Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, July 27

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday called for eco-friendly tourism to become a mass movement, urging the industry to balance economic growth with environmental protection and ensure that local communities benefit from the sector’s expansion.

Addressing an Ethical Tourism Conclave organised by the Tourist Trade Interest Guild, J&K, Sinha said tourism should be treated as a responsibility towards nature and developed through a model that is sustainable, inclusive and environmentally responsible.

“Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir must be seen as a celebration of this heritage, and ethical tourism must be the guiding principle for its future,” Sinha said, referring to the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

He said tourist arrivals had reached record levels, confidence among domestic and international travellers had returned, investment had increased and employment opportunities had expanded.

But he said the success of tourism should not be measured by visitor numbers alone and that its benefits should reach local communities.

Sinha called for greater sensitivity towards forests, lakes and rivers, saying infrastructure development must be balanced with conservation.

He said people working in traditional and local sectors, including Dal Lake boatmen, pony owners, artisans and homestay operators, should be treated as equal stakeholders in the tourism economy.

“Profits should not remain confined to large enterprises. Tourism must provide dignified incomes, training, and opportunities to all stakeholders,” he said.

Sinha also called for fair returns for local labour and greater livelihood opportunities for young people and women, saying sustainable tourism required nature and economic progress to advance together.

He urged authorities and businesses to develop roads, hotels and other tourism infrastructure with minimal ecological impact and encouraged visitors to avoid single-use plastics, manage waste responsibly, conserve water and energy and respect wildlife.

The LG called on tourism stakeholders to turn the recommendations of the conclave into concrete action plans with measurable targets and timelines.

He proposed certification standards for environmentally friendly homestays and hotels, training programmes to prepare young people as environmental and cultural custodians, and digital platforms that could connect tourists directly with local communities.

“If local communities and youth combine innovation with sensitivity, link technology with culture, and development with environmental conservation, then I am confident that Jammu Kashmir can emerge as a model of sustainable tourism for the entire nation,” Sinha said.

The event was attended by tourism industry representatives, university officials, senior civil and police officers and members of the Tourist Trade Interest Guild.