Uttarakhand's hill stations and pilgrimage sites are popular destinations for travellers and devotees, especially during the summer holiday season. This year, the travel season has led to significant traffic congestion in several areas. Many tourist spots such as Mussoorie, Dehradun, Haridwar, and parts of the Kumaon region experienced severe traffic jams this past weekend due to an increase in tourist arrivals.
Mussoorie, a popular summer destination, experienced significant traffic congestion this weekend. Major roads were gridlocked, including the Mussoorie-Dehradun route, the link from Kincreg to Library and Picture Palace, Motilal Nehru Road, Academy Road, and Mall Road. Traffic was barely moving, and the congestion extended to nearby areas such as Suwakholi, Buranskhanda, and Dhanaulti. In Landour, traffic came to a complete standstill from morning until late at night. This situation also affected local residents, and businesses faced substantial disruptions due to the traffic conditions.
Meanwhile in the spiritual destination of Haridwar, it was the influx of pilgrims that led to major traffic snarls. Reports indicated that it took over an hour to travel just one kilometer in some areas, and parking lots were filled to capacity. The Kumaon region also experienced major congestion issues, especially at popular hill stations. To control the volume of vehicles, authorities restricted the entry of two-wheeler tourists in some places.
Numerous destinations in India and around the world are struggling to accommodate the millions of visitors that arrive during peak season. Overtourism is causing various issues that impact the delicate ecosystems of these locations as well as the local communities. In fact, many places worldwide are witnessing protests against the overwhelming influx of tourists, and some tourist destinations have even implemented rules and laws to address this problem.
India's hill stations always face the brunt of the tourist crowds. Darjeeling is another popular summer getaway that has faced major issues like severe congestion on roads and unregulated new tourism real estate. In December last year, Manali witnessed heavy snowfall which significantly increased the number of tourists flocking to this winter hotspot. Unfortunately, this surge in visitors has resulted in hundreds of vehicles being stuck in long traffic jams on the way to Manali.
Overtourism can be a significant problem if not addressed. It places tremendous pressure on local environments, communities, and infrastructure, resulting in overcrowding, environmental degradation, and the erosion of cultural heritage. Implementing sustainable tourism practices is essential for preserving destinations and ensuring long-term economic and ecological balance.
