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Mussoorie: Govt Ignores Warnings on Carrying Capacity
25 Oct
Summary
- Tourists surged 255% in two decades, overwhelming Mussoorie's infrastructure.
- 44% of Mussoorie is in high to moderate landslide subsidence zones.
- Activists criticize government's lack of policy action despite warnings.
Eco activists have pointed to the government's failure to establish a carrying capacity for Mussoorie, a beloved hill town. Despite ecological fragility being recognized as early as 2001, and the NGT taking suo motu cognizance in January 2023, Mussoorie is struggling under the weight of increased tourism.
This unsustainable influx, marked by a 255% rise in tourists between 2000 and 2019, has strained infrastructure. The town faces chronic traffic congestion due to insufficient parking. Geologically, 44% of Mussoorie is susceptible to landslides, compounded by its location in an active seismic zone.
Water resources have seen a drastic reduction from 120 to 20. Healthcare facilities are also inadequate for the peak season population. Despite a 2023 report detailing 19 remedial measures, activists lament the lack of policy changes and on-ground action, fearing a significant disaster.
