1

ASSIGNMENT
Over Tourism in joshimath
SUBMITTED TO
School of Heritage Research and Management
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University
18-A Satsang Vihar, Qutub Institutional Area, New Delhi – 110067

Master of Art
Archaeology And Heritage Management
2023-2025

Paper
Heritage Tourism
SUBMITTED BY UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF
Vidhata bisht Shalini Awasthi

Date: 25/11/23
2

INDEX
Acknowledgement 3
Introduction 4
Joshimath overview 6
Literature Review 8
Methodology and Limitations 9
Overtourism in Joshimath 10
What is solution 12
Diff perspective 13
Conclusion 14
References 15
3

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I am grateful to professor Shalini Awasthi maam for providing me with the opportunity to
conduct my research on the topic which is very close to me and for all of the resources and
support maam provided.
I would also like to thank my friends and family for their love and support during this
process. Without them, this journey would not have been possible.
Finally, I would like to thank all of the participants in my study for their time and willingness
to share their experiences. This work would not have been possible without their
contribution.
Vidhata bisht [shrm]
4

INTRODUCTION

Over tourism describes the situation in which the impact of tourism, at certain times and in
specific locations, exceeds physical, ecological, social, and economic capacity thresholds. By
its very nature, the over-tourism phenomenon is related to tourist numbers, the kind and time
frame of their trip, and a destination's catering ability. Uncontrolled tourism development can
have outcomes like extensive damage to landscapes and air and water quality, as well as the
living conditions of locals, causing economic inequalities and social exclusion. These are the
few problems which are caused by over-tourism.

Mass tourism-related protests are not new;, since at least the 1990s, they have been observed
in European contexts like Spain, Italy, Malta, and France. On the other hand, recent high
levels of sustained tourism growth have reached a tipping point in several destinations,
resulting in a growing number of essential parts of the population expressing increasingly
negative opinions.
because of the unabated worldwide tourism demand growth that is concentrated in particular
areas. Tourism organizations have drawn attention to the significant increase in visitors in
specific locations, emphasizing the issues locals experience and the necessity of "dispersing"
tourists.

Courtesy of Robert Plummer (anti tourist sentiments were shown in Europe)

A resident holds a placard saying, in Venetian dialect “I’m not going, I’m staying” during a
protest in Venic Photograph: Manuel Silvestri/Reuters
5

Four written material could be regarded as crucial to examining the historical background of
"over-tourism." These publications all warned regarding the potential negative consequences
of extending rising demand for foreign travel in the early 1970s, a period of unrest in
transportation and tourism driven on by the oil crisis, inflation, and world recession. Haulot's
(1974) Tourisme et Environment in France, Krippendorf's (1975) Die Landschaftsfresser in
Switzerland, in addition to The Golden Hordes (Turner & Ash, 1975) and Tourism: Blessing
or Blight? (Young, 1973) in the UK. Everyone predicted rightly that demand for travel would
only increase and that, in order to lessen the effects of mass tourism on the ecologyv and
society, proper planning and management would be vital. These works solidified the idea that
governance, administration, and planning—rather than the interaction between humans and
environment—are the primary factors behind the expansion of tourism and its associations
with social attitudes.
Young (1973) predicted that destination spots without the development restrictions and
aggressive regional development and management would suffer grave social, environmental,
and economic repercussions.

Figure from A socio-psychological conceptualisation of overtourism

6

Joshimath overview
Joshimath, a town and in Chamoli District, Uttarakhand, India, is also referred to as
Jyotirmath.( Jyotirmath is the uttaramnaya matha, or northern monastery) Standing at 6,140
feet above sea level, it serves as a starting point for multiple trekking tracks, Himalayan
mountain climbing expeditions, and religious destinations such as Badrinath.One of the four
cardinal pithas that Adi Shankara established resides there.

Illustration Nilanjan Das

The majority of the cities in the Greater Himalaya region frequently experience landslides,
earthquakes, sinking lands , glacier bursts, flash floods. Joshimath, then, is not an exception
given its location on the young, actively folding Himalayan mountain range. In the past,
Joshimath City experienced numerous occurrences such as landslides, flash floods, and
subsidence or sinking. Numerous large and small fissures were also visible on the walls,
floors, and roads.
Early on January 11, 2023, a significant portion of Joshimath City has been steadily sinking,
and both large and small cracks have appeared in the walls, floors, ceilings, and roads of
homes. Approximately one thousand people have been evacuated from the hazardous
surroundings and buildings. Here, geo-hydrological techniques, deep learning approach
(landslide susceptibility), and Schmidt Hammer Rebound Test for rock strength have been
used. The reasons behind the most recent major disaster were investigated in this geospatial,
field-based study, and the research findings will undoubtedly help policymakers with
sustainable planning and management.
The tourism industry contributes 7% of the GDP to the Himalayan region. Between 2006–07
and 2016–17, Uttarakhand, which depends heavily on tourism, revenue share up to 50%.
7

Taken by the rajesh bisht

The significance of the study

The look at on overtourism in Joshimath holds paramount importance in addressing the
multifaceted demanding situations posed by using unsustainable tourism practices. The
delicate Himalayan ecosystem surrounding Joshimath faces the upcoming risk of
environmental degradation, including deforestation, pollutants, and habitat disruption. By
comprehensively analyzing the consequences, the studies contribute to the formulation of
strategies geared toward mitigating those environmental influences and retaining the specific
biodiversity of the area. Furthermore, the observe delves into the cultural and historic
importance of Joshimath, acknowledging the capability erosion of neighborhood traditions
and the lack of cultural authenticity due to overtourism. This insight is worthwhile for
developing measures to shield and promote the rich cultural background of the community.
Additionally, the observe sheds light on the impact of tourism at the great of life for residents,
addressing problems such as congestion, noise, and resource pressure. Through its findings,
the research publications the formulation of sustainable tourism control strategies, which
includes wearing ability checks, infrastructure improvement, and the promotion of
responsible tourism practices. Ultimately, the observation serves as a cornerstone for proof-
primarily based policy formulation, encouraging collaboration among government bodies,
local authorities, groups, and communities to make sure that tourism in Joshimath remains a
positive force for economic development whilst keeping the destination's herbal and cultural
assets.

Jyotimatr temple entrance (taken by the pranjal negi)

8

LITERATURE REVIEW
Overtourism has come to be a outstanding difficulty in worldwide tourism studies, with
students delving into its causes and a long way-achieving impacts. An array of things
contributing to overtourism has been diagnosed within the literature, including multiplied
international travel accessibility and the affect of social media developments). The charm of
"bucket-listing" locations and the digitalization of tour making plans in addition compound
the issue, resulting in a surge in vacationer numbers (Lew, 2018).
The affects of overtourism on destinations had been notably explored. Environmental
degradation is a recurrent topic, with studies pointing to surroundings stress, pollutants, and
the overuse of natural resources (Koens, Postma,& Papp, 2018). Cultural impacts manifest in
the commodification of local culture, loss of authenticity, and disruptions to traditional ways
of life (Stewart, Koens, & Gössling, 2019). Social consequences encompass heightened
living costs for residents and strained community relations. Economic implications, while
potentially beneficial, include risks such as overreliance on tourism, leading to economic
vulnerability during downturns .

Relevant case studies shed light on the tangible effects of overtourism. The challenges faced
by Venice exemplify the strains on historic sites and infrastructure (Buckley, Zhong, Ma, &
Ujang, 2020). Barcelona's experiences underscore the delicate balance between heritage
preservation and tourist accommodation (Novy & Colomb, 2018). Machu Picchu illustrates
the environmental toll on archaeological treasures and surrounding ecosystems (Ruiz-Mallén
& Corbera, 2013).
Bali's case showcases economic and cultural ramifications, with a surge in tourism altering
conventional methods of existence (Lansing, 2019). These case studies collectively
emphasize the need for nuanced techniques to manage tourism sustainably, balancing
economic advantages with environmental and cultural preservation.
The literature underscores overtourism as a multifaceted challenge with worldwide
implications. Understanding its causes and affects, as tested through case studies, is pivotal
for formulating powerful techniques selling sustainable tourism practices globally essential
for policymakers, destination managers, and the tourism industry to navigate the delicate
balance between economic improvement and the protection of natural and cultural
belongings.
9

METHODOLOGY AND LIMITATIONS

Research Design
Rationale for Exploratory Research:Overtourism is a multifaceted and elaborate problem
concerning diverse stakeholders, environmental factors, and socio-cultural dimensions.
Exploratory research is nicely-appropriate for investigating complicated phenomena, making
an allowance for a complete information of the unique factors contributing to overtourism in
Joshimath.
There may be plenty of current literature particularly addressing overtourism like
•Elizabeth Becker Overbooked: The Explodingg Business of Travel and Tourismpg
• "Overtourism: Issues, Realities and Solutions" edited by means of Gyan P. Nyaupane and
Janet E. Dickinson:
• "Tourism and Over-tourism" via Tej Vir Singh:
However, In Joshimath point of view it is a very restricted research . Exploratory research
provides an opportunity to fill this hole with the aid of uncovering new insights and
perspectives from the floor level.
Selection of joshimath as the Case Study:Joshimath, nestled within the Garhwal location of
Uttarakhand, India, emerges as an exciting case examine for overtourism due to its wealthy
cultural heritage, natural charm, and the recent surge in traveller numbers. With historical
sites and spiritual significance, Joshimath attracts a growing inflow of vacationers, raising
issues about the potential affects on its sensitive ecology and locals . Initial assessments
suggest infrastructure stress, highlighting the need for a thorough investigation of the
overtourism issue. By delving into the perspectives of local stakeholders, comparing
historical tourism traits, and considering environmental vulnerability, the case purpose is to
find the complexities of overtourism on this particular destination. This research is poised to
make contributions precious insights into the challenges confronted by locals in Joshimath
Data Collection Methods:Literature Review: Conduct a review of existing literature on
overtourism globally, and tourism in Joshimath specifically. This will provide a foundational
understanding of key concepts and potential factors contributing to overtourism.
Secondary Data:Collect existing data from government reports like about the problems
facing by the locals, tourism statistics, and academic literature. I even read a few articles
regarding this and some newsletters to enhance my knowledge further and understand the
gravity of this situation
Limitations
While conducting research on over-tourism in Joshimath, numerous barriers can also affect
the comprehensiveness and generalizability of this assignment. Data limitations stem from
the scarce availability of dependable information on tourism records, visitor demographics,
and historic tendencies, leading to an incomplete information of the tourism dynamics in
Joshimath. Being from Uttarakhand, I can also create bias, which can affect the
representativeness of this observation . The generalizability of findings can be restricted, as
the precise context of Joshimath might not be universally applicable to other traveler
destinations. Time constraints is also create some problems as I could only research once the
depth of topic and potentially overlooking seasonal variations in tourism styles. Ethical
concerns, inclusive of privateness issues and hesitancy among stakeholders to percentage
touchy information, pose challenges.
10

Over Tourism in Joshimath

The problem of over-tourism has led civic authorities around the world to impose restrictions
on the number of visitors and devise location-specific measures for dealing with the issue.
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) considers tourism carrying capacity as an
important indicator of sustainable tourism. The statement refers to the amount of tourism that
a place can support without negatively affecting the physical, biophysical, economic, or
social stability of its residents. It is not an absolute formula, but it can act as a guiding tool for
tourism administrators and planners. Considering the benefits it brings to local economies,
most of the policies relating to tourism remain focused on improving infrastructure and
amenities for tourists. Nevertheless, not much thought is given to the impact it will have on
the quality of life of the local inhabitants. The most obvious effect of excessive tourism is the
congestion of roads and streets caused by cars and pedestrians. Water shortage, poor waste
management and increasing cost of goods and services are the other issues which the locals
have to endure daily. Rising rent prices mean many locals need help to afford quality
accommodations. Skyrocketing rents and deteriorating quality of life in many Indian tourist
destinations, notable among them Mussoorie and Darjeeling, have forced the locals to vent
their anger in public protests.

BSF and uttrakhand tourism (environment stay healthy fund race ) flagged of. By the that time chief
minister Trivendra Singh Rawat 2018

(Protest againt chaar dham yatra photo taken by garhwal post)

11

From the standpoint of national security and energy security, the Chardham project and other
hydroelectric projects might be essential. However, planning and projecting them as tourism
enhancers is probably wrong. Geological and ecological risks inherent in these projects
are high, and it also impacts locals around the area a lot.
We should remember that Joshimath is situated in an area prone to earthquakes and was
constructed on the remains of a landslip that occurred by an earthquake. which often
experiences landslides, weakening the soil. Which frequently witnesses landslides, which
have weakened the soil.
CP Rajendran, a geoscientist & professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies,
warns , The subsidence will continue until it hit new lower level.
"It will stabilise eventually but by then most of the buildings will get damaged," he spoked
about it.

(Picture taken from Garhwal post)

Many argue that present situation are the outcomes of many years of unplanned construction,
hydropower projects, and the lack of a proper drainage system. Most of the construction was
done to developed the area and attract more visitors as the town is the main road for the
religious temple and expedition.
Restrictions on heavy building work in Joshimath were suggested in the 1976 Mishra
Commission report. The study stated that such work should only be permitted after a
thorough assessment of the "load-bearing capacity of the soil". The report also suggested
constructing suitable drainage and sewage systems and putting in concrete cement blocks to
stop erosion.
Building a "well-planned drainage system" was one of the numerous recommendations that
were mirrored in a government panel's report from the previous year. However, activists
continue to protest the lack of implementation of these.

Residents of the ancient pilgrim town Joshimath have had to flee their homes where they
have been living since decades, leaving a big part of their life in that sinking town. Walls had
cracked open, foundations started tilting and sinking approximately 2,500 buildings in the
town are affected. However, that did not stop tourism boom in that area, even though central
and Uttarakhand state government officials have moved thousands of residents into hotels
while halting all work on road widening.
Nevertheless, the question still arises: what if we had controlled the tourist number, which
kept on increasing since day 1 ?The damage to Joshimath is irreparable and providing
succour to its residents and rehabilitating them is obliviously immediate concern. It is also a
clarion call for reviewing the tourism carrying capacity of all our major tourist destinations,
including that of the religious ones.
12

Local authorities had been making efforts for some years to limit the number of tourists
around joshimath, before the pandemic put a stop to the visits altogether. After the
restrictions ended 2022, tourists started thronging the hill stations and the local authorities
again had to stop their cars from entering towns like Nainital and Mussoorie. Last year the
Uttarakhand government had restrict a daily limit on the number of devotees visiting
Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. All of those measures, though, are more akin
to temporary fixes than officially established orders.
The 2023 Joshimath disaster was a disaster waiting to happen; there has been no lack of
expert advice or warnings – it is just that these were repeatedly ignored before the Joshimath
disaster unfolded. The governments, both at the centre and in the states, should have come
out with location specific long term policies for overtourism. All weather roads are welcome,
but they must not become conduits for further crowding of villages and towns in the
mountains, which are already struggling with the overload of visitors.

What is the solutions?

In the Himalayas, overtourism is not only lowering the standard of living for the native
population but also endangering their lives and property, along with that of the tourists. Thus,
it goes without saying that life comes first when given the option.
Various construction activities, such as large-scale infrastructure development projects of
national importance or the unplanned proliferation of hotels, resorts, and residential buildings
on hill slopes, riverbeds, etc., have been held responsible thus far for the instability of the
mountains. In light of this, the government of Uttarakhand has recently unveiled a plan to
investigate the ability of numerous large and small towns to support their own weight.
Nevertheless, that is going to be just a geological survey which touches only the physical
aspect of the problem. Parallel socioeconomic surveys must be conducted in order to
determine and comprehend the tourist carrying capacities of the towns that are already
overflowing. Compared to the area around relatively deserted highways or heavily guarded
project sites, these centers pose a greater risk to human life. Even though just a week ago, the
center approved an Rs1,658 crore recovery plan for Joshimath; we also should focus on
preventing rather than restoring . It is time for lawmakers and policy planners to get serious
and develop a long-term plan. Every government, past and present, views tourism as an
essential component for the towns and villages in the Himalayas to grow economically. The
number of tourists has increased uncontrollably as a result; the mountains can no longer
accommodate them. It needs to be altered. The mountains have warned us of this. Future
generations would suffer significantly if those warning signs were ignored.
13

Diff Perspective
These are few clipping from news which shows different opinion on the joshimath
overtourism and development around this :
The government-owned NTPC Ltd., a prominent power company in India, has been the target
of local frustration because they claim that the project's ongoing Tapovan Vishnugad
hydroelectric power project is tunneling through the delicate environemnt ." The company is
to blamed for the damage to the historic, culturall town of Joshimath , and it should
compensate locals that were affected by this," says Atul Sati, the leader of a group that has
been protesting to keep the town alive.

NTPC refuted the accusations. It said in a statement that its tunnel is "horizontally a distance
of over a kilometer from the outer boundary of Joshimath town" and does not pass under the
town. RK Singh, the federal minister of power, has denied any connection between the town
and the power plant.
"Nothing happened to the area nearby and the villages above the construction site, and
nothing happened to all the villages in that 14km stretch," he mentioned in an earlier
interview. Concern has also been leveled at the federal government's well-known Char Dham
road project, which intends to enlarge current roads linking four Hindu pilgrimage sites.
Following protests, construction on a bypass road that would have gone through Joshimath
has been halted.

According to administrators, these accusations may negatively affect "the inflow of tourists"
into the region and hurt the local economy.
The magistrate of the Chamoli district, which includes Joshimath, Himanshu Khurana, says,
"We should ground our claims in science."
"The Himalayas are located in numerous Indian states, as well as in China, Nepal, and
Pakistan. The chief minister of Uttarakhand's secretary, R Meenakshi Sundaram, questions
why the state is the only focus. "If the Himalayas are that fragile, no development activity
should take place in any of these countries and in other states," he states.

Illustration: Nilanjan Das

14

Conclusion

In the shadow of the majestic Himalayas, the town of Joshimath stands as each witness and
victim to the complexities wrought with the aid of overtourism. As this mission
concludes, the ramifications of unbridled tourism end up starkly apparent, urging us to
reevaluate our technique to vacation spot management.
Synthesis of Findings:
The exam of overtourism in Joshimath has unearthed a web of interrelated challenges. From
burgeoning traveler numbers to strained resources and the erosion of cultural integrity, the
effects resonate across environmental, socio-financial, and cultural dimensions. The causes
are myriad, stemming from unchecked promotional sports, inadequate infrastructure, and the
seasonal attention of vacationers.
Implications for Joshimath:
The repercussions of overtourism are not limited totally to statistical figures; they happen
within the daily lives of the neighborhood populace. Environmental degradation encroaches
upon the natural splendor that draws traffic, at the same time as the commodification of
culture risks diluting the very essence that makes Joshimath an utterly unique destination.
The socio-monetary material, too, is not immune, with income disparities and employment
imbalances surfacing as urgent concerns.

In reaction to those challenges, we want a paradigm shift toward sustainable tourism. Policy
recommendations underscore the want for stringent regulations on promotional sports,
advanced infrastructure making plans, and a diversified tourism calendar to mitigate the
seasonal inflow. Community involvement emerges as a linchpin, empowering nearby citizens
to participate in selection-making procedures actively.
Global Relevance and Lessons Learned:
While rooted in the specific context of Joshimath, the findings resonate globally. The case
have a look at gives treasured instructions for destinations grappling with overtourism(bali
and venice), emphasizing the importance of proactive measures, community engagement, and
holistic making plans.
In encapsulating the journey through Joshimath's overtourism panorama, this assignment
handiest sheds mild on the demanding situations faced via a novel destination. Nevertheless, I
hope it helps to broaden the attitude on overtourism and its impact. It is a call to action,
demanding stakeholders to tread the sensitive balance among the economic advantages of
tourism and the vital to maintain the cultural and environmental integrity of our loved
locations. Only through such conscientious navigation can the attraction of Joshimath bear,
transcending generations and fostering a legacy of sustainable tourism for the world to
include.
15

REFERENCES
Connell, J., & Walker, L. (2017). "Sustainable tourism: Research and reality." Annals of
Tourism Research 1-19.
There is a sense of urgency to crowding phenomena these days. Koens, K., Postma, A., &
Papp, B. (2018). "Is overtourism overused? 43-84.
Stewart, E. J., Koens, K., & Gössling, S. (2019). "Tourism in cities: The interrelation
between local residents' perceptions and city tourism development – A case study of
Manchester, UK." Tourism Management, 368-379.
Agarwal et al., 2022: Identifying potential hotspots of land use/land cover change in the last 3
decades, Uttarakhand, NW Himalaya
Bisht and Rautela, 2010 :Disaster looms large over Joshimath
S. Saha, P. Majumdar, B. Bera:Deep learning and benchmark machine learning based
landslide susceptibility investigation, Garhwal Himalaya (India) 179-188
K.S. Valdiya An outline of the structural set-up of the Kumaun Himalaya
A. Bhardwaj, Y.P. Sundriyal, S.P. Sati, N. Juyal, V. Nautiyal, P. Srivastava,:Pilgrims,
progress, and the political economy of disaster preparedness–the example of the 2013
Uttarakhand flood and Kedarnath disaster (2014), pp. 5985-5990,
Government of India (2013) India tourism statistics at a glance, Ministry of Tourism,
Government of India.
Sati VP (2015) Pilgrimage tourism in mountain regions: socio-economic implications in the
Garhwal Himalaya. South Asian J Tour Heritage 8(1):164–182
Sati VP (2014) Landscape vulnerability and rehabilitation issues: a study of hydropower
projects in the Garhwal region, Himalaya. Nat Hazards 75(3):2265–2278.
Sati VP (2013) Tourism practices and approaches for its development in the Uttarakhand
Himalaya India. J Tour Challenges Trends 97–112
For the news clipping
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-64369752
16