Amid climate change crisis, Ladakh takes sustainable tourism plunge

Srinagar, Aug 15: In a sweeping move to safeguard its ecologically fragile Himalayan landscape, the Union Territory of Ladakh has rolled out strict new environmental norms to ensure sustainable tourism.

Ladakh has formulated new norms for hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants- while stressing that the effort is not a clampdown on tourism, but a push for cleaner, more responsible and sustainable growth. “Tourism is vital to Ladakh’s economy but not at the cost of our environment,” reads the order issued by the Ladakh Pollution Control Committee (LPCC). “We are not anti-tourism. We are pro-sustainability.”

The guidelines, issued under Order No. 16 dated August 6 by Mandeep Mittal, IFS, Member Secretary of the LPCC, fall under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

They are designed to align Ladakh’s rapidly expanding hospitality sector with the long-term goal of environmental preservation.

“Unchecked expansion of the hospitality industry can have irreversible consequences,” a senior official said. “This is about balancing development with the survival of Ladakh’s natural heritage.”

Under the new rules, pollution control is now mandatory for all commercial establishments in the region. All hotels and guesthouses must obtain environmental clearance before beginning or continuing operations, with specific conditions based on their size.

Establishments with up to six rooms are exempt from the consent requirement but must install septic tanks, handle waste responsibly, and submit a declaration to the LPCC.

Mid-sized units – those with 7 to 19 rooms or restaurants with seating up to 35 must obtain consent and comply with norms for sewage and effluent discharge.

Larger units – hotels with 20 or more rooms or restaurants seating above 35 must install fully functional Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). Treated water must meet Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) standards for pH, biological oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids, and phosphates.

“These are not just advisory measures but strict guidelines,” the order reads. “Failure to comply can lead to cancellation of consent, heavy fines, and even prosecution under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986,” it warns.

To support smaller businesses in complying with the rules, the administration has launched the STP Incentive Scheme 2024, which offers up to 75% financial assistance – capped at Rs 5 lakh for hotels with fewer than 20 rooms.

“We want to encourage sustainable tourism,” the order says. “Through this subsidy scheme, we are trying to ease the financial burden while ensuring environmental responsibility.”

Air, noise, and waste management standards have also been tightened and new rules added.

“ Chimneys, exhaust hoods, and fans in hotel kitchens must release emissions at least two meters above the tallest structure. Boilers using diesel or coal must meet Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) norms,” says the guidelines.

It further says consent applications and Diesel Generator (DG) set authorizations must now be submitted through the Online Consent Management & Monitoring System (OCMMS).

“Noise levels must adhere to zonal standards, and solid waste must be segregated and disposed of per municipal rules” It cautions that violators will face penalties including permit suspension, prosecution, and mandated environmental restoration.

The administration has made it clear that these reforms are intended to support Ladakh’s growth , not stifle it. “The new policy strikes a necessary balance between Ladakh’s booming tourism economy and the need to protect one of India’s most ecologically sensitive landscapes,” the order says. “This is not a clampdown on tourism,” it concludes. “It’s a push for cleaner, more responsible growth.”