UNDESIRABLE CONSTRUCTIONS & TOURISM VERSUS CARRYING CAPACITY

Carrying Capacity (C.C.) is defined as maximum pressure or load that can be sustained without destruction or degradation of the environment

When we speak of C.C., determining factors are : size of population, amount of resources in a given area and how the population uses the resources meant for them. If a place exceeds C.C., adverse impact on available resources is a natural corollary. A time will come when the area can no longer sustain the population or addition to it and the show will go on in a “Chalta Hai” manner.

To make it more clear, a wide gulf is found between what it is and what ought to be or manifest difference between positive and normative situations.

C.C. is determined by availability of food, water space etc. In the event of its disturbance or degradation, impact on the overall environment can be slow but unthinkable.

Case Of Sikkim

Sikkim, the 22nd State of Union (which celebrated its 50th Anniversary on16th May), blessed by presence of almost all climatic zones, is immensely rich Botanically.Its Bio- diversity is simply amazing.Nowhere in world, so much flora and fauna is found in an area of 7096 Square Kms.

The State is a tiny piece of land but it has a plethora, rather, umpteen art & culture, religious, waterfall, snow, mountain desert and adventure tourism opportunities and attractions in its six Districts.

However, pressure or concentration of population is mainly on Gangtok, capital city and 3 towns in the vicinity-Ranipool, Singtam and Rangpo. Jorethang, an exotic example of hill town planning, is also getting congested.

Situation of Gangtok is similar to Imphal in Manipur, Kohima in Nagaland, Aizwal in Mizoram and Shillong in Meghalaya.

A close study of density factors in the mentioned four State capitals, therefore, have to be carried out, followed by a realistic WAY FORWARD for the next ten years.

Unsustainable Tourism

Growth of tourism as a safe vehicle of development is always welcomed all over the world. But it is desirable, if not necessary, that tourists and visitors, apart from relaxing & enjoying, spend a bit of their quality time to conform to local norms and laws and ensure least harm to the resources made available, even if the same may be for a short period.

Prior to getting deeper, let us look at simple behviour patterns. A few guests from outside are found spitting, using plastic water bottles, styrofoam products and single use polythene. They perhaps do not know that alternatives are available. Also sometimes, used products are thrown on the main road when a tourist vehicle passes. Plastic water bottles, styrofoam products and single use polythenes have been banned in Sikkim since 1989 and the same is conveyed to them by the Taxi drivers on arrival. For good, permanent samaritans, this being fait accompli, there is no way out.

In the same way , use of cigarettes and attempt to piss in public has been also witnessed. Some tourists also are seen throwing napkins and used packets from the hired vehicles.To make matters worse, LPG gas cylinders are also brought by a few which is otherwise a banned item.

Rampant practice of taking photographs on the way and getting bare bodied at high altitude places, such as, Chomgu Lake, Nathu La, Yumesamdong and Katao needs to be immediately acted against. Steps taken should have an element of permanence.

What goes on against ecology and environment away from city lights involving the Defence personnel and that of Central Government agencies, does not catch the attention of common man.Tons of quality timber hidden in lorries, is either carried to plains or furniture is made out of these in a clandestine manner.This also needs to be looked into and stopped on priority.

Constructions Go On Unabated

There is a clear cut order of Department of Urban Development of the State , stating that no construction can be carried out during the Monsoon but owing to poor enforcement and supervision and also due to unskilled & inexperienced masons and labourers, accidents happen frequently. Unnecessary pressure applied by the machines on land mass is also seen. Undesirable road widening works and digging new roads too go on without a break. Half hearted land use plans and almost dormant Forest Department regulations, add fat to the fire.

Lessons From GLOF of October 2023 Need To Be Drawn

Violent outburst of water from South Lhonak lake (15,500′) in Muguthang area of Mangan District happened, as the pre-emptive measures were not taken in time. The Department of Science & Technology, Government of India was not only sounded out in advance but digging of banks to enable strong pipes to drain out extra water also, was attempted three to four times.

However, in tune with the saying that one should not play with nature, the tragedy that was anticipated, finally happened on October 23, 2023, thus extensively damaging Chungthang dam of 1200 MegaWatt Teesta Stage III Hydel project. It also broke the dictum that low dam projects are relatively safe and workable.

Uncontrollable flash floods and Cloudbursts at Dikchu, Sirwani, Singtam, Rangpo and Melli towns also followed. Over one hundred casualties took place, apart from severe impact on flora and fauna on both banks of the mighty Teesta river.

High velocity of river water and its tributaries during the Pre- Monsoon phase of last and current year thus far, are nothing but grim reminders of what is in offing in the immediate future.

Its a strange coincidence that reduced tourism is still going on even when major rivers of State are in spate and hundreds of tourists are trapped at high altitudes or awaiting further help and relief upon being rescued. As on date, 8.5 lakh tourists have visited Sikkim during 5 months and ten days of the current year. How will it compare with about 10 lakh population of the state ?

Taking a serious cue from 2023 devastation, fresh ambitious hydel projects, such as NHPC’s Teesta Stage IV below Mangan and Stage VI near Rangpo on West Bengal side, need to be reviewed and scrapped altogether.Three Lower dam projects over Teesta river between Rangpo and Sevok too need to be reviewed, though these pose risks of lower magnitude at present.

Depressive View From Ranka Urban Village

View of Gangtok from Ranka urban village is very eye-catching but one gets also a hint about the possible disaster in future. One notices hardly a gap between tall buildings and proper drainage has not been addressed. Resultantly, some buildings may tilt over a period of time.A few may sink as well. One can not find a green patch, either anywhere.

Condition of Civil constructions and drainage along the banks of Rani Khola & Teesta River in Ranipul, Singtam, Rangpo and Melli is also pathetic.River protection cum walk along bank works, executed over a decade ago are also threatened.One beautiful arched bridge over Teesta was swept away in October, 2023 and an expensive football ground situated again on the banks of Teesta river at Melli has been inundated two three times, in the last four years. Therefore, it is high time illegal dwellers living along such vulnerable, rather, dangerous points are shifted to safe locations on top priority.

Garbage management too appears to be a casualty despite requisite sensitization imparted.

It is felt that rainwater harvesting could have also helped to a large extent but that too has not been implemented properly. Social forestry too needs to be taken up on top priority if an imminent disaster during an earthquake, massive landslide or flash flood is to be avoided.

Uttarakhand Scenario

Uttarakhand too has seen many Cloud bursts, Flash Floods and huge landslides during the whole of last decade.Towns of RudraPrayag, Karan Prayag, Rishikesh and Haridwar look vulnerable but tourism & constructions go on unabated.

When multi -purposeTehri Dam was being constructed, protests from majority of population of the region made right noise.

Despite all this, pilgrims, trekkers and adventure lovers throng these hill stations and avail of employment, to satisfy their urges and needs and seek “MANNAT” from the almighty.

On many occasions, holy Ganga river has swept away life and property in most of the towns mentioned above. Besides, hectic construction of over 30 hydel projects in the state is also adding fat to the blazing fire.

The Silkyara Bend Barkot tunnel tragedy on November 12, 2023 falling in the route of Yamunotri National Highway in Uttarkashi District may, perhaps, never fade away from our memory. 41 workmen & other personnel were trapped inside an under construction tunnel for 17 days before being successfully rescued.It was a brilliant instance of Human endurance.

To Sum Up, not only we know the issues, but we seem to be also aware of possible remedies.We may ask, rather, try to find out, the actual hiccups and obstructions in public domain.

Once weak points have been identified, we need to strike, rather strike hard. Discipline and sincere action has to be ensured if we attempt to minimise the wrath of nature. Actions should be initiated in a careful way by taking into account Carrying Capacity of a place and ensuring enough resources for the benefit of future generations.

(The author is former Chief Secretary, Sikkim)