Jammu & Kashmir Drafts Sustainable Mountain Policy to Address Tourism Pressure

Jammu and Kashmir is considering a new sustainable mountain policy to address the environmental strain caused by rising tourist numbers in destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Doodhpathri. The draft Jammu and Kashmir Sustainable Mountain Development Policy 2026 shifts the focus from driving higher visitor volumes to managing tourism within ecological limits.

The draft proposals include daily visitor limits at 15 high-pressure destinations, restrictions on private vehicles, and construction controls in ecologically sensitive areas. To curb congestion and emissions, the policy suggests stopping private vehicles at designated green gateways where visitors would shift to electric or CNG transport, ponies, cycles, or walking. Scientific carrying-capacity assessments will determine visitor limits, supported by an online registration and time-slot booking system.

Environmentalists have welcomed the initiative while emphasizing that its success depends on effective implementation rather than the creation of new frameworks alone. Prominent environmentalist Mutaharra A W Deva noted that Jammu and Kashmir already has multiple laws covering environmental protection, forests, waste management, and building regulations. According to Deva, the primary historical challenge has been fragmented institutional responsibility and weak enforcement of existing provisions.

The draft policy also outlines a mechanism to generate approximately ₹750 crore annually through a green cess dedicated to destination-level environmental management. Under this plan, 40 percent of the revenue would be allocated to waste collection, toilets, and sanitation, while 20 percent would fund ecological restoration. The framework sets a three-year target for notified destinations to eliminate visible garbage and untreated sewage.

Additionally, the policy proposes establishing a Mountain Development Authority to coordinate mountain management. Observers have cautioned that the effectiveness of this authority will depend on clearly defining its relationship with existing institutions to avoid complicating governance. The policy remains a draft requiring formal government approval and legal backing before its measures can be enforced on the ground.

"Balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability is critical for the long-term viability of tourism-dependent regions. While policy frameworks like the draft Jammu and Kashmir Sustainable Mountain Development Policy 2026 provide a structured approach, the real business and economic success will depend on disciplined execution, transparent fund management, and strong institutional coordination. Sustainable infrastructure planning ensures that destinations remain viable for commerce and visitors over the long term without degrading core natural assets." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes