PM Modi Urges Responsible Tourism in Uttarakhand: Embrace Local, Protect Environment

PM Modi appeals to tourists in Uttarakhand to avoid single-use plastic, support local products, follow traffic rules, and respect pilgrimage sites.

Photo by SURU HAN

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a direct appeal to tourists visiting Uttarakhand, urging them to practice responsible tourism. What does this mean? It's about being mindful of your impact.

He specifically asked visitors to avoid single-use plastic to protect the fragile Himalayan environment, support the 'Vocal for Local' initiative by buying local products (even suggesting allocating 5% of travel expenses for this!), strictly follow traffic rules for safety, and respect the sanctity of pilgrimage sites by honoring local traditions and customs. These appeals are crucial for promoting sustainable tourism, preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region, and ensuring that tourism benefits local communities without harming the environment.

मुख्य तथ्य

PM Modi appealed to tourists visiting Uttarakhand

Appeals include: Avoid Single-Use Plastic, Vocal for Local (allocate 5% travel expenses for local products), Follow Traffic Rules, Respect Sanctity of Pilgrimage Sites

UPSC परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण

Environmental conservation and protection of fragile ecosystems (Himalayas).

Sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Economic development and local livelihoods through 'Vocal for Local' and ecotourism.

Cultural preservation, heritage management, and ethical tourism practices.

Role of government policies (e.g., Plastic Waste Management Rules, National Tourism Policy) and citizen participation in achieving sustainable tourism.

दृश्य सामग्री

Uttarakhand: Focus of PM's Responsible Tourism Appeal

This map highlights Uttarakhand, the key region where PM Modi urged tourists to practice responsible tourism. The state is crucial for its fragile Himalayan ecosystem, significant pilgrimage sites, and growing tourism economy.

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📍Uttarakhand

PM Modi's Appeals for Responsible Tourism in Uttarakhand

This mind map illustrates the multi-faceted appeals made by PM Modi to tourists visiting Uttarakhand, emphasizing key aspects of responsible tourism for environmental protection, economic support, safety, and cultural respect.

Responsible Tourism in Uttarakhand

●Avoid Single-Use Plastic
●Support 'Vocal for Local'
●Strictly Follow Traffic Rules
●Respect Pilgrimage Sites

और जानकारी

पृष्ठभूमि

India's tourism sector is a significant contributor to its economy and employment. However, rapid and often unregulated tourism, especially in ecologically sensitive regions like the Himalayas, has led to severe environmental degradation, waste management issues, and cultural erosion. Past incidents of pollution, infrastructure strain, and disrespect for local traditions have highlighted the urgent need for a more sustainable approach.

नवीनतम घटनाक्रम

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's direct appeal to tourists visiting Uttarakhand emphasizes a shift towards responsible tourism. The focus on avoiding single-use plastics, supporting local economies through 'Vocal for Local', adhering to traffic rules, and respecting pilgrimage site sanctity reflects a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the negative impacts of tourism while maximizing its benefits for local communities and preserving the region's natural and cultural heritage.

बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)

1. With reference to the Prime Minister's recent appeal for responsible tourism in Uttarakhand, consider the following statements: 1. Tourists have been urged to allocate at least 5% of their travel expenses specifically for buying local products. 2. The appeal primarily focuses on environmental protection by avoiding single-use plastics and adhering to traffic rules. 3. Respecting the sanctity of pilgrimage sites by honoring local traditions is a key component of the appeal. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: C

Statement 1 is correct as the PM specifically suggested allocating 5% of travel expenses for 'Vocal for Local'. Statement 3 is correct as respecting pilgrimage sites and local traditions was explicitly mentioned. Statement 2 is partially correct but misleading; while environmental protection (single-use plastics) and traffic rules are part of the appeal, the statement says it 'primarily focuses' on these two, omitting the significant 'Vocal for Local' and cultural respect aspects. The appeal is holistic, not primarily focused on just two aspects. Therefore, 1 and 3 are correct.

2. In the context of plastic waste management in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, mandate Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for producers, importers, and brand-owners. 2. The nationwide ban on identified single-use plastic items came into effect from July 1, 2022. 3. Plastic waste is explicitly excluded from the purview of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Urban) 2.0, which focuses only on solid waste. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: C

Statement 1 is correct. The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (and subsequent amendments) indeed introduced and strengthened the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Statement 2 is correct. The ban on identified single-use plastic items (e.g., plastic cutlery, ear-buds with plastic sticks, wrapping films) came into effect from July 1, 2022. Statement 3 is incorrect. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Urban) 2.0 has a strong focus on 'Garbage Free Cities' and includes comprehensive solid waste management, which explicitly covers plastic waste management, including source segregation, collection, and processing.

3. Which of the following statements best describes the concept of 'Ecotourism'?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: B

Option B accurately defines ecotourism. It emphasizes three core pillars: environmental conservation, benefit to local communities, and educational components. Option A is incorrect as local community involvement is crucial. Option C describes a form of tourism that might not necessarily be sustainable or responsible. Option D focuses on adventure without considering environmental impact, which is contrary to ecotourism principles.