Unregulated tourism takes toll on Naldehra hill's ecosystem

Increasing footfalls and unregulated movement of horses are taking a toll on the fragile ecosystem of Naldehra, located at a height of 2,044 metres, in Himachal Pradesh.

The impact on environment includes degradation of vegetation and deodar trees, pollution and accumulation of waste, officials say.

"The deodars in the Naldehra golf glade are an attraction. But sadly they are dying and suffering from some mysterious disease," said tourist Riya Bhalla. Her husband Aadil told IANS the tour operators are befooling the tourists by taking them to vantage points deep in the forests by saying this is the original "love tree" featured in Hindi movie 'Pyaar Jhukta Nahin'.

"But later we came to know the original 'love tree' was damaged a decade ago and they (tour operators) have engraved love signs at trees at various points just to fool the tourists," he added.

A forest official said the main causes for the decay of the forest are soil erosion and engraving of 'love signs' on the trunks of deodar trees with sharp edged weapons. He said local authorities should increase vigil and step up visual and audio warnings against vandalism. At present more than 50 trees have dried up and they are being removed, he added.

According to an estimate, there are about 100-150 ponies in Naldehra. Officials admit the vegetation in the area has been deteriorating due to unregulated grazing by the horses. Even the hoofs made the entire forest fragile with noticeable increase in soil erosion. The management of horse dung is also not regulated.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT), while passing directions to the state in a similar problem in the Rohtang Pass area in Kullu district, observed Nov 21 that due process is provided for instant cleanliness of horse dung and its disposal.

"We make it clear that the horse dung will not be accumulated or thrown in any part of the eco-sensitive area of Rohtang Pass. It should be transported to Manali or any other place where there is proper dumping site...," it has said.

Naldehra, home to a century-old nine-hole golf course, is one of the most beautiful picnic spots in the state. It is located just 22 km from Shimla, once the summer capital of British India.

Lord Curzon, when he was Viceroy of India, was so charmed by the place that he named his daughter Alexandra Naldehra after this place.

Smriti and Nikhil Saxena, a tourist couple, said they won't recommend a guided tour on a horse around the golf course as one can trek easily and see the place on foot, especially during the peak tourist season when the cost of horses pinches your wallet.

"Horse riding is a good adventure but the horse dung odour and its unscientific disposal are the main deterrents in Naldehra," said Aritro Dass, a tourist from West Bengal.

(Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)