March 21: The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), which earns an international recognition for adventure trekking, is seeing a lesser number of trekkers these days, thanks to the consequences brought about by unmanaged motorways.    
The locals complained that the increase in traffic movement has led to sound and dust pollution, posing the risk of further damage to the natural beauty of the area.    
Almost all settlements in the region have now access to motorways. Though the development activities have made it easier for tourists to travel and access the area, it is not cost free in terms of environmental aspect, natural beauty of the area and the public health. It has also brought negative consequences to the trekking business, say tourism entrepreneurs.    
People who used to feel the inhalation of fresh air while walking are now compelled to wear facemasks to avoid dust pollution.    
The construction of motor roads rampantly from Lamjung to Manang and from Myagdi to Muktinath has put the trekking route at risk of extinction, said visiting tourists. Human encroachment on the natural beauty of the region is also another matter of concern.    
Former President of the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) western region chapter Deepak Raj Adhikari said motor roads have been constructed by damaging structures of the trekking route.    
Short and long trekking trails in Ghodepani, Poon Hill, Nagi and Khopa in Myagdi, Jomsom, Upper Mustang, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Peak, and Ghandruk have been 'largely destroyed' due to the construction of motorways.    
Trekking is one of the major attractions of Nepal's tourism industry. But entrepreneurs are worried to see trekking route getting damaged and losing its charms with the availability of unplanned and unmanaged transport facilities.    
Subarna KC who runs a hotel at Dana said trekking tourists were shortening their trip citing trekking experiences were no more entertaining as in the past. Rampant construction of roadways causes encroachment on the existing trekking routes. But, no substantive efforts have been made so far to protect the trekking routes, said the locals.

Trees were cut down during the extension of roadways, causing the degradation of natural beauty of the area. According to tourism entrepreneurs, 80 percent trekking tourists have started shortening their trip comparatively to the past. They expect the Nepal Tourism Board and the TAAN to work together to restore trekking business, and its charm and essence in the Annapurna area. -- RSS