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Rohtang Pass Jam: Overtourism's Shocking Reality
17 Dec
Summary
- Unseasonal traffic jam occurred at Rohtang Pass with no snowfall.
- Delhi's poor air quality is a likely driver for the surge in visitors.
- Concerns rise over environmental damage and safety due to overtourism.
A video capturing bumper-to-bumper traffic on the narrow Rohtang Pass has gone viral, reigniting discussions on overtourism in ecologically sensitive mountain areas. The congestion occurred despite the absence of snowfall and it not being a peak holiday season, leading many to question the motivations behind the sudden influx.
The event coincides with deteriorating air quality in Delhi, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) has frequently entered the 'very poor' and 'severe' categories, making the mountains an attractive escape. This trend underscores the growing pressure on destinations like Rohtang Pass, which are ill-equipped to handle large tourist volumes.
Social media users expressed concern over viral travel trends and influencer hype contributing to impulsive travel decisions. Commenters highlighted the environmental risks and safety hazards, including landslides and sudden weather changes, emphasizing the urgent need for better visitor management policies and controlled access to protect these fragile ecosystems.
