Trade-off between Tourism and Environment: A Case Study of Kashmir valley

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CHAPTER NUMBER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the Study1

Overview of Kashmir and its Strategic Importance1

Tourist Attractions in Kashmir2

Environmental Damages due to Tourism3

Damage to Physical Environment due to Tourism3

Damage to Wildlife due to Tourism4

Statement of the Problem4

Tourism Promoting Measures Affecting Environment5

Impact of Tourism on Natural Environment6

Tourism and Environmental Protection7

Impact of Tourism on Cultural and Physical Environment8

Ecological Imbalance due to Tourism9

Pollution due to Tourism10

Tourism and Contamination of Jhelum11

Tourism and increase in Environmental Pollution12

Impact of Tourism on Underwater Environment12

Aims and Objectives13

Significance of the Study15

Research question16

Hypothesis16

Thesis Disposition16

CHAPTER NUMBER 2: METHODOLOGY17

Research Design17

Data Collection19

Research Instrument19

Research participants19

Data Analysis Techniques20

Validity and Reliability20

Trade-off between tourism and environment: A case study of Kashmir valley

CHAPTER NUMBER 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. 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 aspects. Jammu and Kashmir is the northern most state of India, covering a total area of 1,35,154 sq.kms It is situated between 32°17´ and 36°58´ north latitude and 73°26´ and 80° 30´ east longitude. The states of Jammu and Kashmir have been blessed with natural exquisiteness and the beauty in the best possible manner (Qazi, 2005). It covers different landscapes and backdrops including the lush green meadows, gushing and nascent streams and springs, high snow capped mountains, good for health climate, admired and valued spaces, which ensure provision of solace and mental peace to the visitors. It is due to the same reason that the area has been serving as the economic backbone of India since a number of years.

Tourist Attractions in Kashmir

Holding the title of 'Piece of paradise on Earth' and 'Switzerland of the East', Jammu and Kashmir is comprised of three different regions with various and diverse ethnic, linguistic and cultural backgrounds (Qazi, 2005). It should be taken into account that diversity serves as a positive aspect, in promoting tourism and thus the social cultural setting add to the recreational value of the area. Kashmir is surrounded by mountains, which vary from being lush green in summers and snowcapped in winter. The area becomes exceptionally inviting and tempting during the monsoon season, which lasts from January to April, while rain is rare in rest of the year (Qazi, ...