Certificate: View Certificate
Published Paper PDF: Download PDF
Confirmation Letter: View
DOI: https://doi.org/10.63345/ijrhs.net.v14.i4.2
Dr. Geeta Rawat1, Shilpi Yadav2, Anjali3, Rashmi Rawat4, Ashu Dimri5
1Professor
Shri Guru Ram Rai University
ORCID id- 0009-0007-7163-9847
2Assistant Professor
Department of Geography
School of Humanities and Social Sciences, SGRRU
Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
ORCID id : 0009-0004-3102-0896
3Assistant Professor
Shri Guru Ram Rai University
Dehradun, India
ORCID id: 0009-0008-0134-803X
4Assistant Professor
School of Humanities and Social Sciences, SGRRU
Dehradun, Uttrakhand, India
5Ph.D Research Scholar, Department of Geography
Shri Guru Ram Rai University
Dehradun, Uttrakhand, India
Abstract— Tourism in the hill regions of Uttarakhand has emerged as a major contributor to regional economic development, yet its rapid and often unregulated expansion has intensified ecological stress across fragile Himalayan ecosystems. This study examines the relationship between tourism-induced pressures and environmental degradation, focusing on issues such as land-use change, resource depletion, waste generation, and increased vulnerability to natural hazards. Recognizing the limitations of conventional development approaches, the research proposes an integrated geo-planning framework that incorporates ecological sensitivity, spatial analysis, and sustainable tourism principles. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach by combining secondary data analysis, geospatial assessment, and evaluation of existing planning models to identify critical stress zones and patterns of environmental impact. It emphasizes the importance of carrying capacity assessment, community participation, and the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for informed decision-making. Furthermore, the research highlights the need for climate-resilient infrastructure and policy interventions tailored to the unique topography and socio-ecological context of Uttarakhand. By addressing existing research gaps, this study contributes to the development of a holistic planning model that balances tourism growth with ecological conservation. The findings aim to support policymakers, planners, and stakeholders in promoting sustainable tourism practices while safeguarding the long-term environmental stability of Himalayan regions.
Keywords— Tourism-induced ecological stress, Sustainable geo-planning, Himalayan ecosystem management, Carrying capacity assessment, GIS-based spatial planning
References
- Butler, R. W. (1980). The concept of a tourist area cycle of evolution: Implications for management of resources. Canadian Geographer, 24(1), 5–12. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1541-0064.1980.tb00970.x
- Chettri, N., Sharma, E., & Deb, D. C. (2004). Tourism and the environment in the Sikkim Himalaya: Implications for sustainable development. Tourism Recreation Research, 29(1), 53–59. https://doi.org/10.1080/02508281.2004.11081429
- Gössling, S. (2002). Global environmental consequences of tourism. Global Environmental Change, 12(4), 283–302. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0959-3780(02)00044-4
- Kala, C. P. (2013). Environmental impacts of tourism in the Indian Himalayan region. Journal of Environmental Biology, 34(5), 971–978.
- Mason, P. (2015). Tourism impacts, planning and management (3rd ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315795341
- Nepal, S. K. (2000). Tourism in protected areas: The Nepalese Himalaya. Annals of Tourism Research, 27(3), 661–681. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0160-7383(99)00088-3
- Rasoolimanesh, S. M., Ringle, C. M., Jaafar, M., & Ramayah, T. (2017). Urban vs. rural destinations: Residents’ perceptions, community participation and support for tourism development. Tourism Management, 60, 147–158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2016.11.019
- Sharma, E., Chettri, N., & Singh, K. K. (2009). Climate change impacts and vulnerability in the Eastern Himalayas. Mountain Research and Development, 29(2), 184–190. https://doi.org/10.1659/mrd.00062
- Singh, R. B., & Kaur, R. (2016). Sustainable tourism development in the Indian Himalayan region: Issues and challenges. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-33865-4
- United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). (2018). Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals – Journey to 2030. https://www.unwto.org/global/publication/tourism-and-sustainable-development-goals-journey-2030
- Verma, A., & Raghubanshi, A. S. (2018). Urbanization and environmental challenges in Indian Himalayan towns. Environmental Development, 27, 34–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envdev.2018.05.004