Uttarakhand: Experts call for cap on number of visitors visiting Valley of Flowers

As per the latest reports, Valley of Flowers in the Garhwal Himalayas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recorded more than 20,000 visitors in five months this year, thereby shattering all the previous records.

As per the data of visitors arriving in the valley, recorded since the formation of Uttarakhand in 2000, the highest footfall was 17,424 in 2019.

However, experts are of the opinion that this is not a matter of celebration, but a matter of concern. This is because of the fragile nature of the valley, and thereby, they have called for a policy that puts a cap on the number of people willing to visit the ecologically sensitive spot.

Reportedly, locals, botanists, and social activists have also expressed the need to regulate tourism and tourism related activities to ensure that the fragile ecosystem of the valley is protected from excess anthropogenic pressure.

Experts added that the rising numbers of tourists is something to be worried about, especially when the valley witnessed early melting of the Tipra glacier this year in March-end due to excess heat in the Garhwal Himalayas and almost a fortnight-early blooming of flowers.

Further, excess rainfall this year during the month of July shook the ‘sliding zone’ in the area, which led to the sudden closure of the valley for tourists as debris and boulders were seen rolling down the trek. Referring to this, senior ecologist and alpine expert Dr SP Singh said, “There is something wrong in this whole ‘economy boom via tourism’ concept. We need research on its vulnerability to tourist footfall’.

He added, “We need to conduct research on various aspects of the valley like its flora and fauna and their vulnerability to the huge tourist footfall and to climate change. We also need to analyse the sensitivity of the people towards that area and only then permit them entry.”

Meanwhile, range officer of Valley of Flowers Gaurav Negi added that although there is no cap on the number of tourists per day, discussions are on about the carrying capacity.