Examining the Impact of Climate Change on the Tourism Sector of Uttarakhand: An Exploratory Study.

Uttarakhand is recognized for its scenic beauty and rich heritage. The tourism industry is an indispensable source of income for the state. However, uncontrolled tourist influx, unplanned construction of tourism-related infrastructure in eco-sensitive zones, waste generation and improper disposal have all added to the environmental degradation of this region, leading to volatile climatic conditions. The 2013 Kedarnath floods, 2016 wildfires, and the numerous earthquakes, bear testimony to this fact. These, in turn, hurt the state's tourism. In 2016, Uttarakhand reported a sharp drop in tourist numbers after wildfires. In this paper, the authors explore the sustainability of tourism in Uttarakhand and the impact on various relevant stakeholders, using secondary data as well as primary data through a personal interview and a survey. The authors also conducted a case study on Joshimath, an evident example of a tourism-dependent town in Uttarakhand, at the brink of losing its mainstay due to environmental degradation. Opposing the idea that climate change is a problem of the future, the case study showcases the urgency of the situation by presenting the real-time impact. Finally, the last section is a brief analysis of the current policies. The authors conclude that increased community participation, usage of eco-friendly and locally sourced construction materials, promotion of traditional and sustainable tourism practices, reassessment of forest laws, proper waste management, and increased involvement of women and elderly in the industry can pave the way for a balanced and sustained future of the tourism industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]