Overtourism Threatens Mussoorie-Landour: A Call for Sustainable Hill Development

Answer: D

Statement 1 is correct: The Himalayas are indeed young fold mountains, formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. They are composed of various rock types, including sedimentary and metamorphic, and are tectonically active, leading to frequent seismic events. Statement 2 is correct: Land subsidence in the Himalayas, as seen in Joshimath and warned for Mussoorie, is a complex phenomenon. It is significantly worsened by anthropogenic factors like unregulated heavy construction, which adds load and disrupts natural drainage, and increased water infiltration (e.g., from faulty sewage systems or heavy rainfall) that lubricates fault lines and erodes subsurface material. Seismic activity also plays a role by destabilizing slopes. Statement 3 is correct: 'Carrying capacity' refers to the maximum number of individuals (or tourists) that an environment can support without degradation. For fragile ecosystems like hill stations, exceeding this capacity leads to environmental damage, strain on resources, and diminished quality of life for residents and visitors. Therefore, it is a crucial concept for sustainable tourism planning.

Answer: A

Statement 1 is correct: Strict enforcement of building codes and zoning regulations is crucial to prevent unregulated construction, ensure structural stability on unstable slopes, and maintain the aesthetic and ecological balance of hill towns. The article specifically mentions non-compliance with building codes as a major issue. Statement 2 is correct: EIAs are vital tools to assess the potential environmental consequences of proposed projects (like expressways or ropeways) before they are implemented. This allows for mitigation measures to be incorporated and helps avoid irreversible damage in sensitive areas. Statement 3 is correct: Comprehensive master plans, informed by detailed geological surveys, hydrological studies, and ecological sensitivity mapping, are essential for guiding planned development, identifying no-construction zones, and ensuring infrastructure aligns with the region's carrying capacity. Statement 4 is incorrect: Promoting 'mass tourism' is often antithetical to sustainable development in fragile ecosystems. Sustainable tourism emphasizes responsible travel that minimizes negative impacts, respects local culture, and conserves the environment, rather than maximizing visitor numbers irrespective of capacity.

Answer: A

Statement 1 is correct: The 'Joshimath-like disaster' warning specifically refers to the risk of land subsidence, landslides, and ground instability that led to widespread damage and evacuation in Joshimath. This phenomenon is caused by a combination of the region's fragile geology (being built on an old landslide zone), tectonic activity, and exacerbated by human activities like unregulated construction, poor drainage, and infrastructure development. Statement 2 is incorrect: While environmental degradation can certainly impact tourism, the 'Joshimath-like disaster' primarily refers to the physical geological hazard (land subsidence and associated risks) rather than solely the economic impact on tourism, though the latter would be a consequence. Statement 3 is incorrect: The article mentions experts warning of such a disaster, implying that warnings are being issued. The 'Joshimath-like disaster' refers to the nature of the disaster itself (land subsidence) and the factors contributing to it, not necessarily the failure of warning systems, although effective disaster management is crucial.