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250 Words15 Marks
Q.How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? (Answer in 250 words)
UPSC Mains 2019•Geography
Model Answer
View this Question In PYQ RealmSyllabus Point
- Salient features of World’s Physical Geography, changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
Approach
- Introduction (30-40 words): Introduce the significance of mountain ecosystems and the challenges they face.
- Body (170-180 words):
- Detail key threats to mountain ecosystems arising from developmental activities and tourism.
- Suggest actionable measures to restore and protect these ecosystems.
- Conclusion (30-40 words): Emphasize the necessity of balancing ecological conservation with developmental goals.
Introduction
Mountain ecosystems in India, particularly the Western Ghats and the Himalayan States (including the Northeast), are under severe stress due to the adverse effects of tourism and rapid developmental projects. This critical issue has been highlighted in the NITI Aayog's Report of Working Group II on Sustainable Tourism in the Indian Himalayan Region.
Body
Major Threats to Mountainous Ecosystems
- Climate Change: It is widely recognized that global warming is the primary driver behind the rapid retreat of glaciers in mountain ranges.
- Encroachment: Rising population density and human greed have led to the occupation of forests, high-altitude regions, and ecologically fragile zones.
- Infrastructure Development: Intense economic competition, expanding urbanization, energy security projects, and road connectivity in remote areas have severely disrupted the natural Himalayan landscape.
- Waste Disposal: Growing human settlements and tourism generate massive quantities of non-biodegradable waste and toxic effluents in mountain regions.
- Land Subsidence: Incidents like the land subsidence in Joshimath highlight the extreme vulnerability of these terrains.
Measures to Restore Mountain Ecosystems
- Sustainable Development: Adopting sustainable practices is key. Infrastructure and tourism must be planned to prevent ecological exploitation.
- Example: Restricting the use of single-use plastics and fossil fuels to curb pollution.
- Regulating Tourist Inflow: Mountain terrains have a limited carrying capacity. Controlling the volume of visitors is essential to prevent resource depletion.
- Example: Implementing regulatory mechanisms like the Inner Line Permit (ILP).
- Community Participation: Local communities must actively participate in conservation efforts to reverse ecological degradation.
- Example: Civil society groups conducting awareness campaigns on waste management.
- Legislative Safeguards: Enforcing strict legal frameworks to penalize activities like illegal logging and open waste burning is crucial for ecosystem recovery.
Conclusion
A balanced policy framework is required to sustain mountain ecosystems without compromising the economic benefits of tourism and development. Achieving this win-win scenario through proactive restoration and conservation will safeguard these natural treasures for future generations.