Maintaining that unregulated tourist rush is taking heavy toll on the fragile eco-system of tourism spots in J&K, the government of India has favoured regulation of tourism inflow in the State.

In an exclusive interview with Arif Shafi Wani of Greater Kashmir, Secretary Union Ministry of Tourism, R H Khwaja, who recently undertook on the spot assessment of various tourism places in the Valley, expressed his concern over rapid deterioration of fragile environment. 

“Unregulated tourist rush is definitely taking a heavy toll on the tourist spots in the Valley. The famous hill-station Pahalgam particularly its town is not in a good shape. The resort is littered with garbage as too many tourist visit there. I was shocked to see all the way to Thajawas Glacier in Sonamarg littered with garbage and pony dung,” Khwaja said. 

Incidentally this year a record 12 lakh tourists and 6 lakh Amarnath yatris visited the State. The Union Tourism Secretary also pointed out that world famous ski-resort Gulmarg remains overcrowded due to heavy tourist inflow. 

“Tourists queue for hours together near Gondola which is a popular initiative by the State Government. Though we can’t deny assess to tourists to enjoy ride in Gondola, but we need to regulate the number of tourism according to carrying capacity of the ski-resort. I have conveyed my suggestions to the State Government in this regard,” he said.  

Khwaja who previously had stint with the Minister of Environment and Forests, said entry to core wildlife areas including sanctuaries in the State should also be restricted.

“The forests and wildlife areas are rich source of biological diversity. Seventy percent of medicines are found in nature. As far as tourism zones are concerned, ecologically sensitive areas like sanctities and wildlife parks must have controlled or regulated tourism on the pattern of Jim Corbett Park in Uttrakhand and Ranthambore in Rajasthan,” he said.

However, he said there is no need of any new legislation to regulate the tourism flow. “Tourism is basically guideless, advisories and persuasion. As far as the legal aspect is concerned, the law of a particular area will come into force,” he said citing the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and the Wildlife Protect Act 1972.

“It depends in which area the tourism spot falls and the rules and Acts will automatically apply. There should be no exception to observe these regulations in letter and spirit,” he said.

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