Tourist Influx Increases Polution Level in Northern India

The hilly Kullu region of India's Himachal Pradesh state is facing increased threats from air pollution with more and more tourists coming to the region.

Studies reveal that atmospheric pollutants are increasing day by day.

[Krishan Bihari Lal Srivastava, Chief Medical Officer, Kullu]:
"Up until now whatever research work we have done on air pollutants, or on the level of tourism, the conclusion that is appearing before us is that the level of air pollution is increasing."

A rise in vehicles the region is the main cause of increasing pollution.

The government is conducting various studies to find way to lessen the pollution.

[B.M. Nanta, Deputy Commissioner, Kullu]:
"We are studying the traffic assessment and are also assessing how to make these areas sustainable. The research is being carried out by the Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Board. This study report will be out by the end of the year."

The tourism peak in the hilly Kullu region is April-June… during the most intense heat waves.