It is an open secret that large scale land conversion is taking place in the state and that too in a tearing hurry. Land conversion is carried out to change the use of land from agricultural to non-agricultural purposes. Orchard land is being converted into a settlement zone. There is illegal hill cutting going on in several places across the state. People from other states in the country, especially from Delhi, are buying flats and houses in the state which they utilize as a ‘second home’. With the construction boom the green cover in the state is being depleted which can contribute to climate change. Wildlife is being displaced from their natural habitat and there could be a severe water shortage in the future. The construction activities can also have a negative impact on tourism in the state. Those who own a 'second home' would prefer to occupy it during their stay in the state and even cook their own food. This could lead to a fall in hotel occupancy and reduction in business for the restaurants. This will reduce the revenue generated by the tourism sector in future.
