####Environmentalists Raise Concern Over “Over-Tourism” Model in Udaipur
Experts Warn of Threat to Lakes, Biodiversity and Spiritual Heritage
Udaipur: Lake conservationists and environmental thinkers have expressed serious concern over the “over-tourism only tourism” development model, stating that it poses a major threat to Udaipur’s lakes, biodiversity, cultural heritage and spiritual identity.
During a dialogue held at Bari Ghat on Sunday, environmental expert Dr. Anil Mehta said that activities such as nighttime ropeway operations to the famous Neemach Mata shrine and late-night boating in the lakes are inappropriate from both ecological and spiritual perspectives.
Dr. Mehta stated that artificial lighting, noise pollution and increasing human activity are adversely affecting the local ecosystem. Referring to scientific studies, he said that nighttime light and sound pollution disturb the biological cycles of birds, wildlife and aquatic species, negatively impacting their feeding, migration and breeding patterns. He warned that promoting uncontrolled tourism activities without considering the carrying capacity of natural and cultural resources could have long-term consequences on Udaipur’s ecology and identity.
He further pointed out that human interference in the natural habitats of native and migratory birds, panthers and aquatic species is continuously increasing. Prioritizing entertainment-driven tourism over environmental balance, local culture and the sanctity of religious places is both ethically and legally concerning, he added.
Former Lake Development Authority member Tej Shankar Paliwal said that Neemach Mata is not merely a tourist destination but a center of faith and spirituality. He expressed concern that the rapid expansion of ropeways, cafés and commercial activities is affecting the temple’s traditional dignity and peaceful atmosphere. Excessive commercialization around religious sites, he said, threatens the originality of cultural heritage.
Paliwal emphasized that “environment and culture-supportive tourism” is the only practical path for Udaipur’s future, where nature, culture and local communities can coexist sustainably.
Social thinker Nand Kishore Sharma highlighted that Udaipur’s lakes form part of an internationally significant wetland ecosystem that plays a vital role in groundwater recharge, biodiversity conservation and local climate balance. He noted that the Supreme Court, High Courts and the National Green Tribunal have repeatedly raised concerns over encroachment and commercial exploitation of water bodies and wetlands. Scientifically, excessive human pressure in wetland areas affects water quality, oxygen levels and aquatic biodiversity, he added.
Educationist Kushal Rawal said that lake areas should remain free from unnecessary artificial lighting, loud noise and excessive human activity after sunset. He mentioned that many environmentally sensitive wetlands and protected areas across the world implement “Night Ecology Protocols” to safeguard nocturnal biodiversity.
Young environmental activist Vinod Kumawat stressed that the administration must understand that drinking water security and ecological balance are more important than tourism activities. He warned that if the ecological health of the lakes deteriorates, the tourism industry itself could face a serious crisis in the future.
Senior citizen Drupad Singh called upon environmentalists, cultural activists and spiritually inclined citizens of Udaipur to launch public awareness campaigns and people’s movements to protect the sanctity and ecological balance of lake regions and spiritual sites.
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