Tourism and its impact on Socio – Economic Life of Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh Pal, Anil and

16 Pages·2017·0.27 MB·English

by  Pal Anil

`
ESSENCE - International Journal for Environmental Rehabilitation and Conservation

Volume VII: No. 2 2016 [1 – 16] [ISSN 0975 - 6272]

[www.essence-journal.com]

Tourism and its impact on Socio – Economic Life of Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Pal, Anil1 and Pal, Brijesh Kumar2

Received: July 21, 2016  Accepted: August 20, 2016  Online: December 31, 2016

Abstract
The phenomena of tourism have undergone a
in-depth knowledge and idea to develop an
sea change in the recent years. Traditional ideal methodology. A large number of books
behavior of tourists to look for modernized have been reviewed to find out the previous
cities, star hotels, amusement parks, and night and present trends of research going on in
clubs has been shifted due to a variety of related to this topic. A number of
factors. Travel to relatively less pollute organizations, institutions and the government
undisturbed natural areas for the purpose of offices and non-governmental organizations
studying, admiring and enjoying the nature, its including state-level, district-level, block level,
wild plants, animals and local culture are different forest range-level and village-level,
getting popular these days. The present study were visited to collect various categories of
aims to show trend and impacts of tourism in data.
Shimla district. First step of the research is to
Introduction
collect the secondary data on different issues
International survey has ranked India as fifth
from various published and unpublished
among tourist hotspots in the year 2005. The
sources of different governmental and non-
tourism ministry of India has revealed that the
governmental agencies. Then the
tourists flow has gone up by more than 25%
reconnaissance survey was made to the study
over the last year and foreign exchange has
area. An extensive literature survey gives an
grown up by 40% over the last year and World

Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has rated
Keywords: Socio-economic | Tourism | Social
as the fastest growing tourism economy in the
| Economic | Development | Park | Facilities
world. Lonely Planet Pulse Survey conducted

For correspondence: among 20000 respondents across 167 countries

1Department of Geography, D.B.S. (P.G.) College, Dehradun ranked India as one of the top five most desired
2Department of Geography, H.N.B. Grahwal University,
destinations (The Hindustan Times Aug 23,
Srinagar, Garhwal
Email: [email protected] 2005). However not a single Indian city could

make it to the top twenty list. This is despite of
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Pal & Pal/Vol. VII [2] 2016/1 – 16
many metros boosting a rich heritage of trade, unpolluted rivers, which is probably why it is
culture and history. The situation arise since at abode of many gods and goddess. Shimla
the first instance when tourists touches one of district in its present form came into existence
these cities either he is assaulted by filth, noise, from 1st September, 1972 on account of
confusion or he is victimized by greedy taxi reorganization of the districts of the state. After
drivers and touts. The incredible India reorganization, the erstwhile Mahasu district
campaign, open skies and better connectivity 10th in its entity and its major portion was
with U.K. have really contributed positively merged with Shimla. It comprised 19 erstwhile
but other facets like good governance, tourist hill states. The district derives its name from
friendly local administration, and basic Shimla town, the district headquarters and also
infrastructure are crucial to retain India brand the state capital of Himachal Pradesh.
equity as a popular international destination.
Ecotourism as the concept deal with the overall
development of the destination emphasizes the
fulfillment of expectations of all stakeholders
concerned. It may be subjective as many
authors point out. But the ideology can really
contribute to an equitable tourism
development.
Himalayas are one of the nature’s most

fascinating phenomenon and one of the earth’s

most bewildering features. The Himalayas
The district Shimla comprises 7 sub-divisions,
have always been a nursery of peace and
17 tehsils and sub tehsils. The subdivisions are
religion. It has been the cradle of everything
namely Shimla (Rural), Shimla (Urban),
precious and beautiful in India’s heritage.
Theog, Rampur, Rohru, Chaupal and Dodra-
Poets, painters, sages and saints have always
Kawar, the Tehsils are namely Seoni, Shimla
been spell - bound by the natural grace and
(Urban), Shimla (Rural), Theog, Kamarsain,
charm of Himalaya. The poet Kalidas
Rampur, Rohru, Kotkhai, Chaupal, Jubbal,
conceived the Himalaya to be much larger
Chirgaon, and Dodra-Kwar while Junga,
mountain than the present form and described
Nankhari, Tikkar, Kupri and Nerua are the sub-
it as celestial entity in his famous epic
tehsils. For the rural development, the district
‘Kumarsambhava’
has been divided into nine Community
Study Area
Development Blocks, namely Rampur,
Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh is the Narkanda, Theog, Mashobra, Chaupal, Jubbal
embodiment of heaven on the earth, replete as Kotkhai, Rohru, Chauhara and Basantpur.
it is with lush green forests, high snow covered
peaks, beautiful valleys, gushing streams and
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Pal & Pal/Vol. VII [2] 2016/1 – 16
Shimla district situated between 30045’ to has been forced to produce visible result. It
31044’ North latitudes and 7700’ to 78019’ East took a great deal of effort on the part of
longitudes. It is bounded by Mandi and Kullu Japanese and American citizen to improve the
districts in the North, Kinnaur district and quality of socio-economic life. In the
Uttrakhand state in the East, Sirmour district in developing countries there is an absence of
the South and Solan district in the West. The general public pressure on the state to take
district contains the total geographical area as strong measures on the awareness on socio-
5131 Sq Km with varying elevation from 300 economic life. The awareness among the
meters to 6000 meters mean sea level. people is low and the tourism and environment
The topography of district is rugged and tough. group that exist are very particularistic and
The hills and mountains ranges are generally lack a mass base unless people feel
aligned in the East - West direction which individually threatened by socio-economic life.
present a complicated pattern of relief. The It is not likely that they will exert direct
pre-dominantly rough terrains, the prevalence pressure on the state to show results.
of interlocking spurs, narrow and steep side Unregulated tourism can cause manifold
valley throughout the district reflect the problems unbalanced social change and
youthfulness of its topography. unplanned economic development, Social
tensions and socio-economic life degradation,
Climatic conditions of Shimla district vary
distortion of life style and cultural decay.
according to elevation of the area. December,
January and February are severe cold months, Thus, Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh has
when the winter season is at its peak. Snowfall taken for the present study to know the trends
generally occurs in December and continuous and impact of tourism on its socio-economic
till mid March. Bulk of precipitation is life so that suggestion could be made for the
received generally in the rain season. The scientific and sustainable development of hill
average rain fall of district is 1028 millimeters. tourism. There are relatively few efficient
Due to large difference in altitude and studies on issue of real importance. It is
precipitation, the vegetation types in this starting to observe that countries with tourist
region range from tropical to alpine. Three potential undertake little or no research in this
rivers, i.e. the Satluj, Pabber and Giri flow failed compared to work done in the United
through Shimla district. The district has a very States and Britain. The proposed studies which
rich religious and diverse culture heritage. This have been carried out are, i) Shimla and its
is reflected through its myriad tradition carved tourist trends. ii) Analyze the impact of
wooden temples. tourism in Shimla. iii) Propose and suggest the
measure to control the adverse effects of
Aims, Objective and Methodology
tourism on socio-economic life of the people of
The public is still ignorant about the values of
Shimla district.
tourism and socio-economic life. In countries
like Japan, United States and Canada, the state
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The present study aims to show trend and well as September and October for foreigners
impacts of tourism in Shimla district. First step and “depression” period in January and
of the research is to collect the secondary data February. In summer, tourists come here to get
on different issues from various published and relief from the scorching heat of plain. Most of
unpublished sources of different governmental these tourists of this period come from Delhi,
and non-governmental agencies. Then the Haryana, Bihar, Punjab, Rajasthan and South
reconnaissance survey was made to the study India and small number from foreign countries.
area. An extensive literature survey gives an In winter, they come to see the clear sky, when
in-depth knowledge and idea to develop an Shimla provides an ideal setting for viewing
ideal methodology. A large number of books the Himalayan Panorama. In this season they
have been reviewed to find out the previous enjoy the snowfall. Autumn festivals of the
and present trends of research going on in district draw a lot of crowd of foreigners and
related to this topic. A number of south Indian during October-November. The
organizations, institutions and the government foreigners take enjoy of ice-skating and skiing
offices and non-governmental organizations in this period. Table 1 shows the monthly
including state-level, district-level, block level, arrivals of tourists in Shimla district of two
different forest range-level and village-level, years (2002-2003). It is apparent from the table
were visited to collect various categories of that the highest number of the Indian tourists
data. visited in the month of June (2,38,942) and in
Tourist Trends case of the foreigners the highest number of
The number of tourists is increasing day by visited tourists in the month of October (4,154)
day in the tourist places in the world .This time in 2002 and in the year of 2003 the tourist
tourism industry is growing very rapid rate. arrival rate has increased in month of June the
Providing money for each economy where it is Indian had 2,56,265, while the foreigners had
running with planned. The number of tourists 5,325 in the October month.
is rising continuously as the same rate as the Further increase of tourists is shown in the Table
population of the world is rising. The tourists 1.2. The table shows the monthly arrivals of
tourists in Shimla district of two years (2012-
have controlled by the climatic condition, i.e.,
2013). It is apparent from the table that the highest
summer (May, June) and autumn (September,
number of the Indian tourists visited in the month
October). The autumn festival attracts only
of June (4,00,359) and in case of the foreigners the
more sophisticated tourists. In the month of
highest number of visited tourists in the month of
December, January and February, the cold
September (9,259) in 2012 and in the year of 2013,
temperature (less than 2 degree C) and in The
the tourist arrival rate has increased in month of
July and August heavy rainfall lessen the
June the Indian had 4,69,341, while the foreigners
number of tourists. Thus, Shimla district had 10,925 in the September month.
experiences two extreme tourist periods, i.e.,
Impact of tourism in study area have been felt
“peak” period in May and June for Indian as
in two ways (a) Positive effects and (b)
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Negative effects. The positive effects are hills of Shimla. The impacts of tourism on
always welcome for the regional development economy, society and environment have been
and growth, while the negative impacts bring discussed below.
unwanted constraints to the region. Growing
tourism activities have greatly modified the
Year 2002 2003
Month Indian Foreigner Indian Foreigner
January 63,629 506 64,891 566
February 72,889 962 74,929 1,087
March 66,995 1,769 74,760 1,807
April 78,906 1,936 86,292 2,474
May 1,42,796 3,341 1,60,903 3,959
June 2,38,942 3,016 2,56,265 3,756
July 1,06,601 2,796 1,12,027 2,952
August 57,095 3,915 62,142 4,843
September 77,945 1,426 89,606 4,914
October 66,141 4,154 71,611 5,325
November 61,017 2,808 63,928 3,788
December 1,03,117 1,693 1,10,356 2,389
Total 11,36,063 31,022 12,27,710 37,860
Source: Directorate of Tourism and Civil Aviation: Himachal Pradesh
Table 1.1: Estimate of Domestic and Foreign Tourist Arrival in 2002-2003

Year 2012 2013
Month Indian Foreigner Indian Foreigner
January 99,496 2,594 1,05,127 4,032
February 96,344 1,152 1,01,171 4,206
March 96,927 2,403 1,01,889 5,769
April 1,06,746 2,639 1,14,453 7,279
May 2,45,517 7,448 2,97,812 9,414
June 4,00,359 6,893 4,69,341 8,821
July 1,51,040 6,549 1,65,011 8,947
August 83,720 6,915 92,113 9,273
September 1,31,006 9,259 1,44,516 10,925
October 1,04,790 9,147 1,24,911 10,793
November 92,178 5,776 1,03,746 6,494
December 1,49,184 3,977 1,51,125 4,454
Total 17,57,307 64,752 19,71,417 90,407
Source: Directorate of Tourism and Civil Aviation: Himachal Pradesh
Table 1.2: Estimate of Domestic and Foreign Tourist arrival in 2012-2013

The exposure of the tradition way of the people culture identity and erosion of moral and social
to the outsiders is not free from the negative values. Video parlors, disco dances in the bars
impacts. The simple folk cannot absorb the and restaurants, movies, dress, mannerism all
rude culture shocks that they have imbibed and pervade the major centres. All the men and
the evil consequences of a western society are workers engaged directly or indirectly in
all glaring, which are responsible for loss of different sectors of tourism activities, take full
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advantage of tourists coming from outside. Local Community
Gradually they are leaving aside the simplicity Local community is the key factor for the
and humanity of their behavior - a unique development of tourism in the area.
feature of the hills people. Modern tourism has Discussions with local villagers indicate that
made them cunning and clever who also start community interest in tourism is very high, but
hating their own community people. Over they have lack the skills, knowledge and
crowing in the markets, on the roadways and support to develop it. Local participation will
recreation spots may slowly increase the level be more effective than other media to promote
of frustration among local residents. tourism in the area. Local participation has
Tourism provides the huge wealth for economy been described as “giving people more
whether it is developed or underdeveloped like opportunities to participate effectively in
India. The tourists visit in a region, state or development activities. It means empowering
country give something to the people of the people to mobilize their own capacities, be
area. social actors rather than passive subjects,
a) In Shimla region where a tourist visits manage the resources, make decisions, and
earned revenues through the tourist trade, control the activities that affect their lives.” In
have a direct positive effects on economy. Shimla district only little part population is
So this region has earned the foreign living in the urban centers. The people of
exchange. Shimla district are simple, cooperative and
b) It has brought infrastructural improvement hard working class and a close knit
in the form of transport network, road community. The system of the joint family is
construction, electricity, water supply, still prevalent, but slowly changing to a nuclear
based family. Busheri and Hindi are the
drainage, sewerage, and tourist based
popular spoken dialect. It is a highly cast
industries etc.
c) The tourist industry being a labour-intensive conscious society. The people of all the
cultural groups are free to pursue their
service industry is a valuable generator of
employment. It is a great encouragement to customs, conventions, beliefs and traditions.
economic development of this region. The villagers women of the district are an asset
d) The tourism has raised the direct to the family, incharge of day to day domestic
relationship between traders and tourist chores like collecting fuel and fodder, bringing
trade goods and services. water, cooking food, tending to cattle and
e) The multiplier effects of the growing trade assisting in the agricultural fields. They enjoy
and tourist expenditure have stimulated the considerate freedom in the family and the
economic activities and their diversification spread of the education in the recent past is
in the remote areas of this region like slowly changing their social position. The
valleys of Tatapani and Pabber. men’s time is spent in rearing goat and sheep
and working in the fields.

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A wide assortment of Hindu temples, three primary occupation, viz., agriculture, dairying,
shrines and sacred grounds is found throughout cattle keeping, fisheries and forestry. The
the district. Each village of the district has a economy of the hilly districts in Himachal
local God known as Devta. These deities have Pradesh is dominated by agriculture,
a fascinating history and play an important role horticulture and animal husbandry. Similarly
in village affair. There are many important Shimla district also has an agrarian economy
pilgrimage spots in the district. All these spots with 80% of the workers directly engaged with
are regularly visited by locals and non-locals agricultural and horticultural activities.
alike, particularly men, and are only accessible The most important factors influencing the
in the summer and fall months. Hindu customs livelihood condition of the people in the
dictates that no leather articles are allowed district are variation in altitude, slope and
anywhere in the immediate vicinity. climate. These variations help the district in
People with their sense of the picturesque, in tourism development as well as agricultural
their colourful customs and costumes, for their and horticultural development. Due to tourism
hunger for life and for their passion, for songs development in the district, Shimla (town) and
and dances are the biggest attraction. The some other famous places like Ranpur,
genius of the valley lies in religion which Kotgarh, Kotkhai and Tatapani Kullu have
expresses spontaneously on periodic festivals, now become starting points of medium and
the Lavi Fair being the most grandiose in hard treks. Half a dozen trekking agencies and
colourful pageantry of the natives. Village the institute are engaged in this business which
melas (festivals) occur year-round. They are creates employment to the local people aby
colourful, multiple day affairs where gods from way of porters, guides and cooks.
different village are brought together. One can Long period of winter prohibits any outdoor
watch human spokes person for the each god activity of the people in the region. Thus, local
(Gur) go into a trans and tell stories, give people have to mainly depend upon the stored
advice, and answer questions for local resources i.e. grain, fodder and fuel wood etc.
villagers. Local songs and dances are also and economy generated during the non- winter
performed and villagers dress in the best months. Out of that too heavy rains often take
traditional costumes. Respectful observation by a toll of agricultural and horticulture crops.
outsiders is welcomed. Natti is a folk dance, Local community has direct interaction with
based on classic tradition of Nattya Shastra the tourist. They have the responsibility to provide
district has practiced by local amateurs, who a safe, clean, high quality experience for the
dance for themselves for their pleasures and tourist. In return, they have a right to a
with no audience in view. reasonable remuneration for their services and
Livelihood Strategies to ask for cooperation in respecting local
The people living in the rural areas of the traditions and the natural environment.
district are engaged and dependent on various
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Planning is for the benefit of people and they ecotourism and related activities. They are of
should be involved in the planning and the opinion that this may improve their
development of tourism in their area. Through economic status as they will get more
this involvement, tourism development will opportunity to earn through tourism. About
reflect a consensus of what the people want. 25% people want to establish small shop, about
Also, if local people are involved in planning 2.7% people want to become tourist guides,
and development decisions and if they 5% are in favour of establishing hotels or
understand the benefits the tourism can bring, restaurants, 7% are in favour of handicrafts and
they will more likely support it. Open public other show interests in porter, cook and in
hearing provide the opportunity for anybody to adventure sports. There is no outside
learn about the plan and express their opinion. advertising or co-ordination between them.
When the plan is completed, regional eco-
Role of Visitor
tourism seminar should be organized. This
In the hilly regions the tourism sector is
meeting informs the participants and the local
flourishing day by day thus the pressure of
community about the importance of controlled
tourists increases. Due to fast life of the metro
eco-tourism development and the
cities, the peoples want to spend their holidays
recommendations of the plan.
at peaceful places surrounded with trees and
There are at least five areas where local people snow clad peaks that’s why they make their
can help to bring about eco-tourism activities way to the hill stations to fulfill their desire.
i.e. information gathering, consultation, But due to heavy tourist pressure these hill
decision making, initiating action and stations are facing a lot of problems concerning
evaluation. Local organization such as gram the pollution, garbage, deforestation, wildlife
panchayat, mahila mandal, navyuvak mandal, destruction, socio-cultural loss etc. Thus this is
devta committies may need strengthening and the foremost duty of local peoples and tourists
local people may need some training in skill to handle this situation eco-friendly. So the
areas. tourists should have to take an active role in
Tourists are also asking to keep the area neat the protection of the environment and
and clean throughout their stay. Even though community development. The local
there is high local interest in ecotourism administration has to provide eco-friendly
development, there are a few independent awareness education to the tourists through
initiatives. Activity is mainly focused on a few pamphlets, posters, seminars, books and
guest houses, some sporadic employment as advertisement. If tourists will follow such
porter and guides and craft production. Such awareness so they can boost up the tourism
type of planning and strategies need proper very eco-friendly. In this respect tourists must
attention in other areas. be aware of their impact both positive and
About 65% of the villagers of the Shimla negative, socio-economically and ecologically.
This is especially true for the average Indian
District are willing to associated with
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tourists, who has had exposure to responsible habits of the city (pollution, litter and
tourism and has a tendency to bring the bad demanding attitudes) into hills.

Fig.1.3: Negative Impacts of Tourism

IMPACTS

ECOLOGICAL SOCIO-CULTURAL ECONOMIC
DESTRUCTION SOCICTAL ENCOURAGES
DOWNFAL
• Forest • Inflationary Trends
• Fauna • Cultural Loss • Conspicuous
• Grazing Land • Alienation • Consumption
• Xenophobia • Demonstration
• Vandalism Effect
• Selling Out • Import for
Antiques Tourism/ Leakages
• Internal politics • Privileged
• Limitation of Treatment of

POLLUTION CHANGES POOR ECONOMY

• Water • Lifestyle • Without Labour
• Air • Native Architecture • Overburdens
• Noise • Settlement Patterns Communal
• Trash Garbage • Folk Traditions Services
• Customs

I t t

DEGRADATION
PROMOTES DEPENDENCY
• Landscape
• Scenic Appeal • Moral Laxity • Seasonal Dependence
• Congestion/ • Crime/Gambling • Dependence on
Overburdening
• Prostitution Tourism
• Drug Addiction • Dominate by External
• Hygiene Problems • Inferiority (Locals) (City)
• Beggar Mentality
ORIGIN OF • Theft
HAZARDS
• Flood DITURB
• Land Slide
• Rock Fall • Religious Practices
• Debris Flow • Indigenous Style
• Avalanche • Social Cohesion
• Cloud Burst

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Fig.1.4: Positive Impacts of Tourists

IMPACTS

SOCIO-CULTURAL
ECOLOGICAL
ECONOMIC

Encourage PRESERVES

• Ecological Awareness • Culture: Monuments /
CREATES
• Conservation Ruins
• Measures to hold • Folk Tradition • Job Opportunities
Pollution • Culture Properties • Foreign Exchange
• Cleanliness in • Art of History • Additional Income/Tax
Campgrounds/ • Better Multiplier
k /t il / dl d
• Diversification of

Economy

RESPONSIBLE • Jobs for Unskilled/ Semi
HELPS
• Tourists IMPROVES

• Maintenance of Scenic • Space Organizations
Landscape • Urbanization • Infrastructure
• Research/ Environmental • Increased Communiction • Local Arts/Crafts
Impact studies • Modernization of • Regional Developments

ENCOURAGES

• Education

• Training of Craftsman/
Contact with Outside

World
• Speedy Knowledge
• Rediscovery of Lost
Tradition

The tourists should have to play a very will improve the positive mentality of the local
responsible role during their visit to the hill peoples towards the ecotourism.
stations as they are the central part of the The money spent by the tourist is the main
tourism sector. When the tourists visit to the source of the earning of the local community.
specific areas they should have to obey the Therefore, during the visit, the tourists should
rules and regulations made by the local have to spend a large part of their expenditure
administration to promote ecotourism. And it is on local produces that will be beneficial for
also their duty to give and take respects from raising the living standard of the local
local communities and educate them community and thus they will provide the best
concerning the ecotourism, thus this tendency facilities (accommodation etc.) to them. Such
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