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

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` 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the secondary data on different issues International survey has ranked India as fifth from various published and unpublished among tourist hotspots in the year 2005.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 1 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 2 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 3 Pal & Pal/Vol. VII [2] 2016/1 – 16 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) 4 Pal & Pal/Vol. VII [2] 2016/1 – 16 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 5 Pal & Pal/Vol. VII [2] 2016/1 – 16 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. 6 Pal & Pal/Vol. VII [2] 2016/1 – 16 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 7 Pal & Pal/Vol. VII [2] 2016/1 – 16 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 8 Pal & Pal/Vol. VII [2] 2016/1 – 16 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 9 Pal & Pal/Vol. VII [2] 2016/1 – 16 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 10

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Thus, Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh has taken for the present study to know the trends and impact of tourism on its socio-economic life so that
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