This year the climate is playing unprecedented havoc all over the country in a bizarre manner. On one hand, the country has experienced back-to-back heat waves earlier than usual this year, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in many areas for several days in a row, on the other hand, rains have made an appearance across India and with ravaging fury.
Many nature lovers make it a plan to go out of their busy schedule and crowded places to enjoy the serenity and beauty of nature, visit waterfalls, dams, forests, etc. But heavy rains have snuffed out their lives. On June 30, five members of the same family, who went for tourism, died in an accident in the Bhushi Dam area of Lonavala near Pune.
In Goa, 150 tourists stranded at Pali waterfall in Sattari taluka were successfully rescued on Sunday by the State’s Fire and Emergency Services as the water current swelled due to intense rainfall.
This shows how the problem of climate change has hit the tourism sector around the world. While in one part of the country, people are being practically roasted by prolonged heat waves, in another part, five members of a family died due to sudden rise in water levels of a dam. These pictures of contrasting climate change phenomena shows that a lot more has to be done to ensure the safety of tourists.
Destinations such as Goa, and many such places, which are solely dependent on tourism for its revenue, have to have a comprehensive disaster management plan for both the general population and the tourists, by having proper safety mechanisms at places which are vulnerable as well as attractive for tourists visit.
Goa, which has sea and hills both, look very beautiful and attract thousands of tourists, especially the hills nestled in the Western Ghats are very popular because of the numerous waterfalls. The administration has to be prepared for the consequences of climate change. There has to be proper planning and coordination between the tourism stakeholders and the government on climate change mitigation to ensure safe tourism.
These impacts can lead to a decrease in tourism revenue and disrupt the development of the sector. For example, temperature deviations from the optimal range can result in fewer customers, less revenue, and higher costs for hotels. Additionally, climate change can lead to wildfires, droughts, changes in water levels, and flooding, which further disturb the industry’s development.
In future decades, the changing climate has the potential to shape tourism patterns. Warmer temperatures and an increased frequency of high-intensity rainfall are the two most common predictions concerning future climate in India.
Disasters like earthquakes, tornadoes and tsunamis occur quickly and with unimaginable force without any perceptible warning, wreaking destruction and devastation. These are beyond human control.
But there is still an opportunity for India's tourism industry to adapt through physical and policy developments. It would make India a more competitive and sustainable tourism destination. Smart tourism and digital technology can play a crucial role in managing climate change effects in the tourism industry. Early warning systems, sensors, and other technological solutions can help mitigate the impacts of climate change and increase revenues in the industry.
Involvement of government agencies like the coastal police and the Coast Guard is very important and it is necessary to strengthen them. Like in Goa, the State coastal police are in shambles due to lack of functional boats and personnel.
Having lifeguards at various water points and keeping emergency medical services to cater to any eventualities. Also, proper awareness should be created on areas which are out of bounds, especially during the height of monsoon. Tourist guides, or local authorities violating the orders should be heavily penalised.
It must be ensured all water channels are clear and open, not obstructing the water course. The possible disaster areas must be marked and guarded with notices prominently displayed.
All hotels and staying places must prominently display the guidelines to be advised to follow. The local tourist agencies, taxi operators, who take the tourists, must caution them from going beyond a point.
It’s time to spend more to ensure sustainable tourism so that commerce and nature both survive.