Ronak a Padhi

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GeoGRaPhy
RouGh dRaft

Introduction

India’s geography is extraordinarily diverse, covering approximately 3.28 million square

kilometres. It includes the world’s highest mountain range, the Himalayas, in the north; the
arid Thar Desert in the west; the vast, fertile Indo-Gangetic Plains in the north-central
region; the Deccan Plateau in the south; and a coastline stretching over 7,500 km along with
island territories like the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep in the east and west. This
physical diversity supports one of the richest biodiversities in the world, making India one of
the 17 mega-diverse countries. It harbours unique ecosystems ranging from alpine meadows
and mangroves to coral reefs and tropical rainforests.

This geographical variety has historically shaped India’s culture, economy, and society.
However, it also renders the country highly vulnerable to environmental challenges such as
climate change, pollution, land degradation, and resource depletion. Rapid population
growth (over 1.44 billion people), urbanisation, industrialisation, and unsustainable
development practices have intensified these issues.

Tourism has emerged as a vital economic pillar. From ancient pilgrimages (e.g., Char Dham
Yatra, Kumbh Mela) to modern eco-adventures, wellness retreats, and cultural heritage
tours, India attracts millions of domestic and international visitors annually. In recent years,
despite global disruptions, the sector has shown robust recovery and growth. According to
provisional data, the tourism sector contributed significantly to GDP and employment,
supporting millions of direct and indirect jobs in hospitality, transport, handicrafts, and
guiding services.

This project explores the intricate link between India’s geography and tourism. It analyses
how ongoing geographical issues threaten key tourism assets and destinations while
examining how sustainable tourism practices and government initiatives can mitigate these
threats, promote conservation, and drive inclusive economic growth. The focus is on
“responsible tourism” that balances economic benefits with ecological limits.
Objectives of the Project

1. To analyse the major geographical issues affecting India’s physical and human
environment, including climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and resource
scarcity.

2. To study the specific impacts of these issues on prominent tourism destinations

across different regions.

3. To evaluate the evolution, current trends, and development of tourism

infrastructure, products, and segments in India.

4. To examine key government schemes, policies, and initiatives that address

geographical challenges while promoting sustainable tourism.

5. To present the latest available facts, statistics, data, maps, graphs, and real-world
case studies for a balanced, evidence-based view.

6. To suggest practical recommendations for region-specific sustainable strategies and

responsible tourism practices.

Scope and Methodology

The project relies primarily on secondary data sources, including:

• Ministry of Tourism reports and data compendiums (2024-2025).

• State of India’s Environment 2026 report by Centre for Science and Environment
(CSE).

• Press Information Bureau (PIB) releases and government scheme documents.

• Climate surveys, IPCC-related insights, and official statistics on environment and

economy.

• Academic articles, Wikipedia summaries for historical context, and reputable news
analyses.

Visual Aids: Relevant maps (e.g., climate risk zones, tourism circuits), graphs (e.g., tourist
arrivals trends, extreme weather days), tables (state-wise data), and photographs of
sites/case studies will be included. Analysis covers pan-India with emphasis on regional
variations (Himalayas, plains, coasts, plateaus, deserts). Limitations include reliance on
provisional/latest available data up to 2025-26.

This project underscores the urgent need for integrated approaches that conserve India’s
unique geography while harnessing tourism for sustainable development.

Section 1: Current Geographical Issues in India

India confronts interconnected geographical challenges driven by climate change, population
pressure, urbanisation, and developmental activities. The State of India’s Environment 2026
report highlights that 2025 recorded the highest frequency of extreme weather events in the
past four years, affecting lives, agriculture, infrastructure, and ecosystems nationwide.

1.1 Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events

Causes: Rising global and regional temperatures, altered monsoon patterns, increased
greenhouse gas emissions (India ranks as the 3rd largest emitter), deforestation, and
industrial activities.

Effects: More frequent and intense heatwaves, floods, droughts, cyclones, erratic rainfall,
landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). In surveys, majorities of Indians reported
personally experiencing severe heatwaves (71%), droughts/water shortages (52%), irregular
monsoons, and related issues like power outages and agricultural pests.

Regional Examples:

• North/Himalayas: Accelerated glacier melt leading to landslides, flash floods, and

GLOFs (e.g., 2025 Uttarakhand and Himachal events). Himachal Pradesh recorded the
highest extreme weather days.

• Indo-Gangetic Plains: Recurrent severe floods in Bihar, Assam, Uttar Pradesh

displacing millions and damaging crops.

• South & West: Prolonged heatwaves in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Delhi-NCR

(temperatures exceeding 45°C); 2025 saw the wettest May since 1901 in several
regions, followed by drought-like conditions in about 19% of the country.

• Coastal & Island regions: Increased cyclone intensity and storm surges.

Data: Extreme weather events occurred on ~99% of days in 2025 (Jan-Nov), causing 4,419
deaths and affecting 17.41 million hectares of crops. Seven planetary boundaries have been
breached. Long-term trends show increasing very hot days and warm nights.

Additional points: Impacts on mental health, migration (climate refugees), and food security.
Projections indicate worsening scenarios without mitigation.

1.2 Air and Water Pollution

Air Pollution: No Indian district meets WHO PM2.5 guidelines (5 μg/m³ annual mean). Over
60% exceed national standards. The Indo-Gangetic Plains airshed is among the worst
globally; Delhi-NCR winter smog severely reduces visibility, affects health, and damages
heritage. Causes include vehicular emissions, stubble burning, industries, and construction
dust.

Water Pollution: Major rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, and others contaminated with industrial
effluents, sewage, heavy metals, plastics, and agricultural runoff. Groundwater over-
extraction affects 17+ states; 53% of surveyed people faced water pollution issues. Plastic
waste generation ~4.14 million tonnes annually.

Impacts: Respiratory and waterborne diseases, reduced agricultural productivity, ecosystem

degradation (e.g., dead zones in rivers), and economic losses in tourism and fisheries.
Interlinkages with climate change (e.g., heat amplifying pollution effects).

1.3 Biodiversity Loss and Land Degradation

Statistics: Approximately 27-30% of land degraded (around 97.85 million hectares as per
recent assessments). Desertification increased; water erosion is the primary process,
followed by vegetation degradation and wind erosion. Afforestation covers limited areas
relative to needs.

Causes: Deforestation for agriculture/urbanisation, monoculture farming, overgrazing,

mining, human encroachment, and climate stressors.

Hotspots: Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas, Sunderbans, Northeast. Rising human-wildlife

conflicts (e.g., tigers, elephants in Maharashtra, Karnataka). Coral bleaching in Andaman &
Nicobar due to warming oceans and acidification.

Case Studies: Loss of species in national parks; mangrove degradation affecting coastal
protection; impacts on pollinators and medicinal plants.

1.4 Water Scarcity and Coastal Vulnerability

Over 50% of Indians express worry about water shortages. Coastal erosion, sea-level rise,
and salinity intrusion threaten cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and islands.
Groundwater depletion leads to falling water tables and arsenic/fluoride contamination in
some areas.

Interlinkages: Issues compound—floods spread pollution, heatwaves increase water

demand and evaporation, degradation worsens drought vulnerability. Region-specific:
Cryospheric changes in mountains, flood/pollution in plains, aridity in deserts, erosion in
coasts.

Visual Aids: India climate risk map (highlighting Himalayan, coastal, arid zones); table of
2025 extreme weather days/deaths by state; graphs of temperature/rainfall trends.

These challenges demand tailored, adaptive solutions integrating science, policy, and
community action.

Section 2: Impact of Geographical Issues on Tourism

Geographical challenges erode tourism assets but also spur innovation in sustainable
practices.

2.1 Damage to Heritage and Natural Sites

 • Pollution causes yellowing and erosion of Taj Mahal marble (acid rain, particulates).
Similar effects on other monuments.

• Floods, landslides, and erosion block roads/trails: 2025 Himalayan disruptions

severely hit Himachal, Kashmir, and Uttarakhand tourism seasons. Kerala backwaters
and Goa beaches affected by erratic monsoons and floods.

• Coastal sites face erosion and salinity damage.

2.2 Decline in Eco-Tourism and Wildlife Tourism

• Biodiversity loss reduces animal sightings in parks like Corbett, Kaziranga, Periyar, and
Ranthambore. Coral bleaching deters divers in Andaman & Nicobar and
Lakshadweep.

• Human-wildlife conflicts lead to trail closures and safety concerns.

• Over-tourism in fragile areas (e.g., hill stations) accelerates degradation, soil

compaction, and waste accumulation.

2.3 Seasonality, Safety, Economic Losses, and Positive Shifts

• Erratic weather causes booking cancellations, health risks (heatstrokes, vector-borne

diseases), and infrastructure damage.

• Economic ripple effects: Reduced arrivals impact hotels, guides, transporters,

artisans, and local economies.

Case Studies:

• Goa: Flooding, pollution, and beach erosion reduce appeal; waste management
challenges.

• Varanasi: Ganga pollution affects spiritual tourism, though Namami Gange has
shown some improvements.

• Himalayan regions: Landslide-prone routes disrupt adventure and pilgrimage

tourism.

• Andaman: Marine ecosystem threats to diving/snorkelling.

Positive Shift: Growing demand for “green” and responsible tourism—community-led eco-
circuits, restored areas, and wellness in less-visited regions. Issues have raised awareness,
boosting certifications and low-impact travel.

Additional points: Gender and livelihood impacts on women in tourism-dependent

communities; potential for “regenerative tourism” that actively restores sites.

Section 3: Development of Tourism in India

Tourism has evolved from primarily pilgrimage-based to a diverse, multi-segment industry,
especially post-1990s liberalisation and post-COVID digital push.

3.1 Key Types of Tourism

• Cultural/Heritage: 42+ UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Taj Mahal, Ajanta-Ellora, Red
Fort, etc.).

• Eco & Adventure: Trekking in Himalayas, biodiversity in Western Ghats, wildlife

safaris, river rafting.

• Spiritual & Wellness/Medical: Ayushman Bharat integration, yoga retreats, Ayurveda

centres.

• Rural, Homestays & Agri-Tourism: Village experiences, tribal circuits.

• MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) and Cruise/River Tourism.

• Emerging: Dark tourism, film tourism, culinary, and sustainable/eco-certification-

based circuits. “365-day destinations” to counter seasonality.

3.2 Historical Growth and Current Trends

Pre-COVID boom, sharp 2020 decline, strong recovery via e-visas (171+ countries), UDAN
regional connectivity, highway/airport infrastructure, and digital marketing (Incredible India).
Shift toward experiential, authentic, and low-impact tourism amid environmental
awareness.

Case Study: Kerala’s Responsible Tourism model—community involvement in backwaters,

conservation-linked livelihoods, and waste management. Success in balancing ecology and
economy.

Additional points: Role of private sector, startups in homestays/apps; impact of G20

presidency and global events on branding.

Section 4: Efforts Made by the Indian Government

The Ministry of Tourism integrates sustainability with growth through flagship schemes.

4.1 Swadesh Darshan Scheme (Revamped as Swadesh Darshan 2.0)

Focus on sustainable, tourist-centric destinations with carrying capacity norms, eco-

infrastructure (solar, waste management). Achievements: Original scheme ~76 projects
(₹5,290 crore). SD 2.0: 53 projects (₹2,208+ crore) including Challenge-Based Destination
Development (CBDD) in spiritual, heritage, eco, vibrant villages, and Amrit Dharohar sites.
75+ original projects completed. Examples: Tehri Lake (Uttarakhand) for landslide-resilient
eco-tourism; projects in Northeast, Himalayas, coasts.

4.2 PRASHAD Scheme

Rejuvenates pilgrimage and heritage sites with modern amenities and sustainability focus.
Achievements: 54 projects (₹1,726+ crore) across 28 states/UTs; 32 completed. New
projects in 2025 (e.g., Bihar, Karnataka temples). Riverfront development and waste
management address pollution (e.g., Ganga sites).

4.3 Incredible India Campaign (Revamped) and Others

Digital branding, “Dekho Apna Desh,” niche sustainable promotion, and eco-certification.
National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism (2022) with STCI standards. SASCI for iconic sites;
Best Tourism Village Competition (71+ villages); Paryatan Mitra training; linkages with
Swachh Bharat, Namami Gange. Budget emphasis on green infrastructure.

These reduce risks in fragile zones while generating jobs and conserving assets.

Section 5: Facts and Statistics on Tourism Development

• Arrivals: Provisional FTAs ~9+ million in recent years; strong domestic visits
(thousands of millions). International recovery with growth in key markets (USA, UK,
etc.).

• Economic Impact: ₹15.73 lakh crore to GDP (5.22%) in 2023-24; projections higher
for 2025 (₹21-22+ trillion total contribution). Foreign exchange earnings significant.

• Employment: 80+ million jobs (direct + indirect, ~13% of total).

• Growth: Improving global ranking; top states include Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, etc.
Rising sustainable certifications.

Graphs/Tables: Year-wise arrivals, GDP share trends, state-wise contributions.

Conclusion

India’s unparalleled geographical diversity—majestic Himalayas, fertile plains, Thar Desert,

Deccan Plateau, extensive coastline, and islands—underpins its exceptional biodiversity and
vibrant tourism industry. Yet, this diversity heightens vulnerability to climate change (record
extremes in 2025 with thousands of deaths and massive crop losses), severe pollution,
biodiversity decline (nearly 30% land degraded), and water/coastal threats.

Tourism, contributing substantially to GDP and supporting over 80 million livelihoods, faces
direct erosion: polluted heritage sites, disrupted access, declining wildlife appeal, and safety
issues. However, resilience is evident in strong domestic tourism and a pivot to sustainable
models.

Government initiatives like Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASHAD, Incredible India, and supporting
policies demonstrate proactive integration of conservation and growth through community
participation, green infrastructure, and carrying capacity planning.
By prioritising responsible, regenerative tourism, region-specific adaptation, stricter
enforcement, public awareness, and international collaboration, India can safeguard its
heritage, mitigate risks, and position itself as a global leader in sustainable tourism. This
balanced approach will ensure long-term ecological health, cultural preservation, and
inclusive prosperity for future generations.