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Ecotourism in Uttarakhand
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Uttarakhand has a rare diversity of flora and fauna. This makes it an ideal area for developing
eco-tourism, projects and activities like jungle safaris, trekking on mountain and forest trails, nature walks, catch and release angling for Mahaseer and other fish species. All these activities have to be conducted in a manner that promotes awareness of environment and helps maintain the fragile ecological balance.
Master Plan for Ecotourism in Uttarakhand.
1 Introduction
1.1 Background
The Government of Uttaranchal, to exploit the State’s unlimited tourism potential, has formed a Tourism Development Board (TDB) with the responsibility for the development and promotion of tourist destinations in the State. TDB has taken several initiatives, in association with private sector and other industry players, towards the development of diverse tourist attractions in the State. As one of such initiatives, about 800 acres of land near Ramnagar in Udham Singh Nagar District is identified to be developed as a major tourism complex.
The identified land, located approximately 25 km from Ramnagar in the vicinity of Corbett National Park, is part of a fragile ecosystem where unplanned and unrestricted activities have the potential of severely damaging the environment. TDB, hereafter referred ‘the Client’, had, therefore, invited proposals from selected consultants / firms for preparation of a Master Plan / Project Report for development of an Eco-tourism destination in May 2002. After a detailed appraisal, Fairwood Consultants Private Limited (FCL), a Delhi based project development and consultancy organisation, has been selected for the purpose vide letter D.O. No. 422/Sec.T./2002 dated 5th August 2002.
1.2 The Assignment
1.2.1 Objectives
The Client, considering the location ideal for eco-leisure tourism, has following broad objectives:
To develop an international tourism destination through private sector (domestic and international) participation.
To develop an environmentally sustainable and financially feasible plan.
1.2.2 Scope
The scope of the assignment has been mainly to assess the site / destination to conceptualize a feasible project. ‘Terms of Reference’ (TOR) for the assignment given was as below:
Assess the existing tourism scenario in and around the identified land considering the natural resources, heritage and other cultural assets, quantitative / demographic factors like population, employment, occupation, income levels etc. and services and infrastructure already available.
Carry out a detailed destination analysis in the design of eco-tourism facilities.
Evaluate the existing infrastructure services, such as surface, and local transportation, sanitation, medical facilities, power, water supply and telecommunication and suggest measures for improving their efficiency and adequacy with reference to the project.
Ascertain and suggest linkages with relevant tourist circuits in the region/country.
Determine alternative additional tourist activities besides nature walks, safari, golf course, health resort, sports complex, accommodation for tourists of different income segments and profiles, so that the identified land attracts tourists round the year.
Prepare specific projects with comprehensive lay-out and design for suggested tourism activities proposed for the complex.
Prepare a report for infrastructure required at the identified site with specifications and layout design and cost estimates.
Suggest any other measures required for developing the area as a special integrated tourism destination.
Suggest tourism infrastructure facilities required around the identified land. These would include aspects like multi modal access, wayside amenities, art and culture-related infrastructure, telecommunications, electricity, package tour operations and guide services, etc.
Study the environment, social and economic sustainability aspects with the help of a rapid initial environment analysis and suggest measures for sustainable development. Identification of green belt area and environment protection regulations needs to be addressed.
Analyze the potential visitor segments vis-à-vis tourism resources of the identified land and tourist arrivals at nearby tourist destinations, and suggest strategy for multinational marketing for attracting domestic and foreign tourists.
Assess the investment needs and sources of funds for the proposed development, and suggest strategies to bring in private sector investment, including foreign direct investment (FDI) for the proposed development.
Delineate direct and indirect benefits and income potential for local population as a result of project implementation, and other direct / indirect benefits accruing from the proposed development.
Project the envisaged foreign exchange earnings from the proposed tourism development plan.
Give recommendations on the framework for implementation of the project, including possible arrangement in the form of a SPV, and regulatory framework as may be necessary.
Suggest guidelines and a broad action plan for time-bound implementation of the project. Report needs to cover infrastructure development guidelines also, including role if any, that may be played by the consulting organisation.
A list of probable strategic investors and partners, firms having similar interests and competencies to be provided to facilitate future decisions and investment tie-up.
Provide financial analysis and feasibility of the proposed projects so as to enable investment decisions by the interested parties and the State, as the case may be.
Later, during initial discussions / meetings with the Client the extended scope of work also included:
Develop strategy paper for the Ministry for disposition of the project / shelf of the projects.
Prepare a shortlist of potential investors.
Prepare information flyer on each project.
1.2.3 Exclusions
The following activities were excluded from the scope of the assignment:
Soil investigation
Site survey of all types
Front-end engineering
Detailed engineering
Statutory clearances
Any other activity beyond Section 1.2.2
1.2.4 Schedule
A total of 16 weeks are provided for the completion of assignment.
1.3 Our Approach
1.3.1 Development Issues
Planning and development of about 800 acres land into an international tourist destination requires a comprehensive evaluation of inter-linked aspects:
Market – tourist attractions and tourist traffic.
Facilities – connectivity, accommodation, physical and social infrastructure.
Environment – ecological factors, local factors and impacts.
Offerings – feasible products, phasing, promotion and disposal.
1.3.2 Methodology
This section describes the general approach / methodology adopted for the assignment. Specific methodologies are explained in respective chapters.
The methodology adopted for the assignment involved both primary and secondary information collection. Primary information included site visit by the project team for the purpose of comprehensive understanding of local issues. Visual survey was done for site conditions (topography, vegetation, climate and others). Meeting with officials (local, district and state), site in-charge and other relevant people were conducted to get insights about site, neighboring area / locations and market. Secondary information included collection of available data and other materials on demography, tourism, infrastructure, environment and other relevant aspects from various sources. Sources included Census, National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), National Readership Survey (NRS), Industry Chambers like PHDCCI, State Government Offices (local, district and state capital) and Internet.
Information collected was collated component-wise for ease in analysis. The analysis flow is shown in figure 1.1. Industry experts were involved for providing inputs on specialized components. In-house architects and engineers worked out design and costing. Different analysis (details are given in later chapters) tools were used for different components. For example, tourist traffic estimate for the proposed complex was mainly based on percentage filtration method.
Figure 1.1: Analysis Flow Diagram
A close liaison with the representatives of the Client has been maintained during the course of assignment and their valuable inputs have been suitably incorporated in the report. As per TOR requirement, a one-representative office has been set-up at Dehradun to maintain day-to-day co-ordination.
1.3.3 Format
The draft report is structured in a manner to give its reader clarity without bulky details. Information to the extent of maintaining lucidity is provided in chapters. Details are kept as attachments / annexures. Graphs, tables and pictures are liberally used for better articulation.
To be continued ...
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