Growing up in a small town, I cherished visiting the cities, enchanted by their bustling energy and countless opportunities. Yet, as I grew older, small towns began to feel more like home. They offered solace and a sense of belonging. But are villages and small towns the same as they used to be? Not quite. As development reshapes these spaces, the landscape of small-town life—both metaphorically and literally—is changing.

The post-COVID shift

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered lifestyles, particularly in metropolitan areas. The lockdowns imposed during the pandemic confined people to their flats and societies, fostering feelings of entrapment. Studies have shown that this confinement negatively impacted both adults and children. Children, deprived of social interaction, experienced premature maturity in behavior and physical development. Anxiety disrupted their well-being, leading to an erosion of childhood innocence.

For adults, the psychological toll was equally significant. The constant confinement and lack of outdoor activities led to heightened stress and anxiety levels. According to a 2021 study published in The Lancet Psychiatry, prolonged isolation during the pandemic increased symptoms of depression and anxiety in urban populations globally. This psychological strain triggered a desire for open spaces and nature-driven experiences as a means of stress relief.

This shift in mindset has directly impacted tourism. Post-pandemic, people are no longer waiting for holidays or peak seasons to travel. Instead, they are seeking frequent getaways to countryside destinations, mountains, or beaches. According to a 2022 report by McKinsey & Company, the concept of "micro-travel" or "short stress-relief trips" saw a 40% rise globally, with rural and scenic destinations experiencing the highest demand. Similarly, the Booking.com 2023 Travel Trends Report highlights that 65% of Indian travelers now prioritize nature escapes over urban vacations, citing mental health benefits as the primary motivation.

Adults, especially the working class, sought to reclaim a sense of balance. The pandemic’s challenges led to a rethinking of work environments. Flexible office hours, remote working, and hybrid setups became the norm. Concepts like “work from home” and “work from anywhere” gained traction, transforming mundane office routines. This shift birthed a demand for scenic, peaceful living spaces, propelling the construction market to cater to these new lifestyles.

The boom in domestic tourism

India’s domestic travel sector saw a remarkable surge in the aftermath of the pandemic. In 2021, domestic tourist visits reached 677.63 million, highlighting the importance of domestic tourism in sustaining the economy. This shift in travel patterns brought attention to quieter, greener locales, including hill states like Himachal Pradesh. According to reports such as Rise of the Indian Tourist: Travel Industry Pivots to the Next Big Market by the Financial Times, this growth reflects a broader trend toward experiential and nature-driven tourism. Additionally, the Indian Tourism Statistics 2023 report by the Ministry of Tourism highlights a 44% growth in domestic tourism from the previous year.

Himachal Pradesh: a case study in rapid development

Himachal Pradesh has long been a beneficiary of India’s burgeoning tourism industry. The state’s serene views and tranquil environment have attracted not only tourists but also investors and city dwellers seeking a slice of the hills. This demand has spurred a construction boom—hotels, flats, villas, and cottages now dot the landscape. Interestingly, Himachal’s land ownership laws permit only bona fide Himachalis to buy land. However, legal loopholes are often exploited. Outsiders use local residents’ names or enter marital alliances to acquire land for commercial purposes, leading to a rise in unregulated construction. According to a 2023 investigative report by The Economic Times, the relaxation of certain land laws has further fueled this trend.

Environmental repercussions

During my recent visit to my parents’ home in Himachal, I noticed construction at nearly every turn. While development brings economic benefits, its environmental repercussions cannot be ignored. Unplanned construction on steep slopes and the neglect of environmental laws have disrupted ecosystems. The consequences became evident during the heavy rains of 2023, which triggered numerous landslides along the Shimla-Nalagarh highway.

A report by the National Institute of Disaster Management in 2023 underscores the dangers of unregulated construction in fragile hill states, warning of increased risks of landslides and soil erosion. The issue extends beyond Himachal Pradesh. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2023 report notes that unplanned urbanization in rural and semi-urban areas exacerbates climate vulnerabilities. Himachal’s challenges mirror those faced by other hill regions globally, where balancing development with ecological preservation is critical.

On the flip side, this shift has significantly boosted local employment opportunities in small towns and villages. The urban-to-rural migration has also reshaped the social fabric of these communities. Villages and towns that were once self-contained and modest are now witnessing a surge in commercial activity. The rise of hotels and homestays has been accompanied by increased grocery stores, vehicles, and previously unavailable amenities. From large sanitary ware complexes to home decor outlets and renowned brand showrooms, these small towns and villages are rapidly evolving to cater to the needs of their new residents.

Striking a balance

Development in small towns like those in Himachal Pradesh must strike a balance between progress and preservation. Unregulated growth risks irreparably harming fragile ecosystems. Policy enforcement, sustainable planning, and community engagement are essential to ensure that development benefits residents without endangering the environment.

As small towns transform, they carry the weight of hope and caution. The challenge lies in preserving their essence while adapting to modern needs. For those of us who call these places home, it’s a delicate dance between nostalgia and necessity.