TRAVEL
“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” – Gustave Flaubert.
Aditi, a young traveller from Mumbai, always believed that travel was a gateway to self-discovery. She dreamed of exploring new cultures and landscapes, but a visit to a once-pristine beach in Goa changed her perspective. Littered with plastic waste and polluted waters, it was a stark reminder of the environmental footprint left by tourism. She wondered: Could the pursuit of adventure harm the beauty she sought to experience?
Millions travel each year in search of adventure, knowledge, and relaxation. However, the environmental consequences of tourism are often overlooked. Unregulated tourism contributes to pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. India’s iconic Taj Mahal, for instance, faces damage due to air pollution from excessive tourist traffic. Popular hill stations like Shimla grapple with water shortages due to over-tourism. Similarly, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia suffers from coral bleaching, exacerbated by climate change and the carbon footprint of air travel. Beaches in Goa and Kerala often bear the brunt of mass tourism, accumulating plastic waste during peak holiday seasons.
One of the most pressing environmental concerns of travel is carbon emissions. The aviation industry alone accounts for nearly 2-3% of global CO2 emissions. A single long-haul flight emits more carbon per passenger than some individuals produce in an entire year. Road transport, especially diesel-fueled buses and cars, further worsen air quality. Cities like Manali and Leh struggle with rising vehicular emissions due to increasing tourist influx. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), aviation emissions could triple by 2050 if left unchecked, making sustainable travel solutions an urgent necessity.
Another major issue is habitat destruction. The construction of hotels, resorts, and other tourism infrastructure often leads to deforestation and loss of biodiversity. The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, faces threats from unchecked development. Coastal erosion is becoming a growing concern in states like Tamil Nadu and Odisha due to increased human activity. Over-tourism can also displace local communities, making traditional livelihoods unsustainable. The Sundarbans, home to the Bengal tiger, are witnessing habitat loss due to rising sea levels and illegal tourism encroachments.
Waste management is another critical concern. Tourist destinations, especially those in fragile ecosystems, often lack proper waste disposal systems, leading to pollution. The annual Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir generates large amounts of non-biodegradable waste, affecting local water sources. Similarly, Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, has become littered with trash left behind by climbers. The lack of responsible waste management exacerbates the damage caused by mass tourism.
To counter these challenges, ecotourism is emerging as a viable solution. This approach emphasizes responsible travel that minimizes environmental impact while benefiting local communities. India has taken steps in this direction—initiatives like Kaziranga National Park’s eco-friendly lodges promote wildlife conservation while ensuring that tourism supports local livelihoods. Sikkim, India’s first fully organic state, encourages sustainable tourism by promoting eco-friendly homestays and banning plastic water bottles. The Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification Programme is another step toward fostering responsible travel awareness.
The Indian government has launched various initiatives to address the environmental impact of tourism. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan aims to keep tourist destinations clean, while the Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India (STCI) encourages environmentally responsible tourism practices. The Jal Shakti Abhiyan focused on water conservation, benefits tourist-heavy regions facing water scarcity. The Indian Railways’ plan to electrify its entire network by 2030 is another step toward reducing travel-related emissions. Globally, Costa Rica has become a leader in ecotourism by prioritizing conservation and renewable energy, offering a model for India. Norway’s transition to electric ferries for fjord tourism demonstrates how sustainable infrastructure can reduce environmental impact.
Tourism must align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). India’s National Green Tribunal has enforced regulations on pollution in eco-sensitive zones, ensuring tourism does not compromise environmental sustainability. Travelers can contribute by opting for eco-friendly accommodations, minimizing plastic usage, and using public transport. Supporting local businesses rather than large hotel chains ensures that tourism revenue benefits local communities.
As Mahatma Gandhi wisely said, “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.” Travel should be about exploration and learning, not destruction. By embracing sustainable travel practices, we can ensure that future generations inherit a world as breathtaking as the one we are privileged to explore. The responsibility lies with travellers, governments, and businesses alike—to transform tourism into a force for good rather than a source of harm.
By: Jasnoor Kaur
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