Environmental Degradation & Reckless Driving: Tragic Aspect Of GB Tourism 

Shazia Mehboob

Islamabad: Gilgit-Baltistan, noted for its breath-taking scenery, snow-capped peaks, and rich cultural legacy, has long been a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the world, with the region attracting an estimated 10,000 visitors every day.

This influx of visitors gives economic wealth to the local people by thriving their hotels, guesthouses and resort enterprises; and creating job opportunities for locals, particularly youth, who run hiking, rental equipment, handicrafts, driving and local delicacies businesses. Although the stunning vistas and exciting opportunities leave indelible marks on tourists’ memories, there are issues such as environmental deterioration and irresponsible driving that result in the loss of priceless lives.

Popular tourist destinations such as Naltar, Fairy Meadows, Rama Astore, and Hunza, once pristine, are now plagued by litter and pollution. Plastic garbage, in particular, has become a significant environmental issue, endangering species and ecosystems.

“Growing tourism is a blessing for our hotel business. We receive marvellous responses every year. It grows our business and generates employment opportunities for local people,” said Qaiser Abbas, a hotel owner from Naltar Bala Gilgit.

However, it exerts extra pressure on local habitats and the environment which directly needs to align business operations with sustainable practises for environmental protection, Abbas further stated. The tourism industry requires us to earn bread for our children. However, it should not come at the expense of environmental degradation, Qaiser added.

Environmental Activist Abul Rehman Bukhari said that improper waste generation, especially plastic waste, due to the rising tourist influx poses serious threats to the region’s ecosystem and wildlife.

Unregulated camping and trekking activities have also resulted in habitat disruption which may have far-reaching implications for biodiversity, environmentalists added.

As a result, conservation efforts must be increased to maintain the beauty of GB by finding a balance between tourism and environmental protection in order to ensure long-term viability and leave a legacy for future generations.Abul Rehman Bukhari suggested awareness campaigns, workshops, and seminars to educate tourists about the harmful impact of their irresponsible behaviour towards nature.

To safeguard the region’s ecological balance, we can encourage responsible tourism by educating our guests and locals to adopt eco-friendly amenities, limit plastic waste, and protect habitat, Abbas suggested. Aside from environmental degradation, individuals encounter numerous instances of reckless and merciless driving that result in accidents that result in the loss of vehicles and human lives since adventurers frequently miscalculate the driving inclinations in hilly terrains.

This is a tragic aspect of booming tourism in GB. The region’s challenging and winding mountain roads demand cautious driving, especially for those unfamiliar with hilly terrains, mentioned Asif Raza, a Peshawar-based tourist.

Asif informed that the region’s roads are usually treacherous and some drivers–both locals and exotics–least care for safety measures. I witnessed numerous instances of reckless driving that risked drivers lives and others lives, he added.

Raza suggested that authorities’ first and primary focus should be stricter enforcement of traffic regulations. “If tourists and tour operators do not behave responsibly and drive recklessly, strictures must be issued for immediate action.”

Despite the government’s efforts for road safety, accidents continue to claim precious lives, with Chief Secretary GB Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani warning visitors of mountain roads that often twist and turn with varying degrees of elevation.

Drive at a speed of 50 kilometres per hour or even less if you want to maintain control of your vehicle, especially around sharp corners or steep inclines. Never rush and keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, Wani advised.

When descending steep slopes, engage lower gears to control your speed, use engine braking to avoid brake overheating, and allow your vehicle’s transmission to assist you in maintaining control, Ahmad added.

Chief Secretary also counselled the tourists to hire local drivers, as they had knowledge of the area, including the terrain, road conditions, and potential mountainous hazards.

Do not let your fellow citizens bear the weight of a degraded and unclean environment, as well as your irresponsible driving, as we need to send a positive message abroad about our nation’s responsibility, Mohyuddin Ahmad emphasised. Additional input from APP.

Photo credit: Shazia Mehboob/ Shabbir Mir Twitter handle