It is related to finding solution for sustainable tourism, in an environmentally fragile valley Kashmir

By

Acknowledgement

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the Study1

Overview of Kashmir and its Strategic Importance1

Tourist Attractions in Kashmir2

Environmental Damages due to Tourism3

Impact of Tourism on Physical Environment3

Impact of Tourism on Wildlife4

Statement of the Problem4

Impact of Tourism Promoting Measures on Environment5

Impact of Tourism on Natural Environment6

Tourism and Environmental Protection7

Impact of Tourism on Cultural and Physical Environment8

Impact of Tourism on Ecological Imbalance9

Pollution due to Tourism10

Aims and Objectives11

Purpose Statement12

Significance of the Study12

Research question13

Hypothesis13

Thesis Disposition14

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW16

Introduction16

Traces of Tourism in Kashmir19

Traces of Conflict22

The Cease-Fire (1949)23

The Emergence of Militant Islamism (1989)24

The Respective Views24

India24

Pakistan25

China26

The Issue of water26

Need to Resolve27

The Second Indo-Pakistani War28

The third Indo-Pakistani War28

Rise in Jammu and Kashmir29

Kargil War30

Global Context32

Supplementary Studies35

Building Tourism38

Modus Operandi40

Citizen Participation and Community Involvement41

Socio-Political Control43

Empowerment44

Sustainable Tourism48

Environment48

Culture49

Societal50

Related Notions53

Environmental Threats54

Water Pollution55

Threats to Biodiversity55

Water Pollution56

Air Pollution57

Threats to Animals57

Deforestation58

CHPATER 3: METHODOLOGY61

Research Design61

Mixed Method Research62

Advantages and Disadvantages of Mixed Research Method63

Assessment Tool64

Data Collection65

Research participants66

Data Analysis Techniques66

Quantitative Data Analysis67

Qualitative Data Analysis67

Ethical Considerations68

Informed Consent69

Confidentiality70

Validity71

Reliability72

Justification for Chosen Method73

CHAPTER 4: TOURISM AND ENVIRONMENT76

Impact of Tourism on Environment76

Depletion of Natural Resources in Kashmir77

Pollution due to Tourism in Kashmir79

Physical Impact of Tourism in Kashmir82

Link between Tourism and Contamination of Jhelum82

Link between Tourism and Environmental Pollution83

Impact of Tourism on Underwater Environment84

Trends Analysis85

SWOT Analysis89

Participant Profiles91

Age Wise Distribution Of Respondents91

Distribution of Respondents By Sex92

Distribution of tourists by occupational status93

Distribution of tourists by mode of travel94

Respondents association during travels94

Distribution of respondents by travel planning95

Distribution of tourists on the basis of frequency of visit97

Perception of respondents on entertainment facilities (in percentage)97

Perception of respondents on tourist information facility (in percentage)98

Conclusion101

CHAPTER 5: ANALYSIS108

Analysis Test110

Data Analysis111

Question 1111

Question 2112

Question 3114

Question 4116

Question 5117

Question 6119

Question 8121

Question 9123

Question 10124

Question 11127

Question 12129

CHAPTER 6: INTERPRETATION133

Sustainable Tourism133

REFERENCES143

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The economy of any country is dependent on a number of industries present and operating within a country, with tourism and environment holding special position as means of attaining foreign exchange. Thus, it can be said that tourism has an important part in the designing and planning of the overall economic policy of the country. It should also be noted that specific claims regarding progress in tourism generally leads to an increase in respect of the industry among the business community (Villers, 2003). This is so because the economy of any country is linked to the success in attaining maximum possible retunes from the natural resources present in the area, which includes the tourism sites as well.

Overview of Kashmir and its Strategic Importance

In order to get complete idea about the issue, it is essential to have information regarding the geographical position of Kashmir and its tourist ...