Himachal Pradesh, known for its scenic beauty and pleasant weather, has faced a daunting challenge with heavy rainfall wreaking havoc on the state’s infrastructure and tourism sector. The period between July 1 and July 11 witnessed an unprecedented deluge, with the state receiving an average rainfall of 249.6 mm, compared to the normal 76.6 mm, the highest for a 12-day period since 2005.
The damage caused by the torrential rains has been substantial, with an estimated monetary loss of over INR 3,738.28 crore, particularly impacting districts like Kullu, Bilaspur, and Mandi. Amid this crisis, the hospitality industry has suffered immensely, with hotels reporting zero to minimal occupancy, similar to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“However, there is hope for a resurgence, with the concept of “Revenge Tourism” offering optimism for the state’s recovery once the rains subside and the infrastructure is restored.“
Unforeseen Impact of Unplanned Infrastructure Development and Deforestation
While the weather conditions played a significant role in the devastation, it also shed light on the long-term effects of unplanned infrastructure development and deforestation in the region. Anthropogenic factors, such as the conversion of two-lane highways into four-lane ones for faster connectivity and the loss of forest cover, have contributed to the erratic monsoons and landslides. The extensive infrastructure development has altered the ecological balance, making the region more vulnerable to natural disasters.
The Dismal State of the Hospitality Industry
The state’s tourism industry, the backbone of its economy, has taken a severe hit due to the incessant rains and landslides. Popular destinations like Shimla and Manali have witnessed hotel occupancy rates plummet to zero, with tourists cancelling advance bookings for the next several months. The Kullu Manali Road has suffered significant damage, and complete infrastructure restoration may take a few months. In response to this crisis, the hotel industry has urged authorities to consider deferring IT, GST, and loan repayments for at least six months to support their recovery efforts.
The Resilience of Himachal Tourism
Despite the adversities, Himachal Pradesh’s tourism sector has displayed resilience over the years. The state has previously overcome setbacks and bounced back strongly, welcoming tourists with open arms. The industry has proven its ability to recover from challenging situations, and this time will be no different.
Embracing Revenge Tourism
As the state grapples with the aftermath of the heavy rains, there is a glimmer of hope with the concept of “Revenge Tourism.” Revenge Tourism refers to the pent-up demand for travel and leisure activities after a prolonged period of restrictions or disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or natural calamities. Once the rains subside and the authorities
complete the necessary infrastructure repairs, Himachal Pradesh is likely to experience an upsurge in tourists eager to make up for lost time and explore its picturesque landscapes.
Record Footfall and Ambitious Targets
In a remarkable turn of events, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed a significant resurgence in tourism. The state proudly records its highest footfall in the past six years, surpassing the one-crore mark for the number of tourists within the first six months of this year. According to a report by ToI, the total count stands at an impressive 1.6 crore visitors as of June, consisting of 99,78,504 domestic tourists and 28,239 foreign tourists.
Hailing this achievement, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu attributes it to the state’s successful positioning as an all-season destination, attracting global attention with its breathtaking landscapes. This success has prompted the state government to set a lofty target of welcoming five crore tourists annually. To realize this ambitious goal, Himachal Pradesh is actively directing its efforts towards developing Kangra as its premier tourism capital, for which a substantial investment of Rs 3,000 crore has been allocated in the near future. The state is now more determined than ever to enchant travelers from all corners of the world and continue its upward trajectory in the tourism industry.
Future Strategies for Sustainable Tourism
To safeguard against future calamities, it is imperative for the state government to implement sustainable tourism practices. This includes stricter regulations on construction near riverbanks, controlled infrastructure development, and conservation of forests and river ecology. By striking a balance between development and environmental preservation, Himachal Pradesh can foster a more resilient and responsible tourism industry.
The Himachal urban planning department officials were appalled at construction of a three-storey hotel on banks of Beas in Manali, which got swept away by the swollen river on July 8. The rule does not allow construction within 100 meters of river bank. Stating that construction of the hotel was matter of investigation, Himachal’s town and country planning department head.
The SDMA officials also said rampant sand mining activities on the river banks and beds has damaged the river ecology in the hills, whose impact is visible during heavy rains.Various studies show that the state is now gripped in continuous cycle of cloudbursts, landslides and deaths, because of haphazard development, sometimes totally unregulated.
The recent devastating rains have tested the resilience of Himachal Pradesh’s hospitality industry. However, with the support of the government and the determination of the people, the state is expected to recover and embrace “Revenge Tourism” once the rain subsides and infrastructure is restored. By incorporating sustainable practices, Himachal Pradesh can safeguard against future calamities and ensure the long-term viability of its tourism industry. As travelers yearn for new experiences and breathtaking landscapes, the state’s hospitality sector is poised to bounce back with renewed vigor, offering visitors a chance to rediscover the beauty of the “Land of Gods.”