Environmental Implications of the Recent Growth of Tourism in Nainital, Kumaun Himalaya, U.P., India

Travel has had a great fascination for many people since time immemorial. Mass tourism, however, is a modern phenomenon and the development of tourism as an economic resource is a twentieth-century concept (Joshi et al., 1983). Since World War II it has grown very rapidly as a result of the availability of fast means of transport and comfortable lodging, promotional efforts by government and private agencies, and many other factors. The importance of modern day mass tourism in the socio-economic development of regions that are industrially backward but rich in attractions can hardly be overemphasized. In recent years there has been an unprecedented expansion of tourism that has resulted in an unplanned growth in the tourist industry in India. This has undeniably boosted the economy of certain areas and has provided employment potential, infrastructure, and improved services. However, where this rapid growth was not preceded by planning strategies, negative effects are evident. The natural beauty of the landscape the very basis of tourist activity in many areas-may be spoiled by uncontrolled exploitation. Therefore, there is great need of judicious land use and planned development that conforms to the laws of nature to ensure a healthy socio-economic growth in tourist areas

Agroforestry · Archaeology · Biology · Geography · Tourism · Diverse Aspects of Tourism Research

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