Paper Details

Name: Rajeev Kumar, Yasmin Ameer
Country: India

Year: 2024
Volume: Volume-11, Issue-2 (July- December)
Page Number: 6-13

Tourism has seen a global rise over recent decades, with religious tourism standing out due to its historical significance. Haridwar, located at 29°58′ N latitude and 78°10′ E longitude, is a prominent religious destination for Hindus and attracts both domestic and international visitors due to its stunning geographical setting and rich cultural resources. Tourism undoubtedly contributes to regional economic development, and Haridwar is no exception. As a key religious site, it has unique characteristics, but the influx of tourists, especially during religious festivals, has led to significant environmental pollution. This paper aims to assess the tourism infrastructure, evaluate the economic impact of religious tourism, and address the environmental challenges associated with tourism development. Additionally, it offers recommendations for enhancing tourism in the region. This paper evaluates the sustainability of tourism in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, where tourism plays a crucial role in the local economy. However, the city's tourism environment is increasingly threatened by the ongoing degradation of natural resources. The aim of the study is to assess the sustainability of tourism with respect to both ecological impact and the local community in Haridwar. The research, conducted using data from various secondary sources and an extensive field survey from 2000 to 2022 employs scientific methods to analyse the situation. The paper highlights the conflicts between tourism activities and the conservation of natural resources, noting that unchecked tourism has negatively affected the quality of the Ganga River water and the city's infrastructure. The author provides a critical review of Haridwar's Master Plan and recommends scientific measures for promoting sustainable tourism, with a particular emphasis on ecotourism.