Author: Dr. Bidyut Halder
Abstract: Tourism is an important sector to any country for the development of the economy. But tourism industry is directly related to the environment. Bishnupur has internationally recognized as one of the environmental “micro hot spot” due to the biological diversity and distribution of the eastern ghat. Unique culture heritage of the area has made ideally suits for tourism and a most attractive recreational spot in the country. The quality of the environment, both natural and man-made, is essential to tourism. However, the relationship of tourism with the environment is complex. It involves many activities that can have adverse environmental effects. Many of these impacts are linked with the construction of general infrastructure such as roads and railways, and of tourism facilities, including resorts, hotels, restaurants, shops, etc. In this paper it is trying to focus upon negative role of tourism in Bishnupur town on its socio-cultural environment. Bishnupur in Bankura district has internationally recognized as one of the cultural heritages. Its renowned terracotta made temple, expressing the exotic sculptural beauty and architect. On the other hand, tourism has the potential to create beneficial effects on the environment by contributing to environmental protection and conservation. It is a way to raise awareness of environmental values and it can serve as a tool to finance protection of natural areas and increase their economic importance. An environmental impact assessment survey was conducted through sample survey method at major tourist spot in this town to analyze the tourism impact on the livelihood and socio-economic conditions of the local inhabitants. We describe that the effects of tourism on natural resources, environmental pollution, physical environment and tourist activities. This study shows tourism has sequential influences on local communities by various untreated sewage and wastes, and pollution, road congestions etc. we explain environmental impacts of tourism on global scale, positive impacts of tourism and, finally, how tourism can contribute to environmental conservation.
Keywords: Bio diversity; environment; hot spot; livelihood; Inhabitants; Tourism.
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