The Importance of Eco Tourism In India
Or anywhere, for that matter.
Travel and tourism in India has always been a thriving industry. And it is on an exponential rise , primarily because of the vast knowledge sharing on social media platforms. In 2013 alone, tourism contributed USD 113.3 billion to the Indian GDP. Factors like better transport connectivity, a rise in luxury budget hotels have also supported the growth.
In recent years, startups offering various perks and discounts to the customers in the form of promotional e-cash, flight miles, voucher coupons an so on, have come up, and that adds to the revenue flow. All of this provides a win-win situation for both the vendors and the customers, and the customers get bitten by the travel bug.
Once the customer comes out of his shell and starts travelling, he starts exploring the unexplored beauty of different places, becomes an extrovert and starts socializing with the localities and fellow travelers. This unleashes a wide range of possibilities to travel and explore without creating a hole in the pocket.
However, this rise of the travel industry has also resulted in the deterioration of certain places which were quaint and beautiful at one point of time but now are flooded with tourists and the natural beauty has been compromised.
Locations in Himachal Pradesh like McLoedganj, Triund, Kasol, Kheerganga and Manali have become flooded with tourists as these places are located just a couple of hours away from Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. The tourists who come in flocks usually leave the place dirty and messy with their litter and ruin the natural beauty of the destination.
Eco Tourism is the need of the hour.
But what is Eco Tourism?
Fundamentally, eco-tourism means making as little environmental impact as possible and helping to sustain the indigenous populace, thereby encouraging the preservation of wildlife and habitats when visiting a place. This is a responsible form of tourism and tourism development, which encourages going back to natural products in every aspect of life. It is also the key to sustainable ecological development.
The International Eco-tourism Society defines eco-tourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well being of local people.”
It’s high time one needs to be conscious towards the environment and make sure that his recreational activities don’t adversely affect the natural beauty of the place. A responsible Wraveler (Wanderer + Traveler…get it? Ha ha.) thus needs to keep the following Dos and Don’ts in mind while exploring a destination.
Dos
- Carry back all non-degradable litter such as empty bottles, tins, plastic bags etc. These must not litter the environment or be buried. They must be disposed in municipal dustbins only.
- Observe the sanctity of holy sites, temples and local cultures.
- Cut noise pollution. Do not blare aloud radios, tape recorders or other electronic entertainment equipment in nature resorts, sanctuaries and wildlife parks.
- In case temporary toilets are set-up near campsites, after defecation, cover with mud or sand. Make sure that the spot is at least 30 meters away from the water source.
Don’ts
Do not take away flora and fauna in the forms of cuttings, seeds or roots. It is illegal, especially in the Himalayas. The environment is really delicate in this region and the biodiversity of the region has to be protected at all costs.
- Do not use pollutants such as detergent, in streams or springs while washing and bathing.
- Do not use wood as fuel to cook food at the campsite.
- Do not leave cigarettes butts or make open fires in the forests.
- Do not consume aerated drinks, alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicant and throw bottles in the wild.
- Polythene and plastics are non-biodegradable and unhealthy for the environment and must not be used and littered.
If one happens to visit popular hill stations like Kasol (Parvati Valley), McLoedganj or popular trekking routes such as Triund, Kheerganga one is sure to find toffee wrappers, chips packets, plastic water bottles littered all around. This litter creates a negative image in the mind of fellow travelers from different parts of the world.
The reason for emphasizing Triund and Kheerganga, is primarily because these are comparatively easy treks which can be done in a day or two and don’t need too much of trekking gears or heavy prep. What was once a quaint little camping ground has now become a public camping ground with tents and toilets fixed permanently.
As responsible travelers, one must keep their actions in control and avoid littering any of the places they travel to. Seeing that we don’t litter and keep our trash in our bags instead of dumping it, the other passer by tourists will also observe it and start implementing it. By de-cluttering is how we will be able to restore the natural beauty of these beautiful destinations.
About The Author
Arnav, is a civil engineer by profession and a hard core foodie and a travel aficionado at heart. Being an Army brat by birth, traveling and socializing is in his DNA. He believes in going to a new place every month or two to explore, relax and live life to the fullest.
He started blogging in 2015 with Sustainability Initiatives — India about Green Buildings and Sustainability related issues in India. After relocating in 2016, he discovered the travel bug within him and the hardcore foodie that he is. Read more about his travel escapades at http://eattravelliveandrepeat.blogspot.in/
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