Parliament Question: Impact of over-tourism on environmental conservation

OIH GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 79 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.01.2026 Impact of over-tourism on environmental conservation 79. DR. SANDEEP KUMAR PATHAK: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT,FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state: (a) whether Government is reviewing the adverse consequences arising from the increasing tourist burden at major tourist destinations of the country, particularly in Himalayan States, coastal areas and religious places in order to ensure environmental conservation; (b) the adverse impact of such rising burden on water resources, the local environment and nature-related resources; (c) whether Government is considering constituting any committee to assess these impacts; (d) whether Government has formulated any concrete policy or guidelines relating to carrying capacity, tourist limits, waste management and water conservation for such sensitive tourist destinations; and (e) if so, the details thereof and, if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH) (a) to (e) A report titled “Environmental Assessment of Tourism in the Indian Himalayan Region” has been prepared by the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBPNIHE), Almora, an autonomous organization of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in pursuance to the directions of the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal in Original Application No. 178/2022 dated 09.03.2022. The Report has analysed the impact of tourism on the environmental components in various regions of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), consolidated actions taken by States and UTs of the IHR, identified gaps and has suggested future action for effective implementation of sustainable tourism. Hon’ble NGT has directed all States and UTs of IHR to ensure effective, proper and time-bound implementation of the recommendations in the Report to protect the environment from damage in the eco- sensitive Himalayan States. Further, in order to ensure sustainable tourism development in the beaches, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has piloted development and certification of the prestigious Blue Flag Beaches in India with the help of State Governments and Local Administration in coastal areas. Blue Flag certification is an internationally recognized eco- label awarded to beaches that meet stringent standards related to environmental quality,education, safety, and accessibility. The certification is based on compliance with 33 criteria covering bathing water quality, environmental management, environmental education, and safety measures. The certification has facilitated scientific collection, segregation, recycling, and disposal of marine litter at certified beaches, reducing pollution in beach sands and adjacent marine waters. This plays a key role in protecting marine life and maintaining bathing water quality. The Ministry of Tourism has formulated a National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism which was circulated to all State Governments & Union Territory Administrations for necessary action. The Ministry has launched the Travel for LiFE Initiative to promote sustainable tourism in the country and to encourage the tourists and tourism businesses to adopt sustainable tourism practices. Travel for LiFE aims to promote sustainable tourism in the country, through mindful and deliberate actions mobilized toward tourists and tourism businesses in the consumption of tourism resources. The Ministry of Tourism has also revamped its Swadesh Darshan scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective of developing sustainable and responsible destinations following a tourist & destination centric approach. Through these initiatives, the Government seeks to ensure that tourism contributes positively to the economy while safeguarding the environment and benefiting local communities." *****