Research Paper Bangus: the Potential Ecotourism Place of District

Research Paper

Bangus: The potential ecotourism place of district Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Shazia Lone1*, R. G. Jaybhaye2, Fayaz A. Lone3 and Malik Asif4 1Department of Environmental Sciences, Government Degree College (Boys), Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir, India 2Department of Geography, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Maharashtra, India 3Department of Botany, Government Degree College (Boys), Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir, India 4Division of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, Jammu & Kashmir, India *Corresponding author E-mail: [email protected]

Received: 19/06/2018 Revised: 29/06/2018 Accepted: 06/07/2018

Abstract: Tourism is one of the main Keywords: Bangus, Ecotourism, Carrying economic industry of the state of Jammu and capacity, Scio-economic benefits. Kashmir, which is worldwide famous for its natural beauty. However, tourism INTRODUCTION development is limited to a few places in the The state of Jammu and Kashmir is situated valley, which is not only restricting socio- between 32010' - 36035' N latitude and 73015' economic benefits but also producing - 80018' E longitude. The total area of the negative environmental impacts on these state is 22,22,236 km2 and population is places due to increasing tourist influx about 10.1 million (Census, 2011). The J&K beyond carrying capacity. Bangus is an is divided into three divisions i,e Jammu, undeveloped tourist destination which offers Kashmir and Ladakh. All the three divisions many attractions to its visitors in terms of offer different attractions to the visitors in scenic beauty, wildlife and amicable terms of biodiversity, environment and climate. Ecotourism development of the cultural diversity. The Kashmir and Ladakh place will not only reduce the tourism is worldwide famous for uniqueness of the pressure to developed sites but will also help natural surroundings. Kashmir valley, in socio-economic upliftment of the area. covered by the mighty Himalaya, is blessed The study aims to explore ecotourism with coniferous forests, large lush green potential of the Bangus. meadows, rich wildlife and fresh water bodies in the form of lakes, rivers, streams

Under auspices of Environment & Social Welfare Society, India Page 786

International Journal of Global Science Research ISSN: 2348-8344 (Online) Vol. 5, Issue. 2, October 2018, pp. 786-792 DOI: 10.26540/ijgsr.v5.i2.2018.105 Available Online at www.ijgsr.com © Copyright 2014 | ijgsr.com | All Rights Reserved and springs. There are many tourist Travel to natural destinations. destinations few to mention are, Gulmarg, Minimizing the impact on nature and Pahalgam, Kokernag, Verinag and Mugal community. Gardens. However, these places are under Building environmental awareness. the continuous threat of mass tourism hence Providing direct financial benefits for indicating many negative environmental conservation. impacts like water pollution, soil erosion, Providing financial benefits and disturbance of wildlife and loss of empowerment for local people. vegetation cover. The main objective of this All these characteristics can be achieved research was to assess the potential for through the: ecotourism in Bangus valley (District Conservation of biological diversities and Kupwara) of J&K state so as to achieve a cultural diversities by protecting the decrease in the mass tourism pressure on the ecosystem; already developed tourist sites and also to Promotion of sustainable use of biodiversity, enable the local people of the most by providing jobs to the locals; backward area of the state to generate Sharing of socio-economic benefits with income from local tourism and upgrade their local communities and indigenous people; living standards. As tourism is one of the Create tourism packages to unspoiled main sources of economy of the state, but natural resources with minimal impact on unfortunately the income from this sector the environment; has remained confined to only in few Local culture, flora and fauna being the pockets of the valley. Exploring Bangus main attractions; and valley for tourism will help in equal Local people benefit from this form of distribution of economic benefits hence tourism. would help in achieving the goal of Ecotourism is gradually becoming a sustainable development. There are mainstream tourism around the world. numerous conceptual definitions of Ecotourism absorbs at least US$20 billion ecotourism in literature. According to the every year, which is about one quarter of the World Tourism Organization (2002), total income from international tourism. “ecotourism is all forms of tourism in which According to the world tourism the main motivation of tourists is the organization, more than 3 billion people will observation and appreciation of nature, tour around the world annually and 500 which contributes to its conservation and million of them will go to natural which minimizes the negative impacts on environment such as virgin forests (Liu et. the natural and socio-cultural environment al., 2002). The UN international Year of where it takes place”. A formal definition of Ecotourism during 2002 reviewed ecotourism by the international ecotourism ecotourism experiences worldwide, society (TIES) is that, ecotourism involves highlighting three significant aspects: travelling to natural areas that helps to nature, tourism, and local communities. conserve the environment and promote the Most of the studies relating to tourism wellbeing of the local people (Strasdas, emphasize the economic dimensions at 2002). Martha Honey (Wikipedia, 2010) international and national levels (Gray, expands the TIES definition by describing 1970; Thuens, 1976; Mathieson and Wall, the seven characteristics of ecotourism, 1982), while very few have investigated which involves: local levels (Henderson, 1975). Likewise,

Under auspices of Environment & Social Welfare Society, India Page 787

International Journal of Global Science Research ISSN: 2348-8344 (Online) Vol. 5, Issue. 2, October 2018, pp. 786-792 DOI: 10.26540/ijgsr.v5.i2.2018.105 Available Online at www.ijgsr.com © Copyright 2014 | ijgsr.com | All Rights Reserved there have been proposals to link cultural only the troops who cling on their positions and eco-tourism into a more sustainable in the face of arctic temperatures interrupt perspective which is able to acknowledge the stillness the Bangus winter. In the month the natural environment, built environment, of may, though the ice gives way to a dense icons and attractions of destinations as part turf of grasses and wild flowers, watered by of the cultural package (Greathouse, 1997). snow melt and a profusion of streams running off the glaciers that surround it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Much of the Bangus plain is in fact a matted Study area: weave of grass and peat floating on water, The Bangus valley is an unexplored region makes the surface spongy and ripples under of district Kupwara (J&K) India. It is foot. The soil texture of the region is sandy situated between 34022'2"N latitude and loam mostly black in colour. No recent 7403'27"E longitude at an elevation of 3044 census has been conducted on the meters (10000 feet) above main sea level extraordinary migration that begins in the having an area of approximately 300 km2, spring but, by visual observation and the with sloppy topography. Bangus Valley is people in Bangus reported that about 25,000 about 105kms north from the capital city livestocks including horses, buffaloes, cows Srinagar. Bangus is a huge meadow divided and sheep graze in Bangus valley. Human into two parts–Bada Bangus (Large Bangus) population about 2000 are present in 300 and Chota Bangus (Small Bangus).The kohtas (small log huts). This population valley is surrounded by Shamusberry hills includes both Kashmiris’ and Tribals. The toward west and kazinag glacier towards population is non-permanent and stays in the East, towards North and are lush green Bangus Meadow only in Grazing season. coniferous forests. The valley remains Bangus valley can be accessed from three covered under the thick carpet of snow routes. One route is from main town about six months (Dec. to May). The kupwara to Bangus via Chowkibal national maximum mean temperature remains 280C highway. Other two routes are through in the months of June and July and Rajwar and Nowgam. Nowgam route is the minimum mean temperature remains -120C main route of Bangus valley. This route is in the months of January and February. motorable upto Kishtiwar and onwards it is From the air, it resembles a giant bowel of about 6.5 kms trekking path through lush powdered sugar, neither animals nor people, green coniferous forests.

Bangus Valley Kupwara (J&K)

Under auspices of Environment & Social Welfare Society, India Page 788

Bangus valley kupwara

Map of Bangus valley kupwara. Data Collection: Fowl (Gallus gallus murgi), The floristic Mostly primary data was generated to study and faunistic diversity will encourage the area. Two principle means of data ecotourists to appreciate nature and will also collection were utilized 1) Interviews with increase their knowledge of Bangus the local community and local authorities, 2) biodiversity. The crystal clear fresh water Non-participative observation of natural stream passes through the centre of meadow, resources, cultural resources, site analysis nurtures many fresh water fish enhances the and community analysis. beauty of the meadow. The area can be Study Findings: developed as world’s finest and largest golf Qualitative analysis was carried out and course. The slopes of Bangus can offer following results were obtained. trekkers an excellent trekking experience. Natural Resources Analysis: Bangus valley On the way to Bangus valley via Nowgam has the potential to be developed as an route is flowing a fresh water Mavar nalla ecotourism destination. The area is rich in (stream) meandering of this stream provides biodiversity. There are hundreds of species an enchanting look and can offer finest of flora including medicinal herbs, the mountain trout fishing. In this research first dominant species among flora are Abies ever effort on tourism carrying capacity was pindrow, Cedrus deodara, Pinus also made, by following the methodology wallichiana, Juniperus squamata, Salix from Cifuentes (1992) it was found that alba, Betula utilis, Berberis lyceum, effective real carrying capacity of Bangus Bergenia stracheyi. Medicago polymorphia. valley at present is 14400 visits / day, which Ranunculus hertillus, Aqualigia and can be more improved once the region is Aconitum and fauna include are Leopard developed hence, the area provides best (Panthera pardus), Spotted Dear (Axis axis), alternative to reduce the pressure of mass Black Bear (Seleuarctos thibetanus tourism on known tourist places of the laniger), Jackal (Canis aureus indices), Kashmir valley. Snow Partige (Lerwa lerwa), Red Jungle

Under auspices of Environment & Social Welfare Society, India Page 789

Cultural Resource Analysis: The local town to Bangus valley is 35kms.The kashmiri wazwan (cousine) is identity of the analysis of the areas development indicates whole Kashmir valley, which tourists can that the area is least developed. Electricity get in this area also, besides local food the and Telephone lines are not available. The area can also offer local folk and different road condition is not good. Schools and designes of rich Kashmiri handicrafts. primary health centre is also not available in Community Analysis: Bangus valley does the Bangus area. not have any permanent residence, people Tourism Facilities and Services: As the from adjoining villages come to the meadow region is unexplored for tourism, there are for six months (June to Oct.) to graze their no tourist facilities available within, only livestocks. However the population of these water proof tents can shelter in the Bangus villages is approximately 2,971 people. valley for overnight stays. However J&K These villages have both kashmiri and tribal public works department (PWD) has communities. Among villages Lovosa constructed a 3BHK guest house at occupies 20% kashmiris’ and 80% tribals, Rashiwari, which is just 5kms away from Mankal has 100% tribal population, Wader Bangus and can be booked in advance has 50% tribals and 50% kashmiris’, through PWD department. Nowgam has 98% kashmiris and 2% tribals. Discussion and Recommendations: Tribal communities include are, Seer, Bangus valley has a great potential to be Khatana, Badana, Meelu, Tidwa, Piswal and developed as a new ecotourism destination, Chachi. Based on the observations in the but there are lots of improvements to be research area, the overall condition of the made such as, accessibility, infrastructure, area is not well. Growth is very slow due to facilities, public transportation, negligence from the state Govt. accommodations and enhancement of efforts Economic Activities and Incomes: The towards the involvement and participation of main economic activity of the locals is rice local people in the tourism development. farming, maize farming and very few have Involvement of local residents in ecotourism their own apple orchards. Villagers about could bring about changes in their education 18% also work as potters in Army as the and awareness of the consumption of natural area is near to line of actual control (LOC) resources, which is very important for between India and Pakistan. Many villagers managing nature reserves (Ma, 2001). There work as Shepherds who take cattle’s of well- is also need to have a pre-environmental off people for grazing in the Bangus management plan so that Bangus can not Meadow for which they earn Rs150 or face the same ill fate as other developed 40kgs of paddy for single cattle for a one tourist regions of the Kashmir valley. season (six months). There are very less Ecotourism helps to sustain the livelihoods people 2-3% serving as Govt. employees. of the locals and increase their living of Most of the tribals 80-90% are dependent on standards (Wearing, 1993). Community Bangus forest. Collection of timber, fuel and participation as described by Murphy (1985) medicinal herbs and to graze their livestock is central to the ecotourism concept, with in the meadow is their daily activity to meet proponents arguing that participation in their basic needs. planning is necessary to ensure that benefits Site Analysis: Bangus valley is located in reach residents in destination areas the district Kupwara at the extreme north of (Simmons,1994). Cater (1994) suggest that Kashmir.The distance from the kupwara ecotourism business development promotes

Under auspices of Environment & Social Welfare Society, India Page 790

International Journal of Global Science Research ISSN: 2348-8344 (Online) Vol. 5, Issue. 2, October 2018, pp. 786-792 DOI: 10.26540/ijgsr.v5.i2.2018.105 Available Online at www.ijgsr.com © Copyright 2014 | ijgsr.com | All Rights Reserved higher economic multipliers, and that a preserve the natural environment and community approach to decision–making eradicate poverty of the local people. helps to ensure traditional lifestyles and community values are respected. Ecotourism REFRENCES can help to sustain the livelihoods of the World Touris Organization (2000) locals in the adjoining villages of Bangus Sustainable Development of Ecotourism. A valley. Attractions are mainly found in the compilation of good practices. World livelihood of the local villagers and the Tourism Organisation resources are abundant .Ecotourism has been a catalyst in poverty alleviation in many Strasdas W. (2002) The ecotourism traning Asian countries such as, Loos, Thailand, manual for protected area managers. Mongolia, China, Nepal and others. For Germany: German Foundation for tourism industry to work on sustainable International Development. basis there is need to share ecological burden and economic benefit to other hidden Liu C. C, Xie Y. J and Li Z. G. (2002) tourist regions of the Kashmir valley. Tourism development in Asia Pacific Making traditional handicrafts is an income Region: Worldwide views and generator, if the locals of Bangus are taught multidimensional perspectives- A review of skills and are carried out commercially, their the 8th APTA annual conference. Tour Trib, dependence on the Bangus forest will get 17(5), 71-75. reduced, which in turn will help in the conservation of the biodiversity. Gray H. P. (1970) International Travel: International Trade. Health Lexington Conclusion: This research paper has Books, Lexington discussed the potential for development of Bangus valley as a new eco-tourism Theuns (1976) Notes on the economic destination. The new ecotourism attraction impact of international tourism in of Kupwara is hoped to achieve the developming countries. Tourism Review, following objectives: 31(3) 2-10. To protect and preserve the natural resources of the Bangus. Matheison and Wall (1982) Tourism: To reduce the increasing pressure of mass Economics, Physical and Social impacts. tourism on the already developed tourist regions Henderson D. M. (1975) The Economic To upgrade the infrastructure, facilities and Impact of Tourism: A case study in Greater services ,i.e public transportation in the area Toyside, Tourism and Recreation Research which encourages the local employment and Unit, University Of Edinburgh, Research to strengthen the economic well-being of the report no-13. local community. To encourage participation from local Greathouse A, Louisa (1997) M. communities in the development of rural Ethnic,Cultural and Ecotourism. American tourism. Behavioural Scientist vol.40: 936-943 The study can provide valuable input to the J&K government and stakeholders to start Cifuentes (1992) Methodology of carrying ecotourism in the rural area, a way to capacity assessment.

Under auspices of Environment & Social Welfare Society, India Page 791

Ma Z. Y. (2001) On integrating poverty alleviation into framework of tourism development in the project of western China’s Development. J Nat Resour,16 (2): 191-195 (in Chinese with English abstract)

Wearing (1993) “Ecotourism the Santa Rainforest Project”. The Environmentalist, vol.13, No.2. pp-125-135

Murphy P. E. (1994) Tourism and Sustainable Development. In W.Theobald. Global Tourism the next Decade. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Simmons (1994) Community participation in tourism planning. Tourism Management. vol.15.issue 2. pp- 98-108.

Cater E (1994) Ecotourism: A sustainable option? In E. Cater and G. Lowman (eds) Wiley Chichester,UK.

Under auspices of Environment & Social Welfare Society, India Page 792