India, with its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse ecosystems, has long been a magnet for spiritual and scenic tourism. However, the surge in population and the subsequent overcrowding at popular destinations pose significant challenges. Let’s explore the interplay between population growth, over-tourism, and the need for a population control bill.
India stands as a nation of stark contrasts where breathtaking landscapes like Khardung La in Ladakh and sacred sites like Kedarnath, a part of the Char Dham pilgrimage, are juxtaposed against the backdrop of an ever-growing population. Recent years have seen these iconic destinations grappling with severe overcrowding, raising alarms over sustainability and environmental degradation.
Just a couple of days ago, there were headlines of photos of kilometres-long queues on the Khardung La-Nubra Valley highway in all the newspapers and TV channels. A victim of its own majesty, Khardung La Pass, renowned as one of the highest motorable roads in the world, has witnessed a significant surge in tourist influx. While it offers an unparalleled experience, this has led to traffic jams and environmental concerns. The region’s delicate ecosystem is under threat due to increased pollution and waste management challenges as heaps of plastic garbage can be seen at every nook and corner of all the hill stations. We are aware that even organic waste cannot be recycled naturally due to the weather conditions.
The Char Dham yatra, with Kedarnath as a pivotal destination, has seen record-breaking pilgrim footfall. In 2022, 46,27,292 pilgrims visited, while in 2023 that number surged to over 56 lakh, demonstrating a steep increase. The increasing numbers are despite the massive catastrophe in 2013 which led to the death of thousands of pilgrims in a single day at Kedarnath Valley.
Reports indicate that over 1.60 lakh pilgrims visiting Kedarnath on May 10, the temple’s opening day, led to chaos and strain on local resources. This surge has not only caused severe logistical strain but also raised health and safety concerns. The geographic challenges seem to be dwarfed by the faith, it seems. The narrow walkways, where pilgrims walk on foot alongside mules and mule-drawn carts (baggis) risk life. Some pictures showing the crowded, narrow walk were frightening, highlighting the potential for disaster should a mishap occur.
The results—reports of melting glaciers, reduced snowfall, lower rainfall, and severe cloudbursts—are sometimes the consequences of our misdoings in the upper Himalayas, the Shivalik range of Himachal and Uttarakhand, and the Zanskar and Pir Panjal mountain ranges, which are lifelines to our nation. The Shivalik range of the lower Himalayas, for example, is the biggest victim of our actions, suffering from garbage and solid and liquid waste pollution. Wildfires are among the greatest threats to the environment and the flora and fauna in this area. The heaps of plastic waste dumped by overcrowding tourists catch fire every year, burning millions of kilometres of forest land and its ecology.
Though the government has undertaken significant efforts to strengthen road infrastructure and infrastructure around pilgrimage sites, including the all-weather road for the Char Dham Yatra, corridors like Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, Mahakal Corridor, Somnath Mandir, Ambaji, and Pavagarh Mandir in Gujarat are a few great examples of the interest and efforts of the current administration. These efforts demonstrate that India is poised to improve temple infrastructure and reinvent the ancient temple economy. However, these efforts may still seem insufficient given the large population to cater to. Clean restrooms, clean surroundings, and adequate accommodations around these pilgrimage sites remain a challenge due to the immense footfall, making every effort appear minimal.
What are the solutions? What is the way forward to tackle these ever-growing issues?
- The government needs to propose limiting the number of pilgrims or tourists allowed each season. Additionally, the number of visits an individual can make to a particular pilgrimage site in their lifetime should be limited. While the population continues to grow, the roads and tracks remain unchanged. Controlling the number of visitors will result in better facilities and a more satisfying pilgrimage experience, rather than a brief, rushed visit after the long journey to get there.
- The Population Control Bill is a legislative step forward in response to these challenges. India proposed the Population Control Bill in 2019, aiming to incentivise couples to limit their families to two children through benefits such as educational perks, home loans, better employment opportunities, healthcare advantages, and tax cuts. For those with a single child, additional incentives included four extra increments, free healthcare, and education for the child until age 20. Rebates on utilities and house tax were also proposed for adhering to the two-child policy. Though withdrawn in 2022, the bill ignited a nationwide debate on the urgent need for population management, with many expressing support for its aims.
The Road Ahead
India’s struggle with population growth is not just about numbers; it’s about managing resources sustainably to preserve its natural wonders for future generations. As we look towards legislative solutions like the Population Control Bill and infrastructural improvements at and around pilgrimage sites and tourist hotspots, it’s clear that a multi-faceted approach is needed to address this complex issue.
Religious and spiritual leaders must take the lead in advising and educating their followers on the potential hazards of population growth. The teachings of the scriptures about the conservation of natural resources should also be disseminated through preachings. Followers should be reminded of the reasons behind worshipping mountains, rivers, trees, and forest animals. The health of our environment is crucial to the existence of humanity. No species can survive in desolate or extremely harsh environments. Only by recognising our interconnectedness with nature can we keep this planet safe and sustainable for future generations.
In conclusion, while India’s population growth presents significant challenges, it also offers an opportunity for innovative solutions that balance development with conservation. In the Western world, infrastructure remains intact and well-maintained because of minimal footfalls; infrastructure laid down in the 1930s is still adequate even 50 years later. The smaller the population, the better the environment and public infrastructure, and hence, a higher quality of life.
We, the people of India, must proactively embrace self-improvement and population control measures to enhance our quality of life. Otherwise, we risk bequeathing a polluted, chaotic, and unhealthy society to future generations. The path forward requires collective action from policymakers, religious leaders, citizens, and tourists alike to ensure that India’s natural and cultural heritage remains intact for years to come.
Gopal Goswami PhD, is a social worker, researcher and columnist, writes on Gio-Politics, Policy, Dharma and Islamic matters. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.