The town of Gokarna, once a tranquil and traditional coastal town in India, is undergoing a significant transformation due to the influx of tourists. Chaitanya Hegde, a junior research fellow from NIMHANS, has documented the changes in Gokarna through a photo exhibition at Azim Premji University. The exhibition, part of the annual climate festival, Coasts and Oceans of Life, highlights the impact of tourism on the environment and the local community.
Gokarna, once a humble town with traditional houses designed to withstand the humid climate, has seen a surge in tourism in recent years, with many visitors opting for it as a more affordable alternative to Goa. As a result, the town’s architecture has undergone a drastic change, with old houses being replaced by bohemian-style hotels and resorts. These new structures have failed to incorporate sustainable features, such as the traditional Kaavi paintings made from cow dung, which helped keep houses cool. Instead, they rely on air conditioning, contributing to environmental degradation.
The photos exhibited by Chaitanya show the devastating impact of unchecked tourism on Gokarna’s environment. Untreated sewage waste flows into open drains, breeding mosquitoes and polluting rivers and seas. The town’s natural beauty, including its steep slopes and Mangalore-tiled houses, is being replaced by modern architecture that disregards cultural sensitivities. The changes are not only visible in the physical landscape but also in the profession of the local people, who are increasingly shifting from traditional livelihoods to tourism-related businesses.
Chaitanya’s exhibition serves as a warning, highlighting the need for sustainable tourism practices that prioritize the environment and local community. He emphasizes that while tourism can be a viable source of income, it must be managed responsibly to prevent disasters like landslides, which have already occurred in Gokarna. The recent landslide in the town, which was attributed to monsoon rains by locals and the government, was likely caused by illegal quarrying and construction activities, according to Chaitanya. He urges that the landscape of Gokarna be preserved, and tourism be developed in a way that respects the town’s cultural and environmental heritage.