Over 6 lakh tourists visit Ladakh every year, whereas the local population is only 1.5 lakh. Ladakh is witnessing a burst of growth that its fragile eco-system is unable to handle. On one hand, the glaciers in the region are shrinking at an alarmingly rapid rate, on the other, the impact of unregulated tourism is taking its toll on natural resources. A walk around Leh in summer is a nightmare, with bumper-to-bumper traffic and water tankers parked outside properties to cater to tourists. Every second structure has been converted into, or has made way for, a guest house. There is unregulated digging of bore wells on private properties, and some have run dry due to overuse and a depleting water table. Traditionally, most Ladakhi homes used compost-pit toilets, which require no flushing, whereas the newer constructions are equipped with water tanks. Increasing solid waste generation and ground water contamination are the two biggest ecological threats to the region. If these continues then soon ladakh will become a deserted moonscape. Be a tourist but dont be an ignorant one. Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/BRcMHxz0Hfg . . . . . . . . . . #ladakh #ladakhtourism #highonmountains #roadbike #pangong #pangongtso #kashmir #lehdiaries #ladakhtrip #ladakhlovers #himachalpradesh #himachal #indiaphotoconcept #indiaphotographyhub #indiaphotographer #indiaphotoclub #photosofindia #photographyindia #myindianphoto #explore_landscapes #epiccaptures #ig_planet_earth #earthmagazine #ladakhdiaries #lehladakh #himalayanrange #highonhimalayas #trailsofindia #vibesofindia (at Ladakh, India) https://www.instagram.com/p/CC-wmv7lVxn/?igshid=1onf1ojtpq7bf