon neutral activities and emphasis laid on eco-lodges, recycling and waste management, greener transport and construction so that Ladakh can be promoted as a responsible and environment-friendly tourist destination. “Screening activities like motorized vehicle tours that generate heavy pollution and enhancing low-carbon emitting activities will be the key to ensuring sustainable tourism”, the draft Vision Document said.
“The mass tourist arrivals during the peak season have already caused a huge challenge for adequate availability of civic services and traffic jams, lack of regular water supply, poor waste management and increasing pollution are causing enormous difficulties to the tourists and locals alike. If this goes unabated, Ladakh may not remain a preferred destination, particularly for those tourists who are looking for a unique eco-experience”, the Ministry said, adding in the context of tourism development, Ladakh currently is on crossroads of the opportunities emanating from its unique landscape elements and cultural heritage, and the challenges largely posed by ‘over-tourism’.
The Ministry further said that if tapped in a sustainable manner with the support of a proper marketing initiative, the tourism industry could transform Ladakh’s fortunes with unprecedented economic prosperity. “The challenge is to enhance the infrastructure facilities that support tourism in this region such that the full potential of the sector can be harnessed”, the Ministry added.
“The UT administration needs to create detailed sustainable development plans at a district and community level by focusing on air and road connectivity, quality home-stay development, wayside amenities, tourism circuit mapping, waste management systems, signages and training and skill development of locals”, the Vision Document said.
The draft Vision Document has stressed that ancient trekking routes may be avoided while constructing new roads or installing electric poles, cables, and mobile towers; new ski slopes be identified and mapped in Kargil, Drass and Zanskar ranges; international level ice climbing and skiing events be planned and promoted through Tourism Department channels; heli skiing facilities may be setup in Kargil and Zanskar to cater to international level skiers; gondolas may be set up in Kargil between Sherbagh and Kurbathang Shilikchey and TikTikmo Hill Baroo-Zbichu and Kurbathang; yoga retreats may be set up in rural areas in collaboration with local communities and Ladakh may be branded as a “Rejuvenation” destination for expats and corporates”.
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