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In a massive rescue effort, about 60,000 tourists and local residents have been evacuated from the flood-affected regions of Kullu-Manali and Lahaul Spiti districts in Himachal Pradesh.
Efforts are still underway to relocate the remaining 10,000 people currently residing in Kasol and Tirthan Valley, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu shared.
According to the CM, the embassy of Israel had reached out to HP govt, offering help to evacuate their nationals from Kasol and Tirthan. However, the CM assured of the safety of all foreign tourists, and said that essential commodities are being provided for survival.
Additionally, at Chandertal, a rescue convoy reached the location early in the morning, successfully evacuating over 250 tourists. Despite the challenges posed by the Kunzum Pass, these tourists were guided in four batches towards Kaza, where their safety could be ensured.
The success of the rescue operations was attributed to the unwavering dedication and commitment of the 1,000 officials deployed in the affected areas.
During a visit to the Army Relief Camp at Choling in Sub Tehsil Tapri, Chief Minister acknowledged the rescue of 118 individuals from Sangla through six sorties. These individuals will be further transported to Shimla and Chandigarh, marking another successful chapter in the ongoing rescue operations, he said.
As the rescue operations continue, the state aims to remain steadfast in its dedication to restoring normalcy and providing necessary support to those affected by the floods.
However, these recent floods serve as a wake-up call, underscoring the urgency for better planning and management to strike a balance between tourism promotion and environmental conservation. The influx of tourists, coupled with the unregulated expansion of hotels, resorts, and other infrastructure, has strained the region’s resources and infrastructure, contributing to the vulnerability of the affected areas.
Buoyed by the success of hosting nine G20 meetings, Goa now aims to showcase its ‘beyond just beach’ offerings, with a focus on infrastructure investments and exploring partnerships in new markets. In an exclusive interview with ETTravelWorld, Minister for Tourism, Govt of Goa, Rohan Khaunte shared that the state government is keen on boosting ties with other countries for enhanced air connectivity and keeping ‘quality over quantity’ in tourism.
Recently, the Supreme Court has also granted the Centre an additional four weeks to respond to a plea that seeks an evaluation of the carrying capacity and master plans of the Indian Himalayan Region. The plea highlights the absence of carrying capacity studies, resulting in severe geological hazards and environmental damage.The petition, according to the sources, emphasises that hill stations, pilgrimage sites, and tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh are overwhelmed and at the risk of collapse due to the lack of assessed carrying capacities.
Therefore, to address the pressing issue at hand, it is crucial to conduct comprehensive capacity-building studies that assess the carrying capacity of tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh and other overcrowded hill stations.
These studies would provide valuable insights into determining the sustainable limit of tourist inflows and guide the development of infrastructure and facilities accordingly.
By implementing effective measures based on carrying capacity, the state can mitigate the risks associated with over tourism and achieve a harmonious balance between economic growth and environmental preservation.
Moreover, there is a need for stricter regulations and enforcement to tackle rampant commercialisation, which poses a threat to the region’s natural integrity. Encouraging sustainable tourism practices, such as promoting responsible tourism and embracing eco-friendly initiatives, is essential to safeguard the unique biodiversity and cultural heritage that Himachal Pradesh proudly possesses.
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