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Himachal's process of
modernization including development and growth, commercial exploitation of
the natural resource base has created new proportions.
On one side,
there is compulsive restraint propagated & exercised by environmental
protection groups as well as government policies and on other side
aspirations associated with the desire to adopt westernized ways of
living; employment generation and tourism development has given
tremendous pressure to natural resources.
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There is
constant flux and contradiction with regard to tourism development in
Himachal. Rise in tourist arrival has helped employment generation,
business development, revenue for state but side by side there has been
increasing instances of upheaval with natural resources, contamination of
fresh water rivers & lakes, garbage accumulation in High Himalayan regions
and protected areas.
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Disintegration of local communities has also been a part of
haphazard tourism development. We continue to forget that what is exciting
and memorable for a tourist is our natural wealth, lifestyle and culture.
We must strive to safeguard our natural environment & ethnicity.
Tourism related development has to be sustainable, it needs to recognize
the importance of using its revenue for sustainable development such as
planting trees, cleanliness, recycling waste and creating ecological
awareness among the visitors and local community.
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