J&K CM Omar Abdullah Raises Need to Regulate Tourist Influx to Preserve Region's Natural Beauty
Srinagar, July 10: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said that while the increase in tourist arrivals is welcome, the influx may need to be regulated to protect the region's tourist destinations and ensure a better experience for visitors.
Speaking at a conclave on 'Sustainable Tourism Planning', Abdullah said unchecked crowds can lead to traffic congestion, inadequate facilities, and overcrowding, which deprive tourists of the serene environment they expect.
'We are not selling Disneyland, Universal Studios or Las Vegas. What attracts people here is our rivers, lakes, mountains, glaciers and landscapes. Protecting these natural assets must remain the central objective of every tourism master plan,' the CM said on Thursday.
He highlighted the fragility of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that before the Pahalgam attack last year, the region was dealing with traffic congestion due to high tourist inflow. Soon after, hotels and destinations became empty. 'This reminds us how fragile tourism can be in Jammu & Kashmir where a single incident can affect the whole season,' he said.
Abdullah advocated for value-based tourism over volume-based tourism. 'Our responsibility is to create conditions where local people earn better incomes while ensuring that tourism remains environmentally and economically sustainable for generations to come,' he said.
'We have to decide whether we wish to earn by charging one hundred tourists one rupee each or by creating an experience where one tourist is willing to pay one hundred rupees. The answer to that question must shape all our future tourism master plans,' he added.
The CM also stressed the importance of strict enforcement of building regulations and tourism master plans. 'A master plan is only as good as its implementation. Selective enforcement breeds resentment and weakens public confidence. Tourism planning cannot be confined to offices; it must be prepared in consultation with local communities who have lived in these destinations for generations,' he said.
