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An Assignment
on

Sustainability Analyses on Kashmir Tourism Site

Course Title: Ecotourism

Course Code: ESD451

Submitted to:
Ferdousi Sultana
Lecturer, Department of Environmental Science and Disaster Management

Submitted by:
Group Name- A3
16ESD021, 16ESD025, 16ESD028, 16ESD030.
4th Year, 2st Semester
Department of Environmental Science and Disaster Management

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science & Technology University

Department of Environmental Science and Disaster Management

Date of Submission: 12 April, 2021

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Contents
1. Introduction……………………………………………………………………………4
2. Description of Kashmir Valley………………………………………………………4-5
3. Eco-tourism Sites in Kashmir………………………………………………….…….6-7
4. Current Practices of Sustainability in Kashmir……………………………………..7-11
4.1 Economic Aspects…………………………………………………………...8-10
4.2 Environmental Aspects…………………………………………………….10-11
4.3 Social Aspect…………………………………………………………………..11
5. Eco-sustainability in Kashmir…………………………………………………….11-13
6. Suggestions for Improvement and Promotion of Ecotourism in Kashmir……..….13-14
7. Conclusions…………………………………………………………………………..14
8. References………………………..……………….………………………………14-15
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List of Tables
Table 1: Tourist Arrivals in Kashmir from 1987 to 2014……………………………………….8
Table 2: Employment Generation by Tourism in Kashmir……………………………………..9
Table 3: SWOT analysis for tourism in J&K state…………………………………………….12
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1. Introduction
Globally tourism has been a major source of economic development in the recent past. It has
surfaced as one of the rapidly growing segments generating about 8.7% of employment
worldwide and contributing about 9% to global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). India has a
special status of being embodied with spiritual places of solace throughout the world. As such,
Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTA) in India have increased by 10% in the year 2016 from 80.3 lakh
in 2015 to 88.9 lakh tourists in 2016. As per the latest sources, the Foreign Exchange Earnings
(FEEs) by the Indian government in 2016 amounted to a huge Rs. 1,55,650 crore, witnessing a
growth of 15.1% (Annual report furnished by MoT Govt. of India, 2016-17). Contributing
significantly to this figure is the northern most valley of Kashmir (Gaddo, 2014).
Popularly known as “Paradise on Earth” and situated in the heart of Himalayas, Kashmir is
blessed with its rich flora and fauna, wildlife sanctuaries, snow clad mountains, high altitude
lakes, cultural richness and world famous pilgrimage destinations etc. The valley is a part of
the state of Jammu & Kashmir, which comprises of three distinct regions viz, Jammu, Kashmir
and Ladakh (Hussain et. al, 2016). Tourism industry in the state as a whole has grown
significantly, hence, resulted in upliftment of local service industry. These include hospitality,
transport, handicrafts, horticulture, retail outlets and other small scale sectors. The valley of
Kashmir attracts a large number of domestic tourists and a fair proportion of foreign tourists as
well. This paper is mainly based on numbers before 2016, after which political situation in the
valley turned sour and people had to look for alternatives. In 2014, tourism accounted for 7%
of states GDP according to government figures. It thus possesses immense potential of
enhancing the infrastructural development and generation of employment opportunities (Khan
et. al, 2010) . Numerous local people are directly or indirectly associated with tourism. It
provides employment opportunities to even people who lack specialized skills like, tourist
guides, hotel jobs, ponywallas etc. Kashmir has historically been a main route of exchange of
commercial and cultural attributes between India and the Eastern Asia. It provides tourists from
all over the world with opportunities of eco-tourism, pilgrimage tourism, adventure tourism
and even medical tourism. Main destinations in Kashmir include Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Dal
Lake, Sonamarg, Wular Lake, Mughal gardens and Amaranth cave. Tourism is not only
providing economic benefits to the state but also placing Kashmir in the national as well as
international limelight. For the last three decades, considerable debate has been going on to
establish the relationship between environment and tourism. In contrast to its economic
benefits, tourism can also cause significant deterioration to the environment. As stated by
Hawkins7, tourism is a goose that not only lays a golden egg (economic benefits), but also has
the potential to foul its own nest (environmental degradation). Whereas, proper management
and planning can reduce the negative impacts, unplanned and mis-managed tourism can induce
damages that are sometimes beyond the resilience power of nature and hence the damages
inflicted are termed as irreparable (Singh and Bahadur, 2018). The tourism industry therefore
can be seen as being highly dependent on natural resources and thus has remarkable impacts to
environment, culture, society and economy, mostly in an adverse manner.

2. Description of Kashmir Valley

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The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is situated in the North of India and sharing
borders with the states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh in the South, China in the North East,
Pakistan in West and Afghanistan in the North West. In terms of geography, it is divided into
two regions Jammu and Kashmir. Being rich in natural resources, it is famous for pilgrimage,
natural and adventure tourism both at the national and international levels (Akihito, 2017).

Among the two regions the province of Kashmir is highly popular for its natural beauty and
valleys like heaven. Snow capped mountains, conspicuous springs, greenery, and chunky
forests attract tourists from the entire world. In addition, the valley of Kashmir gains reputation
because of mother of fruits like apple, saffron, medicinal herbs, minerals, precious stones,
shawls, carpets and other rich items. For tourism, it remains active for both the seasons of
summer and winter. In summer tourists can get delighted from the beautiful outlook and foliage
of nature. However in chilly season hiking on snow spiky mountains are really amazing.
In diverse seasons it offers destinations suited to environmental conditions. In summers,
tourists can get pleasure from the cool climate of Pahalgam and in winters the snow capped
mountains of Gulmarg are highly favored. Districts like Srinagar, Anantnag and Baramullah
are highly famous for their tourism potentials and tourism destinations like, Srinagar, Pahalgam
and Gulmarg are highly famous among tourists. Location, geographical atmosphere and
potentials of tourism contained in aforementioned destinations are discussed as below:
1. Srinagar: Srinagar is the foremost destination for travelers to visit Kashmir valley. It is the
summer capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The city is main hub of lakes and rivers,
gardens, houseboats and shikara ridings. Dal Lake in the middle of Srinagar adds to the charm
of the city and captivating attractions. Tourists feel relaxed to spend much time in waterborne
houseboats and to enjoy sweet-scented Kashmiri gastronomy. Mughal Gardens, on the banks
of Dal Lake looking like heavens add more to the fascination of Srinagar city.
2. Pahalgam: The destination is perched at an elevation of 2,740 meters above sea level and
is at a distance of 96.5 kilometers from the summer capital Srinagar. It is renowned all over the
India for pilgrimage tourism of Amarnath Yatra. Weather conditions in the town are highly
feasible in summers. In winters the tourism destination of Pahalgam experiences heavy
snowfall and cold. So the best season for visiting the place and relaxing here is from April
onwards and to the end of mid November. Places like Baisaran, Tulian Lake, Chandanwari,
Panchtarni, Hajan, Betaab Valley, Sheshnag Lake, AruValley, Mamaleshwar Temple,
Lidderwat, Aishmuqam, Sun Temple, Shikargah, Tarsar Lake, and Mattan are highly famous.
3. Gulmarg: Gulmarg, world famous tourism destination, is located at a distance of 46 kms
from the Srinagar in north of Baramullah district of Kashmir Valley. It has an altitude of 2690
m above the sea level. Average temperature varies from -4°C in January to 31°C in July. It is
an all weather tourism destination famous for emerald meadows, beautiful landscapes,
flowering gardens, serene lakes and sports festivals like golfing, water skiing, trekking,
mountain biking, horse riding and fishing. Gondola trip in Gulmarg is the world’s highest cable
car takes tourists to a height of 4390m. In Kashmir it is the only tourism place specified new
dimensions to adventure tourism by introducing sports activities like snow baseball, snow
cycling and snow rugby.
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3. Ecotourism Sites in Kashmir

Ecotourism is responsible travel to the natural areas stresses conservation the environment and
wellbeing of local people. Kashmir has mammoth potential for ecotourism which provides
basic frame for ecologically sustainable tourism with livelihood opportunities for local
communities. State government have identified wetlands and protected as the eco-tourism sites
for tourists. The major eco-tourism site in Kashmir valley are Yusmarg, Doodhpathri, Aharbal,
Bungus, Lolab, Baramulla Eco Park, Gurezand and so on (Ramjit, 2015). The activities
fortourists in these areas are: trekking, water rafting, bird watching, fishing, night camps, and
Forest camp.
Yusmarg: Yusmarg or Yousmarg (meaning 'Meadow of Jesus') is a hill station in the western
part of Kashmir Valley in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated 47
km (29 mi) south of Srinagar the capital of the state. Yousmarg provides space for beautiful
landscapes, young pine nurseries, green pastures and heart touching lotic and lentic water
bodies. Neilnag, Doudganga and a nascently created artificial dam adds more to the beauty of
the meadows. Nature has bestowed Yoususmarg with pleasant flora and fauna. Among fauna,
locals claim that they often sight wolves, bears, apes, cats, aves of various types (flight as well
as flightless). Among aquatic fauna, Schizothoraxic is abundant one in catch. A trek of 4 km
leads to a small lake called Nilnag, famous for its blue water.10 km trek leads to the frozen
lake in Sang-e-Safed valley, which is mostly covered by ice even during the summer. Other
tourist activities include horse riding, fishing, skiing during winter and photography.
Doodhpathri: Doodhpathri (translation; Valley of Milk) is a tourist destination and a hill
station in the Indian administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located
in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir.Situated at an altitude of 2,730 metres (8,960 ft)
from sea level, it is located at a distance of 42 km (26 mi) from union territory's summer
capital Srinagar and 22 km (14 mi) from district headquarters Budgam.

Aharbal: Aharbal is a hill station in the south-western part of Kashmir Valley in the Indian
union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, south of the summer capital of Srinagar (Sub district:
Damhal Hanjipora, District: Kulgam). The place is quite peaceful and suitable
for expeditions, trekking, vlogging, photography, and fishing. Due to mesmerising look
of meadows, pine and fir tree forests, the abutting snow clad mountains, the waterfall attracts
many Indian and international tourists. Aharbal Waterfall is also known as Niagara Waterfall
of Kashmir.Aharbal is a base for adventure tourism. The Veshu River is stocked with trout.
The fishing permit can be obtained from the Fisheries department stationed at Aharbal. The
alpine meadow of Kungwatan lies at the halfway point of the two-day trek to the high-
altitude Konsernag Lake, which is the source of the Veshu. Other activities include horse
riding, photography, and skiing during winter.
Bungus: The Bangus Valley is a Himalayan sub-valley of the Kashmir Valley. It is situated in
the North area of Kupwara District, in Jammu and Kashmir, of Indian administered. Kashmir.
Lolab: The Lolab Valley is a Himalayan valley located in union territory of Jammu and
Kashmir, India. The entrance to the valley lies 9 km (5.6 mi) north of Kupwara city, and the
centre of the valley lies 114 km (71 mi) northwest of Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and
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Kashmir. It is an oval-shaped valley 15 miles (24 km) long with an average width of 2 miles
(3.2 km). Travelers visiting Lolab sometimes visit the resting place of the saint Kashyap reshi,
which is located at a distance of 1 km from village Lalpora. A spring called Lavnag can be
found nearby. The spring is three feet deep and has crystal clear water. Gauri spring is another
major spring in the area. Due lack of intervention by government the place has very poor flow
of tourists which keeps it potential for tourism still unexplored. This place still manages to be
one of the top most camping sites in Kashmir.
Some tourist attractions in the valley include Nagmarg Camping Site Satbaran Kalaroos,
Chandigam, Warnav, Machil and Kariwan Green Meadows Diver.
Baramulla Eco Park: Baramulla known as Varmul in Kashmiri, is a city and a municipality in
the Baramulla district in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is on the bank of
the Jhelum River downstream from Srinagar, the state capital. The city was earlier known
as Vārāhamūla. The name is derived from two Sanskrit words, Vārāha (meaning wild boar)
and Mūla (meaning root/origin). Eco Park is on the island in the middle of Jhelum river on the
road from Baramulla town to Uri. It is approached by a wooden bridge. It was developed
by J&K Tourism Development Corporation with a blend of modern substructure and natural
exquisiteness.

Gurezand: Gurez, or Gurais (Guráai in the local Shina language), is a valley located in the
high Himalayas, about 86 kilometres (53 mi) from Bandipore and 123 kilometres (76 mi) from
Srinagar in northern Kashmir and southern Gilgit-Baltistan. At about 2,400 metres (8,000 ft)
above sea level, the valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It has diverse fauna and
wildlife including the Himalayan brown bear and the snow leopard. The Kishanganga River
flows through the valley. The road to Gilgit runs through Gurez.Gurez is divided into three
regions. The area from Toabat to Sharda Peeth is administered by Pakistan as Neelum District,
that between Kamri and Minimarg is administered by Pakistan as Astore District, Gilgit-
Baltistan, and that from Taobat to Abdullah Tulail is known as Gurez Tehsil, and is part of the
Indian-administered Bandipore district.Being situated very close to the Burzil Pass, which
leads into Astore District of Gilgit-Baltistan, the inhabitants are ethnic Dards/Shins. They speak
the Shina language and have the same styles of dress and culture as their kinsmen in Pakistani-
administered Gilgit-Baltistan
4. Current Practices of Sustainability in Kashmir
Ecotourism is one of the most important concepts at the present time where the world is plagued
by greed and greatly affected by the ill effects of Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation
(LPG Model). Resources are being exploited unscientifically at most of the places (Aslam et.
al, 2018). There is unscientific harnessing of natural as well as human resources which makes
environment and people vulnerable to various adverse effects like environmental degradation,
floods, droughts, climate change, poverty, hunger, malnutrition, political and social tensions
worldwide. At the present time there is 'development at the cost of displacement' which has
resulted into displacement of millions of indigenous people from their homes and forced to live
in camps where they face shortage of food, clothing, shelter and other basic amenities. This has
resulted into various environmental, social, economic and political problems at different places
like in India, Africa, Latin America etc (Batta, 2016). This has resulted into emergence of
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various tribal and other movements. Many such environmental, economic and socio-political
problems have also arisen in Kashmir due to unscientific tourism. Thus, sustainable
development is an important approach to overcome these problems and ecotourism can play a
significant role in this regard. Ecotourism has the potential to eradicate numerous
environmental, socio-economic and political problems in Kashmir if applied properly (Govt.
of India., 2006).
In order to know the impact and potential of ecotourism in Kashmir, it is necessary to examine
various aspects of ecotourism in Kashmir like;
 Economic Aspects
 Environmental Aspects
 Social Aspects
4.1 Economic Aspects
Ecotourism has been described as "one of the most potent tools in the arsenal of the
contemporary conservationists" ( Downs). Ecotourism in Kashmir has a profound impact on
the economic conditions of Kashmiri people and has a lot of potential to increase its impact. It
can be understood by following points;
 Employment: The Table 1 shows the arrival of tourists in Kashmir in last 14 years.
The table clearly shows that there has been an increase in tourist flow in Kashmir in
recent years. This tourist arrival has generated lots of employment in the Valley.
Millions of people are getting jobs due to tourism. According to Table 2, tourism
provides employment to millions of Kashmiris, e.g, 20. 574 lakh people were employed
due to tourism in 2013 and 22.101 lakh people in 2014, despite the devastating floods
in Kashmir in 2014. It even provides employment to people without specialized skills.
Ecotourism is an important source of employment generation in many hilly and remote
areas of Kashmir. Due to ecotourism, the employment generation from tourism is
expected to increase as many more people can be encouraged to participate in
ecotourism and allied activities.
Table 1: Tourist Arrivals in Kashmir from 1987 to 2014
S. No Year Total Tourist Arrivals
1 2001 72591
2 2002 27356
3 2003 191164
4 2004 376729
5 2005 603582
6 2006 432888
7 2007 441836
8 2008 572100
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9 2009 601250
10 2010 736448
11 2011 1314432
12 2012 1308765
13 2013 1171130
14 2014 110000
Source: Economic Survey, J & K 2013-14, Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir
Table 2: Employment Generation by Tourism in Kashmir
Year Employment (in Lakhs)

2002 9.4245

2003 10.1145

2004 10.854

2005 11.649

2006 12.504

2007 13.422

2008 14.409

2009 15.4995

2010 16.6095

2011 17.8365

2012 19.155

2013 20.574

2014 22.101

 Revenue Generation: The tourism industry in J&K is one of the most flourishing
industries in the state. This industry plays an important role in the development of the
regions of Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir. As the industrial sector is not very much
developed in the state, so the activities related to tourism are considered with much
seriousness by the state government. Apart from agriculture sector, Kashmir tourism is
the most popular source of income for the state. The revenue generation from tourism
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was 3054.9 lakhs in 2008-09 which increased to 3236.47 lakhs in 2009-10. Tourism
contributes 8% in J & K's GDP. The revenue generation from ecotourism has increased
in last some years as there has been focus on ecotourism at certain places in Kashmir
like Wular Lake. The revenue generation from ecotourism is expected to increase in
coming years as ecotourism is getting boost in Kashmir (Nanda, 2017).
 Diversification of Economic Activities: Ecotourism and thus tourism, has resulted
into diversification of economic activities in Kashmir which previously used be very
limited to only few economic activities. Ecotourism has resulted into introduction of
new tourism activities in Kashmir like river rafting, cable car tourist view sighting and
construction of many new hotels and restaurants which has resulted into increase in
income generation. The economic returns from engaging in ecotourism can exceed the
costs involved.
 Development of Rural Areas: Ecotourism has resulted into visiting of rural areas of
Kashmir which present a picturesque view. Nowadays many tourists are visiting rural
areas of Kashmir like Aharbal which has resulted into economic and social
development of rural areas. Ecotourism plays an important role in this regard because
it can create jobs in remote regions that historically have benefited less from economic
development programs than more populous areas. Even a small number of jobs may be
significant contribution in communities where populations are low and alternatives are
few.
 Opportunities for Locally Controlled Eco Tourist- Related Businesses: In Kashmir,
ecotourism has resulted into benefitting of local people from tourism which has resulted
into benefits from other allied activities of tourism. It has resulted into development of
handicraft and handloom industry and also transport sector. It also provides a lot of
scope in coming times to improvise it.
 Funding for Infrastructure: Ecotourism provides financial capital for the
development for infrastructure in Kashmir. This has resulted into infrastructure
development at certain places like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Srinagar etc.
4.2 Environmental Aspects
In last some decades, there has been unplanned infrastructure and urban development which
has resulted into large scale environmental and ecological degradation. In Kashmir too, due
to overflow of tourists at certain places and unplanned infrastructural development, lots of
ecological problems have arisen. Thus, it is important to understand the tourism of Kashmir
through the prism of ecotourism (Dar, 2015).
At the present time of environmental crisis, ecotourism is often considered to be a potential
strategy to support conservation of natural ecosystems while, at the same time, promoting
sustainable local development. Proponents of ecotourism emphasize that ecotourism is an
important tool to conserve natural environment and its objective is to foster responsibility
for managing the adverse impact of tourism by minimizing adverse effects while
maximizing beneficial outcomes and preserving the natural environment (Malik et. al,
2013). The ecological aspects of ecotourism in Kashmir can be explained by following
points;
 Conservation of Biodiversity: In Kashmir, ecotourism has been an important
factor for conservation of biodiversity. It has resulted in biodiversity conservation
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at Pahalgam, Sonamarg etc. Many parks and sanctuaries have been made in
Kashmir for the protection of rare species of flora and fauna e.g, lots of efforts are
taken to conserve the Kashmiri Hangul and tigers. It provides lots of potentialities
for conservation of many other species at other places.
 Travel to Natural Destinations: Ecotourism has encouraged tourists to travel to
various natural destinations in Kashmir as Kashmir is endowed with a variety of
natural beauty. Ecotourism has resulted into highlighting of new potential areas of
tourism.
 Development of Wildlife Tourism: Ecotourism has resulted into development of
wildlife tourism in Kashmir as it involves seeing of wild animals in zoos, parks and
sanctuaries. People visit different places to see the rare species of animals like
Kashmiri Hangul, ducks, swans etc.
 Development of Floriculture: Ecotourism has provides incentives for the
development of floriculture in Kashmir. People visit many picturesque gardens in
the valley, the most important case in point is Tulip Garden in Srinagar which
attracts lakhs of tourists every year. This has resulted into conservation of various
species of flowers.
 Water Conservation and Management: Ecotourism has resulted into water
conservation and management at places like Dal Lake. Dal Lake has been highly
polluted in recent years. In the past, the water of Dal Lake was an important source
of drinking water in Srinagar city but at the present time it is filled with waste.
Under ecotourism measures, Dal Lake is being rejuvenated and still needs a lot of
effort for its purification and management.
4.3 Social Aspects
Due to great cultural heritage and social cohesion, Kashmir attracts lots of tourists to visit the
religious and historical sites. Amarnath cave and sufi shrines like Chari Sharief, Dastgeer Sahib
shrine etc are important attractions of tourists. The Kashmiri food , known as Wazwaan is
famous throughout the world which also helps in attraction of tourists (Yousf et. al, 2018).
Ecotourism includes knowledge about local culture and cultural heritage and also
environmental education. It can result in social integration and widening of social opportunities
in Kashmir. Ecotourism has resulted into participation of local communities in Kashmir in
tourism sector which has improved the socio-economic condition of the people and thus helped
in reduction of poverty and thus a better life for Kashmiris. It can lead to social, educational,
economic and technological empowerment of women in Kashmir.
5. Eco-sustainability in Kashmir
At present, there is no sustainable tourism policy of the J&K government, but Ministry of
Tourism GOI engaged SANTEK Pvt. Ltd consultants to prepare 20 years perspective plan for
sustainable tourism development in J&K state from 2000 to 2020 under the Incredible India
scheme . The final report submitted has analyzed the potential of tourism in J&K state and also
suggested the framework for drafting tourism policy of the state. No tourism policy has been
approved so far. Now, J&K Tourism Department has engaged Tata Consultants to draft the
vision document for tourism development in J&K state and also the tourism policy which also
has not been finalized so far. Therefore, in absence of sound tourism policy, there are ad hoc
decisions by the government to promote tourism in J&K state through proliferation of Tourism
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Development Authorities which is not going to develop the tourism industry in state on
sustainable basis and shall also endanger the environment and ecology of the state (Dahal,
2015).
The draft of the policy is available on the website of the tourism department for the comment
of the public states its Vision as, to develop tourism as one of the principle engine for the
Economic development in the State so that state is show cased as leading global destination by
the year 2025. The mission of tourism policy states, to develop Jammu & Kashmir as a
dynamic, sustainable, and most-favored tourist destination by devising strategies for increasing
footfall of domestic and international tourists. The new draft tourism policy proposes to
develop the tourism industry in state by including new sectors like adventure, caravan tourism,
heliport tourism, handicrafts, pilgrimage, MICE, heritage, eco-tourism, and golf (Malik et. al,
2017). Policy also proposes to encourage the active participation of private sector for
strengthening and promoting Jammu and Kashmir as a safe and friendly destination. It also
proposes to strengthen the sectoral coordination of the government departments and take up
research projects with universities to find out new areas for tourism promotion and also other
marketing and publicity issues which can help the government in framing robust tourism policy
document.
When we analyze the above SWOT analysis, it appears that strengths and opportunities
overcome the weaknesses and threats, and there is every possibility in future that there will be
boost in the footfall of tourists to the state and visitors will again get attracted to the natural
beauty and rich cultural heritage of the state (Nabina et. Al, 2017).
Table 3: SWOT analysis for tourism in J&K state

Strengths Weaknesses
Rich cultural and biodiversity of all the three Some of the main weaknesses for development
regions of the state are its strength for of tourism industry in state are lack of
development of tourism. Its natural beauty is approved tourism policy and poor
well known throughout the world with kind development of road infrastructure for good
and hospitable people connectivity. Other weaknesses include poor
research inputs and lack of capacity building
of stakeholders for better services. Lack of
long-term perspective planning at local and
state level by field functionaries is also
contributing in poor development of tourism
industry in the state
Opportunities Threats
State can provide opportunities to cater to Since, Jammu and Kashmir State is at present
the needs of all type of tourists and provide seriously affected by cross-border militancy
high returns from the investment in and disturbances at border with neighboring
developing infrastructure by private players. country, peace in the state is prerequisite to
Opportunities to develop new circuits and develop and promote tourism in the state. In
explore new destinations. such an insecure environment, tourists prefer
to shift to other peaceful tourist destinations.
This is one of the biggest challenges to the
state to create peaceful atmosphere so that
tourists feel safe and secure to visit the state
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The eco-tourism in J&K state has several natural assets to offer to the tourists like mountains,
hiking/trekking, glaciers, scenic beauty, waterfalls, cultures, heritage, rivers, flora, nature
camps, fauna, lakes, caves, Bactrian camel rides, horse rides, traditional knowledge and
practices, wetlands and migratory birds, protected areas, zoos and environmental parks,
religious tourism in mountains, meadows, valleys, and alpines. Jammu and Kashmir
Government in order to promote eco-tourism in state created an eco-tourism wing under the
Wildlife Protection Department. Department in the year 2008 prepared Eco-Tourism
Development Plan for J&K state by engaging Jungle Lodges and Resorts Limited, Bangalore.
This report and its recommendations have not been implemented so far.
In the year 2014, a study was undertaken to find out the eco-tourism potential in Jammu Hills
of the state by WWF-India (J&K) and Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal, India.
During this study, we were able to identify more than 100 eco-tourism destinations which can
be developed for the potential responsible and ecologically sustainable tourism in the state.
6. Suggestions for Improvement and Promotion of Ecotourism in Kashmir
Tourism carrying capacity is defined as ‘the maximum number of people that may visit the
tourist destination without causing destruction of the physical, economic and socio cultural
environment and an unacceptable decrease in the quality of visitors satisfaction. Srinagar has
excess potential carrying capacity which can accommodate extra tourist inflow. This is
primarily due to low tourist inflow to the city because of poor connectivity, and perceived
security issues in past. With the under construction railway line from Srinagar to Jammu the
connectivity is hope to improve. The security situation has also largely improved in the recent
years (Fayaz, 2017). But the carrying capacity of Dal Lake has been exhausted and can be
enhanced to accommodate the tourist flow by expanding the Lakefront on the western edge as
well as on the eastern edge. In Gulmarg the existing carrying capacity is almost exhausted.
Pahalgam has a lot of carrying capacity due to its vast area and beautiful valleys. However, due
to over influx of Amarnath Yatris, lots of problems have arisen. Thus it is necessary to
understand the carrying capacity of different tourist destinations so that limited number of
tourists can be allowed at environment sensitive places (Fazili, 2006). For being more eco-
sustainable the following steps should be taken in Kashmir-
 New tourist destinations like Simthan Top, Baderwah, Tarsar and Marsar Lakes,
Litherwath etc should be highlighted so that the overflow of tourists can be shifted to
these places.
 Better infrastructure and transportation facilities should be provided for remote tourist
destinations.
 Identification and Implementation of ecotourism projects with professional guidance.
 Capacity building of local youth.
 Timber subsidy should be provided for houseboat manufacturing and repairing.
 More wooden huts should be constructed for tourists.
 Use of internet and social medial like Facebook and Twitter should be used for
promotion of ecotourism.
 Cultural programmes based on local Kashmiri culture and folklore should be held to
promote environmental education and respect for local culture.
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 Festivals and sports events like Water Rafting, golf and skiing championships should
be held for the promotion of ecotourism in Kashmir.
 Political stability in J&K through peace building measures between India, Pakistan and
China.
 Involvement of all the stake holders of tourism.
 Identification and declaration of Eco Zones and identification of tourism products.
 Development of rural tourism and involvement of local people.
7. Conclusions
Ecotourism is a game changer, multi-tiered activity which appeals to ecologically and socially
conscious individuals. It is an instigator of change which can result in improvement of existing
socio-economic, political and ecological situations. It is the philosophy of development and
conservation. However, the concept has been misused by many people for their own benefits.
So, there is a need to apply the concept of ecotourism properly. Ecotourism in Kashmir can act
as an important factor for overall development of people and environment, and provides lots
of scope for further development. It needs to be understood though the approach of sustainable
development for the better future of Kashmiris and for economic and political empowerment
of people especially women who have suffered a lot due to conflict. The political disturbance
in Kashmir has affected the tourism industry badly and there is a need to revive this industry
so that the local people can get benefitted so that they can live a better life.
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