ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF TOURISM ON GIR NATIONAL PARK AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, GUJARAT, INDIA

摘要

In India, the presence of religious places in wil derness areas is historically quite common. Inrndue course of time, such wilderness areas came under the protected area network with certain restrictions, rules and regulations in accordance with the status of the particular protected area. In the past, a limited number of devotees used to visit such remote areas, despite hardships like the lack of convenient transportation and lodging. In recent years, however, access has become much easier with the development of the road network and infrastructure facilities. The resulting increase in visitors is not without conflicts with the protected area management.