JAC : A Journal Of Composition Theory ISSN : 0731-6755

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF ECOTOURISM IN THE HILLY REGIONS OF TAMILNADU WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO

Dr.R.KANNAN, Ph.D., Professor & Director, Centre for Tourism and Hotel Management, Kamaraj University, Palkalai Nagar, Madurai – 625021.

ABSTRACT

Tourism is a major prospective economic segment to a country. In some countries and areas the economy even depends only on tourism itself. In Kodaikanal, tourism is the economic backbone and it has witnessed good growth over a period. Increase in personal vehicles and better transportation facility are the keys to the tourism development in Kodaikanal which has been a tourist attraction spot to keep welcoming people. Fast development of an efficient, cheap transport and communication system has brought the tourist centers like Kodaikanal within easy reach of common man. Development of Kodaikanal with improved facilities to draw more tourists will not only facilitate the local population but also receive valuable foreign exchange. The researcher made an elaborate attempt to analyse the major environmental impact of ecotourism some stipulated measures in this research and portrayed a clear cut picture of it.

Keywords: Impact Assessment – Ecotourism – Methods – Cost Benefit Analysis - Technique

INTRODUCTION

Environmental Assessment (EA) is the perspective of the ecological effects (positive/negative) of a plan, strategy, agenda, or actual ventures prior to the decree to move ahead with the proposed action. In this environment, the word “Environmental Impact Assessment” (EIA) is generally used in applying to real projects by individuals or companies and the term “Strategic Environmental Assessment” (SEA) applies to policies, plans and programmes most often planned by organs of state. It is a tool of environmental management which forms a part of project approval and administrative. The EA (Environmental Assessment) might be managed by the regulations and administrative procedure considering public contribution and documentation of decision making, and may also be subject to judicial evaluation.

The intention of the assessment is to make certain decision makers considering the environmental impacts when deciding whether or not to proceed with a project. The International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) illustrates regarding the EIA as “the method of identification, prediction, evaluation and improvement the biophysical, social and further related effects of progress proposals aforementioned to major decisions being taken

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and commitments to be made”. EIAs are considerably unique that they do not require any adherence to a fixed environmental result, but relatively they require some decision makers to account for environmental values in their assessments and to authenticate those assessments in the light of detailed environmental studies and public comments on the potential environmental impacts.

Kodaikanal is a charming Hill Station unspoiled by modern Development and is known as “Princess of the Hill stations of the South”. Kodaikanal is one of the most popular Hill station in Tamilnadu in . The Kodai , Bryants Park, Pillar Rocks, Perumal Peak, Silver Cascade, Bear Falls, and the Astrophysics Observatory are some of the attractions. Kodaikanal is famous for its flowers, high breeds and crafts, hill plantations like vegetables, fruits and plums. The Pride of Kodaikanal is the “Kurinji Flower” which blossoms once in twelve years. It has blossomed in 2017 and the Next Season it blossom is 2029.

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

The techniques that are used to perform the environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the Project are described in this segment. The EIA uses a procedural structure developed by Stantec to get together the combined requirements of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) and the New Brunswick Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation (the “EIA Regulation”). These EIA techniques are based on a planned approach that, predominantly:

Considers all central and regional regulatory requirements for the evaluation of environmental effects as defined by CEAA, with particular consideration of the requirements of a) the Final Terms of Reference for an Environmental Impact Assessment approved by the Governments of New Brunswick and Canada in April 2012 (Stantec 2012a), and b) the Final Guidelines for an Environmental Impact Assessment (NBENV 2009) as issued by NBDELG. Considers the issues raised by the public, Aboriginal persons, ENGOs, and other stakeholders, during consultation and engagement activities conducted to date. Focuses on issues of greatest concern, which arise from the above considerations and integrates engineering design and programs for mitigation and monitoring into a comprehensive environmental planning and management process.

NEED FOR THE STUDY

Planning focuses on setting parameters to guide city development for the betterment of public welfare and most favorable utilization of the restricted resource of land. The process needs to be proactive rather than reactive. Sectoring and constructing byelaws are the prime tools to attain the planning goals. A document called master plan is prepared to express the development in the required approach. Additionally, the master plan requests to describe the physical planning of property use and transportation. Master plan aims to integrate various sectors and plan taking into consideration of the overall requirement of land, services, infrastructure and many other factors over a twenty year time frame. In this progression, planners predict the population depending upon the natural growth rate and migration trends prevailing in the region. With the support of the predicted population, the plan document assesses the requirements of resource for the plan period of generally 15 to 20 years. The adequacy analysis for each

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sector highlights the sufficiency and deficiency in infrastructure. This provides a general structure of required space and provides direction for future growth.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE RESEARCH

Kodaikanal is a hill station located in District of State. Kodaikanal is a well recognized tourist place since 1845. The geographical locality of kodaikanal is located at 77°29’29.6” E Longitude and 10°13’54.7” N Latitude. The extent of the Kodaikanal Local Planning Authority is 21.21 sq.kms. The city has nearness to Dindigul and Madurai cities. Kodaikanal is also referred as “Princess of Hill Stations” and this hill station is a major tourist attraction. Tourism is the major economic activity of this region. The city is located at the distance from the ground of 7000 ft (2133 m) above mean sea level. It is situated at a distance of 125 kms from Madurai in a North West direction. The town is linked with the surroundings by roads from , and . The nearest railway station is Kodai Road on the - Madurai section, 80 km from Kodaikanal.

The economy of Kodaikanal predominantly depends on tourism. The number of tourists’ arrival has been increased from two million in 1999 to 3.2 million in 2009. The town’s infrastructure transforms every year in preparation for the peak tourist season. Major roads are improved into one-way roads to control the steady inflow of traffic and special police are brought in for the safety of the tourists and protection of local businesses. Hotels are frequently fully booked in the peak season and remain virtually empty during the off-season. Because of the quick development of nearby cities such as Madurai, Palani and the town is learning to deal with year-round tourism.

Plums, pears, chile peppers, carrots, cauliflower, cabbage, garlic, and onions are grown by terrace farmers in nearby villages. Most of the cultivated vegetables have been trucked to other parts of India and some were sold in the local market itself. A popular tourist memento contains handicrafts, home-made chocolates, postcards, and oil.

Due to its relatively unpolluted image, various locations in Kodaikanal are used for movie shoots. Some examples are Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar however portrayed as Dehradun, the Tamil movie Guna, Manmadhan Ambu, and Thenali.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

A master plan affords long vision for the built atmosphere of the planning area. It identifies the suitable land uses inside the planning area to guard the public health and safety and to encourage welfare. It essentially reflects the people’s vision for the future. It identifies appropriate locations for all activities within the arrangement. It regulates the density and maintains the level and hierarchy of open spaces. On the whole, it presents the overall image for the development of the region in the direction of the vision set for it.

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The period of plan for the projected customized master plan is 2021. Since the plan period is getting to end almost immediately, the developments that have taken place outside of the present planning area in Vilpatti, Poomparai, Thandigudi, Adukkam have also to be taken into consideration. Therefore, to direct and manage the haphazard development, it is essential to prepare the master plan for the composite Local Planning Area. In the preparatory time of master plan for Composite Local Planning Area, the Kodaikanal Single Local Planning Area should also be evaluated holistically. The present study largely deals on “ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF ECOTOURISM IN THE HILLY REGIONS OF TAMILNADU WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO KODAIKANAL”.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The present research is having vast scope for analyzing and making comparison of further direction of researches in the particular field. Though there were many more studies have been already carried out but no attempts have been made in the particular angle. In this context this research is having a deliberative and temporal analysis of analyzing the various influencing factors of attracting tourists in Kodaikanal. By the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) and the Court’s Scientific Experts Committee (SEC) during the project appraisal summit in January 2010 IIT Delhi is revalidating the hazard observation study and site-particular cleanup principles; the National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, is studying the impact on trees and conservation of trees and the Centre for Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute, Ooty, is studying the impact on soil and soil erosion. Based on the above considerations, results of remediation testing and suggestions of the SEC, the TNPCB will take a final decision on the clean-up standards. Hindustan Unilever Ltd. will initiate soil remediation work at the factory site once a decision on clean-up standards is taken and permission is given by TNPCB. In future what type of planning policies have to be taken to assess the real impact of conserving nature and also maintaining good ecological balance with its own and fauna.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Manish Srivastava (2009) in his study found that there is remarkable rise in tourism in all over the world. Yet tourism has got the position of largest export industry worldwide. The estimations about tourism says that the number of tourists departing their homes is 898 million in 2007 and this number is likely to increase to 1600 million by 2020 and the revenues from it are estimated to cross $ 2000 billion. Although the advantages of tourism are not to be judged in terms of economic benefits alone, tourism has wider inferences including not only economic benefits but also social and cultural benefits additionally. From the social and cultural approach, there is enough evidence to support the fact that tourism and travel unquestionably produces an interaction between the cultural customs of the visitors and those of the host population. Traditional tourism is a productive position to exercise inspired talents, irritating special types of relations between the tourists and the host population, between the tourist and the host environment.

Anbalagan and Gunasekaran (2008) in their study pointed out that Vellore district is blessed with a cultural heritage, pilgrim centres, wildlife sanctuaries and hill station. Due to lack of publicity, the medical tourists are

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unaware of beautiful sights in the district. This study revealed that the word of mouth is the most influential media among the tourists. Medical tourists are ambassadors in their own countries. They will be the one to tell others of their experience, good or bad. Mass media also plays an important role in promoting medical tourism. There are number of magazines that describe medical tourist attractions. Major drawbacks of medical tourism in Vellore district pointed out by the patients are lack of proper infrastructure, inadequately maintained roads, very high rates of air fare, lack of tourist information centres, good middle class accommodation, pollution, unsafe and non-availability of hygienic food stuff. The development of medical tourism depends upon the marketing strategies adopted by Government tour operators and facilitators.

Ramalingam (2005) opines that tourism is a composite phenomenon, which embraces the incidence of a mobile population of travellers who are strangers to the places they visit. It is essentially a pleasure activity in which money earned in one’s normal domicile is spent in the place visited. Prof.John Gabbrith previously said, “One of the greatest pieces of economic knowledge is to know that you do not know”. It also promotes national integration and international understanding, creating concept opportunities and augments foreign exchange earnings. So tourism gives support to local handicrafts and cultural activities too.

OBJECTIVES

The present study focuses the following major objectives:

 To study environmental impact of ecotourism in the hilly regions of Kodaikanal.  To know the methods and means followed in assessing the real environmental impact.  To deal the various planning policies adopted to conserve good ecological issues.  To deal the matters pertaining to the avoidance and improvement measures in improving the ecological index and also tries to reduce the environmental degradation.  To enhance productive oriented adoptions of technology in the new avenues of environmental good quality.  To suggest certain policy implications and suggestive recommendations for the betterment of environmental quality in this area.

HYPOTHESES

. There is a significant association between environmental index and quality assessment. . There is no any association between the inflow of tourists and environmental degradation. . The ecological imbalances of this area is alarmingly decreasing in the study years. . There is no uniformity of environmental index among the intra region and inter regional environmental differences.

RESEARCH GAP

The present research is trying to fill up the research gaps and addresses some research questions took forward by the researcher.

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RESEARCH QUESTIONS

a) How to measure environmental impact and to compare inter-regional areas? b) What is the role of Government and NGOs in protecting environmental quality? c) How to overcome the existing environmental degradation and follow suitable remedial measures? d) What are the future policy decisions taken by the Government in an eco friendly manner?

METHODOLOGY

The researcher strongly relied upon the data gathered from the records of Kodaikanal Municipality for the study years. Hence, this research is also based upon both primary and secondary data collected from various sources like ITDC, TTDC, CII, Tourism and Travel operator’s manual, Portals in the various years.

In this research the researcher adopted descriptive and explanatory research to make comparison among the interregional areas. The method followed in this study is descriptive method which focuses larger segments of tourism activities through various agencies. A well structured interview schedule was used by the researcher to collect essential information for the study purpose.

TIME PERIOD

A short span of 1 year period has been made by the researcher as a research base about 18 months period been analysed in detail.

ANALYSIS OF DATA

Simple charts, Pie diagrams, Tables have been used to show the variations of the tourists visited over the study years in this area was analysed. With the help of SPSS condensed data have been classified into various diagrams, tables with pictures and pie charts to show their respective contribution of development in the research.

LIMITATIONS

This research is only on a micro level basis and not macro level. Important parameters may be delimited and hence, there is only a limited scope of further research on the basis of the data. Like of all researchers this research is not free from its own defects, limitations and demerits. The larger portions of data have been gathered from the records of various agencies and so secondary data is the only major source available to the researcher for prosecuting this research. All the essential items have not been included because of paucity of time and there may be exclusion of certain important items. For a plain truth on the basis of secondary data alone this research was taken out and result of the experiments could not affect too much. The understanding of the importance of food as significant component in tourism is nowadays well accepted. The tourist practice of striking experience is a necessary driving force and the effort of developing features that can be recognized as distinguishing distinctiveness that could make it more appealing for tourists is a common effort of every tourism destination.

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The total number of tourist arrivals has been increasing steadily till 2008. After which there is an oscillation in the increasing trend in the town. The total number of annual tourist in the town is given in the table below.

Annual Number of Tourist Visited

Year Number of Tourists Visited

2000 1258273

2001 1362758

2002 1403623

2003 1483766

2004 1591453

2005 1598990

2006 1761212

2007 2079188

2008 2689734

2009 3162769

2010 2748215

2011 3058591

2012 3162879

2013 4837678

2014 5435469

2015 6500000

2016 6800000

2017 7100000

2018 8130048

Source: Reports of TTDC 2019.

The visiting tourist clearly shows the interest of the people to visit Kodaikanal. Except the year 2010, the total number of tourist visiting keeps increasing every year. The same is shown in the picture below in a bar chart form. The natural beauty and pristine environment of kodaikanal need to be conserved to keep kodaikanal attractions as a tourist destination.

Kodaikanal has a lot of potential to attract visitors. Staying options are one of the main criteria to visit a place there are a variety of option Also these facility becomes livelihood to the people who are facilitating it. One

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such a facility is home stay option at most of the hill station. Ministry of Tourism has initiated such a facility named it as “Incredible India Bed & Breakfast Establishments”. Here in Kodaikanal area such a facility is to be allowed in Primary Residential, Sparse Residential and Primary Vegetative Land use zones.

Number of Tourist Visited

10000000 8000000 6000000 4000000 2000000

0

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017 2018

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT – SOME BAD EFFECTS

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

. In Kodaikanal municipality, usage of plastics is prohibited. . The Solid waste are generally generated from residential area, hotels, markets, commercials centers, education and other public and private institutions etc, around 20 MT of solid waste generated within the municipal area, are collected by garbage vehicles and mini vehicles and dumped into the municipal compost yard located at Seeradumkanal village of Adukkam village panchayat, 12 Km away from Kodaikanal Municipality. . At an estimated cost of Rs.110 lakhs, a segregation division is being constructed under the financial assistance of Swach Bharath Scheme. The collected solid wastes are segregated and the degradable wastes are converted into organic manure and non degradable wastes are supplied to recycling process. The organic manures are supplied to horticulture and agriculture works. Kodaikanal municipality has planned to set up four more Micro Compost Center (MCC) at Sivanadi road, Upper Lake Road, Koyyapari and Anandagiri. Kodaikanal Municipality has announced under Solid Waste Management Rule 2016, the Institutions which produce more than -100kg of solid wastes per day shall establish segregation unit at their own cost within their premises. It will decrease the trouble of municipality and also impact on the environment as well.

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WASTE GENERATION PER CAPITA PER DAY

S.No Land Use Type Estimated Waste Generation 1 Residential refuse 0.3 to 0.6 kg/cap/day 2 Commercial refuse 0.1 to 0.2 kg/cap/day 3 Street Sweepings 0.05 to 0.2 kg/cap/day 4 Institutional refuse 0.05 to 0.2 kg/cap/day Source: Manual on Solid Waste Management, CPHEEO – 2019.

Door step collection system is put into practice and it is segregated in to degradable and non degradable at different stages. One at the door step and the other at the micro dung and finally in the Dump yard. Currently the segregation procedure is done manually; the segregation facility is under construction. When the segregation is done, degradable waste is sent for manure preparation and other plastic related materials will be sent for recycling. Even the plastic bags are collected by private industries, since they are used for cement preparation. There is no other industrial waste.

KODAIKANAL MERCURY POISONING

Air and water-borne mercury secretions have polluted large areas of Kodaikanal and also the surrounding forests. A study conducted by the Department of Atomic Energy confirmed that has been contaminated by mercury discharges.

Mercury pollution was found in Kodaikanal affecting in the area. The cause is from Hindustan Unilever thermometer factory near, were reported to be spreading of elemental mercury into the atmosphere from unacceptable storage and dispersal into the water from surface waste matters from the factory. Trees surrounding the , located 20 km (12.4 mi) from the factory were also tested for any contamination. These showed a little mercury levels in the range of 0.2 µg/kg, while in Kodaikanal Lake the lichen and moss levels were 7.9 µg/kg and 8.3 µg/kg, respectively. Kodaikanal Lake also showed mercury levels in the range of 120 to 290 mg/kg, confirming that pollution of the lake had taken place because of mercury emissions from the factory.

The Hindustan Unilever thermometer factory caused prevalent mercury toxic waste through unacceptable disposal of broken thermometer waste containing huge quantities of mercury. The factory sold much of this waste to compost in Kodaikanal and also dumped large quantities in the forest at the back of the factory. The factory was finally closed in 2001 after 18 years of process. Hindustan Lever have used considerable legal manipulation to avoid paying reimbursement to the workers and their families, many of whom died or became physically handicapped because of mercury poisoning.

MAJOR FINDINGS

 The Master Plan was planned only for the municipality of Kodaikanal. But the entire Kodaikanal region was notified as Kodaikanal Composite Local Planning Area on 2004.

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 A provision has to be made in the Master Plan for provided that multi level parking facilities in municipal and public lands in the prohibited areas.  Tourist places, to be marked in the Master Plan like Lake, Bryant Park, Chettiar Park etc.  To guarantee that existing building in the primary residential areas are better developed since many are not permanently occupied, they may be allowed to be utilized as bed and breakfast and home stays as per Ministry of Tourism procedure.  Eco friendly improvements and educational institutions can be allocated in primary vegetative zone. These developments will make a reduced density.  Transportation land use part to be verified with consequent field maps.  In Primary Residential Usage sector, the plot coverage may be reduced from 75% to 60% and limitation for the minimum site extent may be reduced to 95 Sq.m.  To check up the need for providing Ground + 2 floors in Primary Residential area.  In meager Residential use zone, the plot coverage may be reduced from 50% to 30% and the minimum front setback may be 3m.  In Educational use region the least degree of the site may be as per regulations of Education department and Common Development and Building Rules.  The maximum height of the building might be 10m for the buildings which mentioned under the Public offices, Hotels / Restaurants / Lodges.  Parking standards may be arranged in the Master Plan.

The population projected is examined and reworked in the Modified Master Plan for the year 2021 as 42,000, as next to the projected population 50,000 in the Consented Master Plan.

The extent of developed area 1209.16 Hectare as per the consented master plan is reduced to 899.20 Hectare to develop the ecology of the planning area.

The Educational use zone is separated from the Multi Use Zone in the Modified Master Plan.

SUGGESTIONS

Identifying the importance and requirement for conservation of the wildlife wealth of the State, Tamil Nadu Government enacted separate law to protect of valuable animals as per the Tamil Nadu Wild Elephants Preservation Act 1873 and The Wild Birds and Animals (Protection) Act, 1912), much before enactment of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

According to Forest Department of Government of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary wraps an area of 60895 ha. located in Dindugal and Districts. Anamalai – Parambikulam Elephant Reserve located in Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Dindigul Forest Division, Kodaikanal Forest Division is to be conserved.

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Eco sensitive zones have also been determined by the Government of Tamil Nadu in accordance with the Kasthuri Rangan report and are awaiting notification of the Government of India. This master plan makes certain Reserved Forest and protected areas are entirely left intact.

With the data inputs, analysis and potential of the ULB, setting vision of this urban area is to “Develop this Town as a Sustainable Tourist Destination”. The Development Policy is framed to attain sustainable development by conserving nature also to leave way for development in the areas listed below:

 Recycling Water and Minimizing Solid Waste Generation.  Adapting renewable energy to Government buildings and commercial buildings.  Adaptation of Electric mode of vehicles.  Promoting Cycling for city mobility.  The ecological balance and natural beauty of the Place is sought to be preserved.  The Lake which is located central to the town is to be protected together biologically and visually.  The Vegetation dominance of the landscape should not be lost to a building dominant environment.  Commercial and Tourism development to be balanced to preserve tourism plead.  Tourism through the provision of boarding and lodging facilities particularly for lower and middle income groups, recreational facilities, adequate roads, and local transport facilities shall be based on the carrying capacity of the hills.

THE FOLLOWING MEASURES ARE SUGGESTED

 Primary Vegetative use Zone concept has been proposed wherein to protect the catchment area of the Kodaikanal lake and to control the built up environment.  A Sparse Residential Use Zone concept has been introduced to cut the allowable Density of the Residential Use Zone.  The land uses, such as Mixed Residential, Commercial and Public and Semi Public uses are clubbed together, a New Multi Use Zone and its regulations has been introduced to ease adherence of landuses.  The plot coverage, Height, FSI and general building controls have been designed to conserve the built environment as well as natural ecology.

CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS

After the careful consideration and contemplation the researcher came to the conclusion that the environmental impact on kodaikanal is alarmingly deteriorating and the ecological imbalances are vastly noticed. A proper and clear cut Government initiative is the need of the hour today and ray of hope of improving the eco balance to maintain in the good quality of flora and fauna and also attracts larger tourists to visit Kodaikanal throughout the year. The most important medical amenities are provided through KHMS Hospital, Van Allen Hospital, the Government Hospital, and the Prana Spa. Those hospitals give treatment to the patients having ordinary diseases and injuries and execute infant delivery and care, but are not outfitted with modern medical

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equipment for complicated diagnoses and surgery. KHMS hospital was formed in the year 2009 to offer good quality health care to inhabitants and visitors. In April 1915, Dr. Van Allen raised funds to build the first unit of the hospital at the entrance of Coaker’s walk. Its amenities have been updated and now it has an X-ray machine, well outfitted pathological lab, and operation theatre with blood transfusion services. The Government Hospital located on the hillside nearby Rock Cottage on the Lower Shola Road. It was a little municipal hospital till 1927. Now it has X-ray, dental and maternity wards and other added facilities. The ex-workers united together to form the Ex- Mercury Employees Welfare Association in 2006 and filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) suit in the Madras High Court. The association requests an economic rehabilitation scheme, healthcare treatment and a monitoring programme at the company’s expenditure for everyone who ever worked in the industrial unit. It also wants the company accused. Hindustan Unilever refuses that any of the health problems of the workers or their families were the consequences of mercury exposure in the factory. In 2010 the workers were still fighting for reimbursement. In June 2007, the Madras High Court constituted a five-member expert committee to make a decision on the mercury workers’ health claims. The last court hearing was in June 2008. The committee afterward failed to find adequate proof to connect the current medical condition of the factory workers to past mercury exposure in the factory.

REFERENCES

 Buhalis, D & Laws, E. (eds) (2001). Tourism Distribution Channels-Practices, Issues and Transformations, Continuum Publishing, London.  Buhalis, D. (2003). E- tourism –Information Technology for strategic tourism management, Prentice Hall, Harlow, UK.  Business Today, March 11 (2007). Public Health, Private Opportunity.  Business Today, September 9 (2007). Wind under their Wings.  Carter R & Bedard, F. (2001). E-Business for Tourism-Practical Guidelines for Tourism Destinations and Business, WTO Business Council, Madrid.  http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/mta/midterm/english-pdf/chapter-13.pdf  http://www.adb.org/Documents/Books/ADO/2001/lao.asp  http://www.mekong.com/laso/general/ law2.htm  http://www.unctad.org/trains/ cnlao.htm  http://www.world-tourism.org  http:www.visit-Mekong.com  Jaishree, M. 2000. and Gender Correlates of Food Security: A Case Study of Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Madras  Modern Medicare, March (2007). Where does India Stand?  SNV, 2000 “Eco-tourism Status Report, Lao PDR”, Vientiane, Lao PDR.  Stynes, Daniel J., 2000 “Economic Impacts of Tourism”  Tamil Nadu Tourism Department: http://www.tamilnadutourism.org  Tamil Nadu Tourism News Letter. Published by Tamil Nadu Tourism, Chennai

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 The Economic Times, Chennai, 27th April (2005). Pronto! Indian Aviation Goes JetSetting.  Travel Trend Today, January (2007), On the Emerging Trends in the Indian Hotel Industry, Vol.23, Issue No.1.  UNESCO Website: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/  WTO, 2001 “Tourism and Poverty Alleviation”, Madrid, Spain  www.estig.blogspot.com/2005/10/role-of-ict.html.

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