Tourism in Uttarakhand employs over 650,000 people and contributes more than 24% to the Himalayan state’s GDP, but its current unsustainable form threatens long-term economic prosperity.
Private transport is a major crisis, with solutions including paid permits for limited numbers to enter, and limiting types of cars to reduce air pollution and overloading of the ecosystem.
Electric mobility can provide public transportation and a business model around parking private vehicles in decentralised spaces.
New nearby destinations can be developed, such as easy treks, sunset points, and local cooking classes, to prevent income loss for locals and promote high-quality, safe alternatives.
The state must invest in these initiatives and establish protocols for safeguarding the forests, gradients, and water by next year.
