Anshu ., KIRORI MAL COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF DELHI, India
Preeti TEWARI, SHIVAJI COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF DELHI, India
The development of tourism centres around the 3As of attraction, accessibility and accommodation. Areas with a poor resource base have successfully promoted themselves as tourist destinations to become more prosperous. Sustainable tourism does not necessarily displace people from existing livelihood opportunities based on primary activities. It rather provides opportunities to diversify sources of income and increases resilience of communities. The present paper, based on a study conducted in Banka District in Bihar, tries to identify the potential of tourism and the ways in which tourism can help achieve economic development by expanding livelihood options in the area. The district has a poor resource base, but has spectacular attractions for tourists – Mandar Parbat and Odhani Dam being the most prominent. Mandar Parbat, a granitic outcrop about 215 metres high has 920 steps that lead to the top of the hill to a panoramic view. In September 2021, a ropeway was constructed to reduce travel time to the hill top while providing an exhilarating experience for tourists. Revenue generated through tickets is used for further development of infrastructure. Kiosks operated by locals sell souvenirs and eatables to the increasing number of tourists. Odhani Dam, provides an opportunity for lacustrine tourism. Along with its pristine and scenic surroundings, it is a habitat for migratory birds. Tourists revel in the beauty of the lake and enjoy boat rides and jet skiing.Once again, local people have been employed in running these operations on the lake. Strategies for making these tourist destinations more sustainable include linking Banka to the Ecotourism circuit of the State; marketing through social media; managing and promoting package tours for students in the adjoining districts; developing campsites around the Odhani dam to provide accommodation to tourists for a rich ecotourism experience; improving road connectivity between Banka-Bhagalpur and neighbouring districts.
Mots clés : Tourism|Sustainable|Livelihood|Resource|Lacustrine
A103237A.