Problems and Prospects for the Evolution of Eco-Tourism in Dalma

Wildlife Sanctuary, Jharkhand, India

Shweta Kapure
Research Scholar
Amity University Uttar Pradesh
Email id: shwetakapure6@gmail.com
Phone No.: 8340166685

Dr. Malini Singh (Supervisor)

Associate Professor
Amity University, Uttar Pradesh
Email Id: msingh22@amity.edu

Dr. Raj Kumar Gupta (Co-Supervisor)

Head of Department,
IHM Pusa, New Delhi
Email id: drrkgupta.ihmpusa@nic.in
ABSTRACT

Ecotourism is a kind of tool which helps to preserve or conserve the natural and cultural assets
for the upcoming generation as well as enhance the local communities’ life economically and
socially without any negative impacts on them. This study aims at exploration of eco-tourism,
which acts to promote local economy, socio-cultural changes and life style of the people residing
in and around the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary. The purpose of this study is to identify the actual
status of eco-tourism in Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary and explore challenges of eco-tourism being
faced by the government as a stakeholder at the sanctuary and also review the marketing
strategies for promoting eco-tourism worldwide, which in turn create a marvelous impact on
local communities’ economy. Researcher has observed that, eco-tourism in Dalma Wildlife
Sanctuary has improved from last few years, government of Jharkhand has also improved its
civic amenities like communication, sanitation, transportation facilities and standard of living for
the local community in general. To have leverage on eco-tourism potential, it is necessary for the
sanctuary, not only to promote them but also analyze the needs, perceptions, preference and
satisfaction of the tourist that it can provide. This paper emphasizes on the concept of eco-
tourism, prospects of eco-tourism and the challenges being faced by the government for the
development of Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary as a most preferable ecotourism destination.
Researcher also giving some suggestion which can be helpful for the stakeholders to solve the
problems related to ecotourism development in the respective sanctuary in sustainable manner
which can explore newer avenues in relation to nature and open up its unexplored areas.

Keywords: Tourism, Eco-tourism, Problems and Prospects, Dalma wildlife sanctuary.

1. INTRODUCTION
Tourism is viewed as a global activity of employment, revenue generation and general economic
growth. It is a world’s largest smokeless and fastest growing industries today. In developed and
developing countries both have a great significance of tourism. It has achieved a huge social,
cultural and economic significance in modern society. “Tourism is now viewed as one of the key
sectors of economic growth and development of the country, both from the point of view of
income and employment generation as well as a source of revenue”. (Singh & Pathak, 2009).
The consequence of tourism has reached new heights and has committed place all around the
globe. “Tourism is an important driver of growth, which raises the national income of many
countries”. (Chatterjee & Das, 2015).
According to The International Eco-Tourism Society (1990), eco-tourism is defined as
"responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the
local people, and involves interpretation and education". “The International Union for
Conservation of Nature (Now World Conservation Union) has officially adopted this definition
during its 1st World Conservation Congress held in Montreal in October 1996”. (Chatterjee &
Das, 2015). Clearly, ecotourism offered a concrete planning and considerable potential for
integrating conservation with development of natural and cultural heritage.“Tourism has been
neglected area hitherto in our country. Of late, though, the government has identified the revenue
earning potential of tourism as an industry and has stated giving some real improvements. The
‘Atithi Devo Bhav’ campaign of ministry of tourism is slowly but surely picking up, yet, lot has
to be done”. (singh & pathak, (-)).
According to the Jharkhand eco-tourism policy (2015) “The Ecotourism Plan can also be an
integral part for wild life Management plan in case of protected and reserved area and as well as
forest area. “The development of commercial ecotourism can increase public support and the
total amount of funding available for nature conservation. It can be a positive contributor to the
conservation of nature”. (Tisdell, 2003). “Merely 3,111 foreign tourists had visited Jharkhand in
2001. That number rose to 1.54 lakh in 2014. Similarly, arrival of domestic tourists also
increased 73 times in the last 15 years. Around 4.50 lakh domestic tourists visited Jharkhand in
2001, which increased to 3.30 lakh in 2014”. (Dey, 2016)“Jharkhand has the potential to became
a very popular tourism destination given the various tourist attractions it can offer. In fact there is
something for every kind of tourism in the state-right from pilgrimage to eco-tourism”. (singh &
pathak, (-)).

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

Problems and prospects of eco-tourism development in kumaun region of uttarakhand. The

main focus of this research thesis is to explore the potential for eco-tourism of kumaon region of
Uttarakhand. This study is also evaluating the role of Eco-Tourism in development of regional
and national economy and the impact of eco-tourism activities on local community. And also
finding out the problems responsible for slow development of Eco-Tourism in Kumaon region.
(Kaur, 2017, May 11)

Comparative Study of Ecotourism Spots Of Netarhat Plateau. This present study is briefing
about the wonderful landscape of the hill, nature and flora and fauna of Netarhat which has
attracted the number of tourists including British over the year. The data for the study has been
collected from primary and secondary source. For primary data, researcher has conducted cross
section interaction through discussion and interviews with domestic and international tourist and
the local venders.(kumar, 2013)
Economic Aspects of Ecotourism: Wildlife-based Tourism and Its Contribution to Nature.
To find out, whether the Lapa Riso eco-friendly small houses fulfil the definitional promise of
ecotourism or not and to what extent, the researcher has used an interdisciplinary nested-scale
analysis, combined interview method and land-use impact of the Lapa Rios (LR) lodge. These
above methods have allowed the researcher to reject the null hypothesis and confirms that Lapa
Riso eco-friendly small houses has made significant contributions to both local livelihoods and
environmental preservation and included the highest rates of reforestation of studied area in the
Osa Peninsula. Lastly the researcher has concluded that Lapa Riso fulfills the definitional
promise of ecotourism and provides social, economic, and environmental benefits in the region.
(Tisdell, 2003)
Ecotourism-A Tool for Environmental Awareness. This present paper is describing about the
ecotourism as important tool for conservational point of view for the natural and cultural
heritage. The researcher also telling that eco-tourism is a responsible form of tourism and a way
of tourism development and consecrated for preserving and sustaining the diversity of the
world's natural and cultural environments for future generation and which helps to encourage the
community going back to the natural products in every aspects of life. (Jhariya, 2012).
Impact of Ecotourism (Theo- Tourism) On Forest Of Parasnath Hill. The present research is
conducted at the forest of Prasnath Hill with the aim to identifies the impact of ecotourism on
forest and growth parameters effect on the biodiversity. (Deogam & Sunita, 2017)
Understanding the Impact of Ecotourism Resort Experiences on Tourists’ Environmental
Attitudes and Behavioral Intentions. This present research paper is describing about the
benefits of conservation of environmental management practices and nature experiences which is
provided at a major eco-tourism resort of Australia. For achieving the objective of this study, the
researcher has investigated the changes towards the tourist’s knowledge about environment,
awareness towards natural and cultural preservation, attitudes and behavioral intentions between
pre-visit and post-visit stages. (lee & moscardo, 2008).
Developing a scale for evaluating ecotourism by visitors: A study in the Annapurna
Conservation Area, Nepal. In this article, researcher has conducted their research in Annapurna
conservation area for evaluating the ecotourism from the visitor’s point of view and also
developing the scale for evaluating them. For this article, researcher has taken the sample of 315
international visitors to the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), Nepal was surveyed in April
and May of 2006 to assess how they gathered information, evaluated by using some scale like
visitor’s age , the use of guides, ecotourism and rated their levels of satisfaction from their
ecotourism experience. (Baral, Stern, & Hammett, 2012)
Ecotourism in Madhav National Park: Visitors’ Perspectives on Environmental Impacts.
This study, conducted in Madhav National Park in Shivpuri, M.P., India, reports one of the first
efforts to identify the impacts of ecotourism in India from the perspective of tourist. (Dixit &
narula, 2010)
Ecotourism and Its Impact on The Regional Economy – A Study Of North Bengal (India).
The present research paper reflects an overview of present status of ecotourism activity of
different areas of North Bengal. The researcher also analyzing the economic benefits that
ecotourism projects of the different areas contribute to local areas. (Karmakar, Nov-11)
3. OBJECTIVES
 To identify the recent status and prospects of eco-tourism in Dalma wildlife sanctuary.
 To recognize the existing problems being faced by the government for eco-tourism
development in the sanctuary.
 To make suggestions for the development of ecotourism in dalma wildlife sanctuary in a
sustainable manner.
4. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
 Types of Research
This study is undergone as a descriptive as well as exploratory kind of research because the basis
for this study and its planned objective describing the current situation of the destination (Dalma
wildlife sanctuary) which is exists at present and also recognizing the problems coming for the
development of eco-tourism in Dalma wildlife sanctuary.
 Data collection

The base of this research work is primary as well as secondary data. In primary method,
researcher has collected data through interview method. The sample of the study are the
government employees who are directliy dealing with the The secondary data was collected
from different sources like forest office, books, related research paper, journals, newspaper, and
governments published report and policies and forest management plan (Dalma wildlife
Sanctuary).

5. DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA

5.1 About Jharkhand
The state Jharkhand has a unique relation with forest since ancient times. The word ‘Jharkhand’
relate to the ‘area of land covered with forests’. Therefore, Jharkhand is associated with forests
literally as well as symbolically. Various ethnic groups of Jharkhand such as Munda, Oraon, Ho,
Santhal, Paharia, Chero, Birjea, Asura and other have influenced their ecosystems by varying
practices of agriculture over the years. Traditionally, these indigenous local communities have
symbiotic relations with forests of jharkhand. Local festivals of jharkhand like Sarhul and Karma
are conventionally related with worshipping of trees.
Table No. 01: Foreign and Domestic Tourist Flow in Jharkhand from 2007 to 2015

YEAR FOREIGN TOURIST DOMESTIC TOURIST TOTAL TOURIST FLOW

2007 4004 4906394 4910398
2008 5803 6030028 6035831
2009 13872 7610160 7624032
2010 15695 6885273 6900968
2011 72467 10796286 10868753
2012 31909 20421016 20452925
2013 45995 20511160 20557155
2014 154731 33427144 33581875
2015 58568 9145016 9203584
Source: Ministry of Tourism, Government of India (retrieve on 20/08/2018)

5.2 Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary

Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is situated around the Dalma Hills which is a much larger area.It is
located about 100 km. from the capital city Ranchi, and 10 km. from the steel city Jamshedpur.
This sanctuary attracts varied group of people right from the city dwellers, students to nature
lovers. This wildlife sanctuary runs parallel to the NH-33 with majestic hills as high as 915 ft.
from sea level. Dalma Sanctuary is spread over 193sqkm of East Singhbhum and Saraikela-
kharsawan districts of the Jharkhand state. The respective forests comes under the category "Dry
peninsular Sal" and "Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest" because most part of Dalma forests
shed leaves in the summer and full bloom at the onset of monsoon.

Zones of Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary

1. Core zone (Area 46.88 sq.km. + 12.39 sq.km.)

The zone is situated in the middle and eastern part of the Sanctuary area and well protected by
hilly terrain. It has a very high-quality habitat and is natural home of a large variety of wild
animals with high density. More than two-third of elephant’s population resides in the core area.
 2. Buffer zone (Area 133.95 sq.km.)

The Sanctuary is surrounded by forest area 74 69 Sq.kms. of Chaibasa North Forest Division
presently Sariakela Forest Division and 57.61 sq.km. of Dhalbhum Forest Division, which will
act as buffer zone of the Sanctuary.

3. Tourism zone (Area 1394.43ha)

The area of tourism zone is 1394.43 ha. Including all forest fully or partiality. The tourism zone
is like a strip Hum Chakulia Naka to Kadamjhor Protected Forest and then spreads north and
south wards and finally, it takes the shape of a funnel. The tourism zone is also a necessary and
indispensable part of any protected area, to give an opportunity to the people, nature lovers to see
the beauty of the nature, and admire it, and at the same time, to raise awareness among the
people, about forests, and wild life.

Values and significance of Dalma Wildlife sanctuary

 The sanctuary is one of the significant elephant habitats in lower eastern India. It seems
to be the only habitat of elephant in this region though once they were well distributed in
different tracts of Singhbhum East, Sarikela – Kharshanwa and Singhbhum West in
Jharkhand, Purilia and Midnapur in west Bengal and Sundargarh in Orissa.
 The sanctuary is comprised of a series of hills. Its highest peak is at an altitude of 926
meters called Dalma top.

 Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is weighty with rich vegetation and dense forest that cover the
entire area and consists of numerous species of trees and plants. The forests in the
sanctuary are usually Dry Mixed Deciduous with few Dry Peninsular Sals. The chief
species of trees available are Jamun, Terminalias, Dhaura, Karam, Kendu, Sal,
Gamhar, Mahua, Semgal.

 There are 29 revenue villages inside the sanctuary and 73 on its periphery.
Table No. 02: Report on list of Animals is submitted by Range officer of Dalma Wildlife
Sanctuary in the year 2012

S. No. Name of Animals Numbers S. No. Name of Animals Numbers

Male Elephant 31 07 Wild dog 32
01 Female Elephant 86 08 Leopard Not Seen
Calf Elephant 39 09 Giant Squirrel 148
02 Sloth Bear 42 10 Wild Fowl 567
03 Wild Boar 216 11 Hyena 05
04 Barking Deer 137 12 Mongoose 39
05 Langur 11 13 Pea Fowl 112
06 Rhesus Monkey 1015 14 Fox 27

Source: Draft Management Plan for Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary (2016-17 To 2025-26) Retrieve on 10. Jan. 2019

Figure No. 01: Tourist inflow in Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary

Tourist Inflow
34585 37680
40000 32676
25290

20000

0
2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18

Source: Forest Department, Ranchi, Jharkhand, retrieve on 2018 May, 21

Figure No. 02: Revenue collected from Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary

TOTAL REVENUE COLLECTED

1335982
1274631
1009327
894676
414186
384338
348727
199332
180371
148193

2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016- 17 2017- 18 2018-
FEB 2019

Source: Draft Management Plan for Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary (2016-17 To 2025-26) Retrieve
on 2019, Jan 10.

Above both the Graph (Figure 1 & 2) of tourist flow and revenue collection, revealing that the
number of tourist per year to this sanctuary and the revenue collected from this sanctuary is
increasing gradually and, it also showing that Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary has the potential
regarding Eco-tourism, if proper care is given to this eco-tourism place and more tourist
infrastructure provided by the government of Jharkhand, more revenue earning and more number
of tourist for the state government will be the results.

Table No. 03: According to data collected from the records, section wise revenue obtained from
entry fee of tourist and their vehicles are as follows

Revenue from forest Rest

Revenue obtained from
House reserved for Total revenue
Financial Year entry fee from tourists
government personnel and collection (in Rs.)
and vehicle (in Rs.)
tourists (in Rs.)
2011-12 161922.00 37410.00 199332.00
2012-13 294127.00 54600.00 348727.00
2013-14 326388.00 57950.00 384338.00
2014-15 348186.00 66000.00 414186.00
2015-16 545476.00 349200.00 894676.00
Source: Draft Management Plan for Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary (2016-17 To 2025-26), Forest Department,
Jharkhand, Retrieve on 2019 Jan, 10.
6. FINDINGS AND INTERPRETATION

Figure No. 03: Graphical representation of seasonal impacts on Dalma wildlife Sanctuary
Source: Author

Seasonal impacts on Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary

6
5
Responces

4
3
2 Interview 1
1
0 Interview 2
Numbers of Animals are loss of flora and increasing the forest fire
Interview 3
tourists are migrating from fauna number of
increasing the sanctuary migrated birds
Indicators

As per the discussion with the higher authority of forest department (Jharkhand) which are
directly associated with Dalma wildlife sanctuary and the above graph (figure 03) reveals that the
number of tourists is increasing and forest fire are the main positive seasonal impacts in Dalma
Wildlife Sanctuary.

Figure No. 04: Graphical representation of challenges faced by the government for the
development of eco-tourism in Dalma wildlife sanctuary

challenges faced by the government and their

responces
6
RESPONCES

5
4
3
2
1 Interview 1
0
Interview 2
Interview 3

INDICATORS RELATED TO CHALLENGES

Source: Author
As per the discussion with the higher authority of forest department (Jharkhand) which are
directly associated with Dalma wildlife sanctuary and the above graph (figure 04) reveals that
,the main challenges for the development of Eco-tourism are infrastructure challenges within the
sanctuary, loss of habitats for animals and local community, Domestic livestock grazing and
weed infestation in the sanctuary, Encroachment by farmer and builders, environmental
degradation and ground water depletion in the sanctuary, co-operation among various
government department for the development of eco-tourism, locals are not ready to accept
changes and willingness to receive tourist, safety and security challenges within the sanctuary for
local, tourist and wildlife, lack of human resources and travel intermediaries for the promotion of
this sanctuary.

7. SUGGESTIONS OR RECOMMENDATION
In upcoming days, the tourist’s need and wants regarding tourism services will be guided by a
variety of components that will help to build an icon of a country. For this Dalma wildlife
Sanctuary, Jharkhand government needs to take some important decision regarding
environmental and ecological conservation, host and guest rights, infrastructure development,
quality of services, safety and security, etc, will become a crucial factors. As we know,
Jharkhand is well known for its forest land, tribal, mines, ancient temple’s culture, and backward
culture, so for that reason government tourism offices, travel agency and tour operator
companies needs to recreate and redesign the tourism Packages related to nature based and needs
to explore the unexplored areas where the flora and fauna is the prime attraction.
7.1 Suggestions for The Development Of Ecotourism In Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary In A
Sustainable Manner

 Adopt. Any person can adopt an animal from a wildlife conservation organization such
as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to save wildlife.
 Volunteer. If a person doesn’t have money to give, they can donate their valuable time.
Many organizations and zoos have volunteer programs for the wildlife like cleaning,
rescue wild animals and teach visitors.
 Donate. Tourist are requested, if they visit any zoos and nature reserves or any wildlife
sanctuary, pay the recommended entry fee or as per their wish please donate some
 money. Their donations will be used to help or maintain these vital conservation areas
and local culture.
 Speak Up. Share your passion and experience for wildlife conservation with your family
and friends and tell them, how they can help or donate their some valuable money and
time.
 Buy Responsibly. By not purchasing products made from endangered animals or their
parts, a person can stop wildlife trafficking from being a profitable enterprise.

8. CONCLUSION

Tourism can say one of the significant sectors in Jharkhand because it has the capacity to bring
the new employment opportunities, reducing poverty and improving the living standard specially
for the local community of Jharkhand. The Indian state Jharkhand, is gifted with wealthy cultural
heritage and bounties of nature. A enthralling State with abundant forest, enchanting wild life,
alluring waterfalls, delicate handicrafts, sprawling water bodies, wonderful classical and folk
dances and music has enough potential to attract the tourist worldwide. Dalma Wildlife
Sanctuary is one of the best eco-tourism destination compare to other destination of jharkhand
with lots of potential of eco-tourism, where nature lover can find numerous wildlife, can go for
ecotourism activities, just need a government support and sound marketing strategies to promote
this sanctuary worldwide. Although there is some eco-tourism project is going on within the
sanctuary like building forest guest house, mud house, sanitary facilities, but still there are a lot
to do for matching the other sanctuary for pulling their tourist towards itself.

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