A concerned Foreign Tourist ask the locals in Ladakh:
Dear Ladakhi friends,
I have visited Ladakh many times and I have been in love with the mountains and the people of your region since the first time I came in 1997. But when I see how uncontrolled mass tourism is destroying the very things that made Ladakh attractive, I feel like to cry...
Tourism is a major contributor to Ladakh's economy. Without a long-term strategy based on sustainable tourism, you will lose everything.
- How can you let irresponsible tourists destroy Pangong lake?
- All the famous trekking itineraries are disappearing (across Zanskar trek, Baby trek, Markha valley trek...). What are you doing for all the families who are losing income because their homestays remain empty?
- What are you doing to protect the Hemis national park and its wildlife?
- How are you dealing with garbage management?
I understand that most of you are busy with your own jobs and business and you don't really have time to think about the future of Ladakh. At least, your leaders shall have a proper long-term vision and plan for Ladakh. Finding the right balance between infrastructure development and sustainable tourism is the key.
Therefore, I urge you to stand up without undervaluing your responsibility. I urge you to make every possible effort to save what can still be saved.