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Source– The post is based on the article “Mussoorie Misery” published in “The Times of India” on 29th July 2023.
Syllabus: GS1- Geography
Relevance: Issues related to Himalayan ecosystem
News- NGT has ordered the Dhami government to follow 19 recommendations for saving Mussoorie from destruction by construction and tourism.
What are some of the recommendations of NGT?
Regulate the number of tourists and charge them.
Use these funds for waste management and for monitoring various construction activities.
What are the issues faced by tourist places in the Himalayas?
In 2001, a study revealed that Mussoorie had reached its carrying capacity. Despite this finding, tourist arrivals surged by 255% between 2000 and 2019.
To accommodate the rising number of tourists, mountains are continuously being blasted without adequate consideration of the impact on hydrology.
This approach does not benefit tourists. It makes their journeys unappealing and unsafe. Tourists are exposed to polluted air, traffic jams, and the risk of life-threatening landslides.
The warnings issued by the Mishra committee in 1976 regarding the vulnerabilities in the local areas have not been heeded.
For more readings on MIshra committee– https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/joshimath-sinking-panel-had-warned-50-years-ago/articleshow/96608800.cms
