Author(s):

Satish Kumar Bhardwaj, Aditya, Apurva Sharma and Rakesh

Abstract: The field study was undertaken to evaluate ecotourism site in mid hill region of Himachal Pradesh. The Pine Eco hills site in Solan district was assessed for sustainability indicators and estimating their carrying capacity based on ecological, economic, social and physical environment. The stakeholders comprising local residents, visitors and tourism officials were interviewed with semi structured questionnaires for ecotourism prospect evaluation. The carrying capacity impact unit analysis of indicators for social, infrastructure and economic aspect obtained were 97.3, 93.5 and 95.5 percent. The effective carrying capacity of site estimated through the management capabilities was achieved at 43 compared to tourist arrival of 28 persons/day far below its capacity. The findings indicated that each component was in its healthiest state and low impact on carrying capacity category. The lack of on-site water availability although indicated a problem about abstraction from groundwater which could be worsened by an increase in tourists visiting the area. The indicators like preservation of landscape characteristics, energy, water and waste management specified on-going problems under each component which hindered the development of tourism activities. Hence, there is current need in the management and tourism development as a road map for implementing sustainable tourism in the area.

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