Ecotourism in Gangotri Region of the Garhwal Himalayas

Abstract

The Gangotri region in the Garhwal Himalayas attracts a large number of visitors each year: pilgrims, mountaineers, trekkers and sightseers. In addition, many people come to the region in search of jobs as guides, porters, restaurant workers and so on. The region is a unique mix of diverse geographical, demographic and social characteristics, heightened by an intensified sense of religiosity. The area has served as a traditional trade and pilgrim route. With time, development and modernisation, the number of people visiting the area has multiplied. In the light of such heightened activity in a region that is primarily considered sacred, tourism serves as the chief livelihood of the people. Given the diversity of tourists, conflicts are bound to arise between various activities, among the different categories of visitors. In addition, these activities also have a lasting impact on the environment. The paper analyses the conflicts that emerge due to the activity: between tradition and modernity, culture and environment and finally, between environment and employment. The paper examines the impacts of tourism on culture and tradition and the transformation within the same. An analysis on the changing nature of Ashrams as being hermitages for the recluse to providing shelter to pilgrims and operating as micro-economic units is also undertaken. Finally, the role of the State, NGOs and individuals is seen in the larger perspective of facilitating ecotourism. The discussion is based on the presumption that although tourism is an economically profitable activity, it is also environmentally unsustainable. Given the threats to the environment that are a blinding reality today, the paper discusses the move made by the State to accord to the area the status of a National Park. The perceptions of the people with this regard are also highlighted. The paper concludes with a discussion as to whether National Park status can actually ensure sustainable ecotourism in a region and whether it will also result in commensurate economic benefit to the locals. Further, with the restrictions that follow and the entry fee that is levied at each point, will the area be under any less threat than it was before? Can such measures repair the environmental damage that has already occurred? These are some of the issues that the paper raises.