Valley fragile ecosystem under threat, govt plans to ‘regulate’ inflow of tourists

As unregulated tourism continues unabated in the Valley, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has issued an advisory to adventure tour operators and trekkers restricting the number of tourists visiting Kashmir division.

In a written reply on March 22 in the Assembly, the government said if required, the number of tourists visiting the state would be regulated.

The response of the government assumes significance as unexplored tourist destinations and trekking spots in Kashmir have witnessed a massive influx of tourists. Experts have raised concern over lack of focus on waste disposal mechanism at trekking destinations, which is polluting fragile ecosystem of the Valley.

Congress MLA from Sangrama Irfan Hafiz Lone had asked in the Assembly whether the government had introduced any mechanism to regulate inflow of people, including tourists places/destinations notified as developmental authority, if not the reasons therefore. He had also asked the details of measures taken to boost tourism synchronised with the environment.

Apart from traditional tourist spots, Gurez village in Bandipore, the Great Lakes in South Kashmir are among the new destinations that have witnessed an increase in tourist footfall. Apart from domestic tourists, locals in huge numbers are thronging these sites.

In 2024, 2.36 crore tourists visited the UT — the highest ever figure. This include foreign tourists, Amarnath and Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims as well.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who holds the charge of Tourism Ministry, said in the reply, “As such there is no regulation in respect of the Department of Tourism Jammu and Kashmir regarding inflow of local people, including tourists at several tourist destinations.”

The Chief Minister said in order to “regulate inflow of tourists/trekkers and promote sustainable tourism in the region”, the department has issued an advisory “for adventure tour operators/ trekkers restricting the number of tourists visiting Kashmir division, imposition of fine on defaulters, complete ban on carrying plastic bags and burning of trash etc”.

The response also stated that the department has announced the J&K Tourism Policy, 2020, wherein one of the “mandates of the department is to assess and regulate the annual number of tourists according to the carrying capacity and eco-sensitivity of tourist destinations for maintaining the responsible tourism practices”.

“The assessment is currently under way and the number of tourists visiting shall be regulated, if required,” the CM said. The government said the department would ensure development of sustainable and eco-friendly tourism by considering social and environmental aspects.

“Besides, for keeping the destinations plastic-free, the department carries out cleanliness drives and has adopted Go Green practices on important days and various other occasions at tourist spots of the UT,” said the CM.