Jammu and Kashmir government to introduce new mountain policy to curb tourism pressure

The state government is planning to introduce a new Sustainable Mountain Development Policy to mitigate the increasing tourism pressure on the fragile mountain environment of Jammu and Kashmir. According to a report by Businessline, the primary objective of this proposed policy is to manage tourism according to the carrying capacity of tourist destinations, rather than focusing solely on attracting more travellers.

Under the draft Jammu and Kashmir Sustainable Mountain Development Policy 2026, there is a proposal to impose limits on the number of daily visitors at the 15 most high-pressure tourist destinations. Additionally, there are plans to introduce restrictions on construction in environmentally sensitive areas and to levy a 'Green Cess' to raise funds for conservation efforts. The policy also proposes a ban on the entry of private vehicles.

These measures are being taken due to the increasing pressure on roads, sanitation facilities, water sources, and waste management systems in popular locations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Dudhpathri. The rising number of tourists has highlighted the gap between the expansion of tourism infrastructure and the capacity of mountain settlements to accommodate visitors. Specifically, waste disposal, untreated sewage discharge, and unregulated commercial construction in environmentally sensitive areas have emerged as major challenges.

Under this new policy, 'carrying capacity' will be assessed scientifically, which will determine how many tourists a specific location can accommodate. Interim limits may be applied until this study is completed. To regulate tourist movement, an online registration and time-slot booking system will be introduced.

The ban on private vehicles is expected to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. Tourists' vehicles will be halted at designated 'Green Gateways', from where they will have to use electric or CNG vehicles, horses, bicycles, or walk for further travel.

Environmentalists have welcomed the proposed policy but stated that its success will depend on its implementation. Renowned environmentalist Mutaharra A.W. Deva remarked, "The proposed Jammu and Kashmir Sustainable Mountain Development Policy 2026 is a welcome initiative, but its true test will lie in its implementation rather than just creating another policy framework."

Deva further added that several laws and policies related to environmental protection, tourism, forests, waste management, building regulations, and disaster management already exist in Jammu and Kashmir. Eco-Sensitive Zone notifications also contain provisions for carrying-capacity studies and regulated tourism. In his view, the main problem has been fragmented institutional responsibility, weak enforcement, and inadequate implementation of existing provisions.