📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / ADARSHluck
National
NGT orders Himachal to explain Koksar’s tourist carrying‑capacity decision
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 14 Oct 2026, 02:16 AM
👁 10
The National Green Tribunal has asked the Himachal Pradesh government to clarify the basis of its decision on the carrying capacity of the Koksar tourist area.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Himachal Pradesh state administration to furnish a detailed explanation of its recent decision concerning the carrying capacity of Koksar, a high‑altitude tourist spot in Lahaul‑Spiti district. The tribunal seeks to understand the criteria and data used by the state to set limits on visitor numbers, citing the need to protect the fragile alpine ecosystem.
Koksar attracts trekkers and adventure tourists, but unchecked footfall can strain local resources, increase waste, and threaten biodiversity. Environmental groups have long warned that without scientifically backed limits, the area could suffer irreversible damage. The NGT’s intervention underscores the growing scrutiny of tourism‑related environmental approvals.
In response, the Himachal government has indicated that it will submit the requested clarification within the timeframe stipulated by the tribunal. Officials noted that the capacity figure was derived from a joint study with the state forest department, though they have not released the full report publicly.
The tribunal has warned that failure to provide a satisfactory explanation could lead to further legal action, including the possible suspension of the current tourist quota for Koksar until a robust, evidence‑based assessment is completed.
Koksar attracts trekkers and adventure tourists, but unchecked footfall can strain local resources, increase waste, and threaten biodiversity. Environmental groups have long warned that without scientifically backed limits, the area could suffer irreversible damage. The NGT’s intervention underscores the growing scrutiny of tourism‑related environmental approvals.
In response, the Himachal government has indicated that it will submit the requested clarification within the timeframe stipulated by the tribunal. Officials noted that the capacity figure was derived from a joint study with the state forest department, though they have not released the full report publicly.
The tribunal has warned that failure to provide a satisfactory explanation could lead to further legal action, including the possible suspension of the current tourist quota for Koksar until a robust, evidence‑based assessment is completed.