17. The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are reaching the limits of their carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate.
Carrying capacity refers to the amount of natural resources that can be drawn from the environment and the amount of pollutants that can be discharged into it without causing a breakdown of the system. Once damaged and destroyed beyond repair it cannot be restored to its original, usable and harmless state.
Thus, the carrying capacity can be defined as the maximum load or stress that the environment can withstand from economic or other human activities.
Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), Himachal Pradesh (HP) and Uttrakhand (UK) have been hotspots for tourism. The Himalayan abode along with presence of numerous religious shrines has made these states a major attraction for tourists. However, there has been alarm at the level of environmental degradation and lack of efforts to maintain ecological balance.
Individuals and governments alike in order to maximize profit have flouted environmental norms and regulations. The pristine himlayan region has been overburdened with forest clearances, road building and infrastructure constructions. Rivers beds have been encroached upon and rivers polluted by wastr disposal.
The huge influx of tourists is said to be pushing the environment beyond its carrying capacity. Activists have called for sustainable utilization of the resources and promotion of eco-tourism in these regions.
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