Tourism Infrastructure Guidelines - ukdisasterrecovery.in
Transcript of Tourism Infrastructure Guidelines - ukdisasterrecovery.in
Mussoorie
INDIA: UTTARAKHAND EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE PROJECT
(Tourism Sector)
ADB LOAN NO. 3055-IND
Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Paryatan Bhawan,
Near ONGC Helipad, Garhi Cantt, Dehradun-248003
Tel.: +91-135-2559987, Fax: +91-135-2559985 Email: [email protected]>
Website: www.uttarakhandtourism.gov.in
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES
Developing new infrastructure under tourism
sector, including any rehabilitated and reconstructed tourism infrastructure
UTDB-IDG-01
(Final)
March
2015
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................ 10
1 PROJECT SUMMARY ..................................................................................................... 28
2 INTRODUCTION, RATIONALE/NEED ............................................................................. 31
2.1 People ...................................................................................................................................... 31
2.2 Climate .................................................................................................................................... 31
2.3 Geography ............................................................................................................................. 31
2.4 Drainage ................................................................................................................................. 32
2.5 Soils ............................................................................................................................................ 32
2.6 Demography .......................................................................................................................... 32
2.7 Literacy .................................................................................................................................... 32
2.8 Economy ................................................................................................................................. 32
2.9 Tourism in Uttarakhand and Tourist Arrivals ................................................................... 33
2.10 Rationale/Need .................................................................................................................... 36
3 CRITERIA FOR INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES ..................................... 39
3.1 Technical and Economic Criteria under ADB Investment Program/Project ....... 39
3.2 Criteria suggested under JRDNA Report (June 2013) ................................................ 40
3.3 Criteria provisions under Disaster Management by Government of India .......... 43
3.4 Introduction from Report of the Steering Committee on Tourism for ―The
Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-2012)‖ .......................................................................................... 44
3.5 Guidance Inputs from Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan (2007-
2022) 45
3.6 Guiding Principles/Inputs discussed with various Departments, GoUK ................. 46
3.7 Principles of Ecotourism Development (MOT, GoI, 1998) .......................................... 63
3.8 Guidance for Taking-up Non-Forestry Activities in Wildlife Habitats (MoEF, 2012)
67
4 DEVELOPMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE FOR TOURISM – CERTAIN
SUGGESTIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................................... 68
4.1 Vision and Objectives .......................................................................................................... 68
4.2 Definitions related to Integrated Tourism-Heritage Sector (UNWTO/TA/ETC,
2010/2011; IUCN, 2001, etc.) .......................................................................................................... 69
4.3 Strategic Framework .......................................................................................................... 119
4.3.1 Improve Infrastructure, Tourism Products and Services .................................... 119
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4.4 Position Uttarakhand as a Preferred Tourism Destination at State, National and
International Levels ........................................................................................................................ 125
4.4.1 Marketing and Promotional Activities ................................................................... 125
4.4.2 Branding ......................................................................................................................... 125
4.4.3 Calendar of Events...................................................................................................... 126
4.4.4 Tourism Industry Profile & State Tourism Database Repository ........................ 126
4.5 Spatial/Site Planning Approach ..................................................................................... 127
4.6 Site Finalization/Subproject Selection Criteria ............................................................ 131
4.7 Technical Criteria for Development of Sites/Subprojects ....................................... 139
4.8 Infrastructure Design Norms & Standards .................................................................... 146
4.8.1 Technical Standards and Regulations .......................................................................... 146
4.8.2Design Guidelines - Recommendations .......................................................................... 148
5 SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE FOR TOURISM
SECTOR .................................................................................................................................. 269
5.1 Guidelines for Site Selection and Development ........................................................ 269
5.1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 269
5.1.2 Preliminary Requirements .......................................................................................... 270
5.1.3 Major Requirements .................................................................................................... 274
5.2 Guidelines for Development of Home Stays in Uttarakhand ................................. 280
5.3 Guidelines for Rural Tourism ............................................................................................. 280
5.3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 280
5.3.2 Requirements ................................................................................................................ 281
5.4 Guidelines for Developing Eco-Tourism ........................................................................ 282
5.4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 282
5.4.2 Eligibility .......................................................................................................................... 283
5.4.3 Other Requirements .................................................................................................... 285
5.5 Guidelines for Developing Adventure Tourism & related Activities ...................... 286
5.5.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 286
5.5.2 Eligibility .......................................................................................................................... 287
5.5.3 Specific Requirements: .............................................................................................. 289
5.6 Guidelines for Developing Theme Parks ....................................................................... 298
5.6.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 298
5.6.2 Eligibility ................................................................................................................................ 299
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5.6.3 Other Requirements .................................................................................................... 300
5.7 Guidelines for Developing Wayside Amenities .......................................................... 301
5.7.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 301
5.7.2 Eligibility .......................................................................................................................... 301
5.7.3 Other Requirements .................................................................................................... 302
5.8 Guidelines for Tourist Rest Houses/Yatri Niwas with Dormitories, and Youth
Hostels ................................................................................................................................................ 304
5.8.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 304
5.8.2 Eligibility .......................................................................................................................... 304
5.8.3 Requirements for Yatri Niwas .................................................................................... 304
5.8.4 Requirements for Youth Hostels ............................................................................... 306
5.8.5 Requirements for Dormitories ................................................................................... 308
5.9 Guidelines for Developing Tourist Information Centre and Interpretation Centre
309
5.9.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 309
5.9.2 Eligibility .......................................................................................................................... 310
5.9.3 Requirements for Tourist Information Centre (TIC) ............................................. 310
5.9.4 Requirements for Tourist Interpretation Centre ................................................... 312
5.10 Guidelines for Media, Communication and Promotional Activities .................... 313
5.10.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 313
5.10.2 Eligibility .......................................................................................................................... 314
5.10.3 Other Requirements .................................................................................................... 314
5.11 Guidelines for Event-based tourism ............................................................................... 315
5.11.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 315
5.11.2 Eligibility .......................................................................................................................... 315
5.11.3 Other Requirements .................................................................................................... 316
5.12 Guidelines for Heritage Trails and Nature Trails .......................................................... 317
5.12.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 317
5.12.2 Eligibility .......................................................................................................................... 317
5.12.3 Other Requirements .................................................................................................... 317
5.12.4 Additional Requirements for Nature Trails............................................................. 319
5.13 Guidelines for Heritage Property Conservation & Revitalization ........................... 319
5.13.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 319
5.13.2 Conservation & Revitalization Process .................................................................. 320
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5.13.3 On-site issues ................................................................................................................. 347
5.13.4 Minor Additions ............................................................................................................. 353
5.13.5 Major Additions ............................................................................................................ 353
5.14 Museum Management and Special Experiences ..................................................... 355
5.14.1 Objectives of Museum Management and Special Experiences ................... 355
5.14.2 Guidelines and Directives for Design of Museum and Special Experiences
355
5.15 Human Resource Development & Capacity Enhancement Interventions ....... 383
5.15.1 Education and Awareness-Raising ......................................................................... 384
5.15.2 Training / Capacity Building ..................................................................................... 384
5.16 Do‘s and Don‘ts for Visitors ............................................................................................... 385
6 LIST OF OFFICIALS INTERACTED (MET / HAD TELECONVERSATION WITH) ................ 394
7 BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................................ 396
8 APPENDIX – 1 CHECKLIST FOR ENSURING DUE-DILIGENCE IN TOURISM
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS IN THE STATE OF UTTARAKHAND .................... 409
9 APPENDIX – 2 UTTARAKHAND HOME STAY RULES 2015 ........................................ 413
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ABBREVIATIONS
ACP aluminium cladding panel
ADA American Disability Act
ADB Asian Development Bank
AS/NZS Australian Standard/New Zealand Standard
ASTM American Society of Testing and Materials
ATC Air Traffic Control
ATO Adventure Tour Operator
BADP Border Area Development Program
BIS/IS Bureau of Indian Standards (Indian Standards Code)
BMTPC Building Materials and Technology Promotion Council
BPL Below Poverty Level
BRO Border Roads Organization
BS British Standard
c/c centre-to-centre
CBT community-based tourism
CEO Chief Executive Officer
CFA central financial assistance
CFC chloroflourocarbon
CCF Chief Conservator of Forests
CPR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
CPWD Central Public Works Department
CWLW Chief Wildlife Warden
DEA Department of Economic Affairs
DEC Departmental Empowered Committee
DFO Divisional Forest Officer
DGCA Director General Civil Aviation
DoT Department of Tourism
DPR detailed project report
DRR disaster risk reduction
EA executing agency
EARF environmental assessment and review framework
EDC eco-development committee
EIA environmental impact assessment
EIRR economic internal rate of return
EMMP environmental management and monitoring plan
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ETC European Travel Commission
EU European Union
FAM facility administration manual
FATO final approach and take off
fc/lx foot-candle/lux
FD Forest Department
FRP fiber-reinforced plastic
GIS geographic information system
GI galvanised iron
giz Deutschen Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
(earlier gtz)
GMVN Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited
G.O. government order
GoI Government of India
GoUK Government of Uttarakhand
GPS global positioning system
GRIHA Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment
GSI Geological Survey of India
HDPB Hospitality Development and Promotion Board
HET Himalayan Environment Trust
HPC High Powered Committee
HQ head quarter
H&R hotel & restaurant
hrs hours
IA implementing agency
IAAPA International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
IAF Indian Air Force
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization
ICIMOD International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development
ICOMOS International Council on Monuments and Sites
ICT Information, Communication and Technology
IEE initial environmental examination
IMF Indian Mountaineering Federation
in. inch(es)
IND India
INR Indian Rupees
IPs indigenous peoples
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IPP indigenous peoples plan
ILSP Integrated Livelihood Support Project
IR involuntary resettlement
IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
JRDNA joint rapid damage and needs assessment
km/kms kilometre(s)
KMVN Kumaon Vikas Mandal Nigam Limited
LAC local advisory committee
LGFS light-gauge steel frame system
LID low-impact development
MHA Ministry of Home Affairs
m/mtrs meter(s)
mn million
MNRE Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
MoEF Ministry of Environment and Forests
MoHUPA Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation
MoRD Ministry of Rural Development
MoU memorandum of understanding
MoUAE Ministry of Urban Affairs and Employment
MPH multi-purpose hall/shelter
MSK Medvedev–Sponheuer–Karnik (a macro-seismic intensity scale)
MSL mean sea level
NBC National Building Code
NBWL National Board for Wildlife
NDRF National Disaster Response Force
NDM National Disaster Management Division
NHAI National Highway Authority of India
NIWAS National Institute of Water-sports
No./No‘s number(s)
N.P. national park
NOC no objection certificate
NGO non-governmental organization
NTCA National Tiger Conservation Authority
O&M operation and maintenance
PA Protected Area
PAM project appraisal manual
PEB pre-engineered building
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PIU Project Implementation Unit
PMU Project Management Unit
PPP public-private partnership
PR Panchayati Raj
PUF polyurethane foam
PWD Public Works Department
RDD Rural Development Department
REA rapid environmental assessment
RED regional economic development
RES Rural Engineering Services
RF resettlement framework
ROW right of way
RP resettlement plan
SC scheduled caste
SDMA State Disaster Management Authority
SEIAA State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority
SEL son et lumière (sound and light)
SHG self-help group
SOP standard operating procedures
SOR schedule of rates
SPCB State Pollution Control Board
SPS safeguard policy statement
sqm/km square meter/kilometer
ST scheduled tribe
TA Tourism Australia
T&CP Town and Country Planning
TCPO Town and Country Planning Organisation
TEMP Tourism and Environmental Management Plan
TIC Tourism Information Center
TIES The International Ecotourism Society
TNA training needs analysis
TRH tourist rest house
UCADA Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority
UDPFI Urban Development Plan Formulation and Implementation
UEAP Uttarakhand Emergency Assistance Project
UEPPCB Uttarakhand Environment Protection and Pollution Control Board
UGVS Uttarakhand Gramya Vikas Samiti
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UIAA Union International de Alpine Association
ULIPH Uttarakhand Livelihoods Improvement Project for Himalayas
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
UNEP United Nations Environment Programme
UNWTO United Nations World Travel Organization
UPRNN Uttar Pradesh Rajkiya Nirman Nigam
US$ United States Dollars
UT union territory
UTDB Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
During June 15-17, 2013, significant part of both regions of Garhwal and
Kumaon of state of Uttarakhand received heavy torrential rains, cloudburst and
unexpected floods from probable glacial meltdown (e.g. glacial lake
burst/overflow related flash floods at Kedarnath) which led to large scale
devastations. The aftermath experienced as: long stretches of roads washed
out or caved in; complete loss of road connectivity and communications; loss of
human lives; large scale damage to personal and civic infrastructure property;
natural alteration in local ecology; complete disruption of civic services in
affected towns; impacts on local and regional livelihood and loss of tourism
footprint; complete disruption in pilgrimage; etc. In this context, it has been
observed that presently there does exist some guidelines/directive circulars
issued from time to time by Uttarakhand State Government through Forest
Department as well as those under Tourism, Urban Development, Housing, and
T&CP Departments. However, these need to be duly studied and holistically
integrated and made comprehensive in nature towards meeting sustainable
tourism infrastructure development in such Himalayan terrain.
Thus, as per the loan covenant of Asian Development Bank (ADB) provisioned in
para 7, Schedule 5 of the Loan Agreement of Uttarakhand Emergency
Assistance Project (UEAP)‖, it‘s imperative that ―With regard to tourism
infrastructure rehabilitated and reconstructed under the Project, without limiting
the generality of Project requirements, the EA in particular shall (a) prepare
guidelines for new infrastructure to be developed under the sector…‖ The
guidelines has thus been prepared as “Infrastructure Development Guidelines:
Developing new infrastructure under tourism sector, including any rehabilitated
and reconstructed tourism infrastructure (UTDB-IDG-01), March 2015” and
discussed amongst several stakeholders and finalised.
NEED FOR GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE FOR TOURISM
The need for creating a range of infrastructure development
principles/recommendations/criteria with use of feasible best practices for
tourism sector has been identified for the State of Uttarakhand, for the following
reason:
Natural Disaster of June 2013 has resulted in huge loss of lives of tourists/residents
and severe damage to conventionally created infrastructural facilities in the
region, highlighting the requirement to strengthen the principles/criteria of
tourism infrastructure development proposals and their approval, so such
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tourism infrastructure is durable to withstand natural elements and such
eventualities in the difficult Himalayan terrain, and yet are low-impact
developments (LID) making them energy efficient/climate resilient and cost-
effective in long-term, thus making them sustainable interventions for the
immediate-interventions.
Also, ―The RED Tourism Value Chain Selection, Strategy and Operational Plan-
Uttarakhand, October 2008‖ by International Tourism Consultancy for gtz-RED
program, Uttarakhand highlights the following on existing ecotourism-based
development:
―Over-construction in certain areas is creating serious damage because of poor
control of land use and exceeding carrying capacity in sensitive zones. This is
resulting in forests being depleted, views being obstructed and visual pollution in
natural areas. The design and the material used in the construction of some of
the properties that are promoted for ecotourism are inappropriate and do not
blend into the surroundings.
There was evidence of poor hygiene at some of the properties visited during the
study and the management of non-biodegradable waste is poor in general
because the waste collection system and recycling measures are weak or non-
existent. Natural areas are becoming dangerously polluted, thus degrading the
ecotourism experience that the visitors have come to enjoy.
Villagers who want to provide ecotourism services need to be educated about
environmental protection of their area, trained so that they can deliver the
quality of service required and explained about energy management and the
use of renewable energy. This may require developing a system of incentives or
grants to encourage accommodation providers to install renewable energy
equipment.
… Operators complain that there is nowhere to protect their clients during
periods of bad weather and shelters are needed on the trekking routes. Trekking
can cause environmental damage and there is a need for carrying capacity
studies on popular routes and strategies to divert trekkers to other routes during
the high season.‖
Thus, this guidelines document deliberates on the recommendations to be
made for when, where, and what type of construction should be followed to
conserve the fragile environment in the Himalayan region, and promote climate
resilient and overall environmentally sustainable tourism infrastructure at such
destinations in the state of Uttarakhand. It is felt imperative and so
recommended, to follow low-impact development (LID) and safe tourism
infrastructure development that has built-in mitigation measures that eventually
support the capacity of the Uttarakhand State towards adaptation capabilities
to meet climate change impacts/threats.
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A summarized process checklist for ensuring due-diligence in tourism
infrastructure development process in the state of Uttarakhand is attached as
Appendix-1 in this document, supplementing the set guidelines.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES/INPUTS DISCUSSED WITH VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS, GoUK
As part of these guidelines‘ development process, interactions with several
government departments in the State of Uttarakhand were held by meeting
senior officials and their other representative officials as further directed, under
the coordination of Secretary, Tourism, and Department of Tourism‘s
representative Tourism Officer, UTDB.
The Table 3.2 of the guidelines lists these interactions and the guiding
principles/inputs as well technical/any other suggestions made, to be adopted
in preparing these infrastructure development guidelines for the overall tourism
sector.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
To realize the core objectives and achieve the larger vision outlined for the
tourism sector, the GoUK has identified the following strategic intervention
areas:
Facilitate improvement of infrastructure, tourism products and service.
Create institutional structures that harness and compliment such
initiatives.
Create streamlined processes for obtaining clearances.
Offer attractive incentives for various tourism products and services as
well as to the operators/entrepreneurs–whether private or government.
Prioritise Human Resource Development & Capacity Enhancement.
A set of actions have been identified for each of the strategic intervention
areas, which are elaborated in the following sections. Detailed guidelines for
undertaking activities in the identified areas are elaborated under Section 5 of
this guideline. Section 5 includes brief description about the tourism product /
destination, eligibility criteria for the entities intending to develop the destination
and associated facilities; and minimum requirements for promoting and
developing the facility. The tourism products covered are as follows:
1. Site selection and development
2. Home Stays
3. Rural Tourism
4. Eco-Tourism
5. Adventure Tourism
6. Theme Parks
7. TRHs / Yatri Niwas with Dormitories and youth hostels
8. Tourist information & interpretation centres
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9. Media Communication and promotional activities
10. Event Based Tourism
11. Heritage trails and natural trails
12. Heritage property conservation & revitalization
13. Museum management & special experience
14. Human resource development & capacity enhancement.
BASIC TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES
Tourist Accommodation
i. Promote quality accommodation through Hotels/Resorts/Eco-
lodges/Camping Sites (Regular Camping Tents as well as Swiss Tents and
Log Huts category), Tourist Rest Houses (TRHs)/Yatri Niwas along with
Dormitories, including other stay facilities like home stays/B&Bs. The
definition of home stays includes traditional home stays developed at
various locations (e.g. at Jageshwar, Mukteshwar, Sakri Village, etc). The
Home stays Policy / Guidelines should be strengthened to encourage
registered home stays across the State. A mechanism for inspection,
certification and licensing of the home stays is also to be defined.
ii. Encourage adaptive reuse of non-notified or unprotected heritage
buildings for use as heritage hotels assuring minimal impact and risks are
mitigated therein.
iii. Facilitate development of accommodation for all customer segments
through serviced apartments, cottages, camping sites, dormitories,
youth hostels & Yatri Nivas at tourist destinations.
iv. Promote private sector participation in asset creation, management and
operation of commercial proponents of tourism products.
At Destination and Wayside Amenities
i. Promote wayside amenities including universal access or barrier-free
friendly built-environment compliant toilets, cafeteria, mini-
store/pharmacy/ATMs/ information kiosks/souvenir booth at appropriate
intermittent intervals along connecting roads leading to major tourist
destinations.
ii. Where possible as per the land/space availability environment-friendly
pre-fabricated bio-toilet units/pre-engineered building toilet complex with
bio-digester system should be promoted. Wayside amenities
economically benefitting local communities shall be encouraged. This
specific intervention should be proposed only after assurances that the
viability and sustainability of such proposals have been evaluated
diligently.
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iii. Retail for local produce, crafts, adult literacy programmes, access to
internet etc. should be encouraged, wherever possible.
iv. Amenities including parking at the entrance of major tourist destinations
shall be promoted to regulate vehicular movement, with special access
for the physically challenged. Thrust should be given to provide
information centres/kiosks at all major tourist destinations.
v. Community kitchens, community-run tourist facilitation centre and cluster
of public conveniences at rural locations should be encouraged, largely
through Community-based Organisations, Voluntary Community
Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations, Micro-Initiatives, Self-
Help Groups, etc.
Connectivity Infrastructure
i. The Government shall endeavour to increase entry points and improve
direct access to different destinations across the State for international,
interstate and intrastate visitors by encouraging development of new
routes, expanding existing airport capacity, etc.
ii. Development of low-cost terminals, transport nodes/heads, use of smaller
and viable transport modes transit-oriented development shall be
encouraged for sites, destination and regions of touristic significance.
iii. Improving last-mile road/rail connectivity to tourist destinations will be a
priority area and Government should co-ordinate with other government
agencies/departments in facilitating these tourism development
activities.
iv. Intermodal transport connectivity such as link from railway stations and
bus terminals to tourist destinations where required, should be developed
in collaboration with respective government agencies/departments.
v. Environment-friendly vehicles having a minimum impact on the ecology
of the destination shall be promoted.
Tourist Amenities
Amenities like information kiosks, trained guides/audio guides,
interpretation centres, tourist scouts, medical aid, and Barrier free space
and environment for the physically challenged/differently-able will be
promoted at all major tourist destinations.
Information, Communication & Technology (ICT)
i. Initiatives should be encouraged to provide adequate and reliable
information about destinations, accommodations, itinerary, events,
online bookings and other offerings through various modes such as
online web portals, tourism offices, booklets, flyers, brochures, maps etc.
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ii. Provision of audio guides, mobile technology, wi-fi at major tourist
destinations should be encouraged. Technology interventions for social
networking and data management shall be supported by the GoUK.
iii. Apart from promoting a digital marketing and information collateral, the
Government shall support other initiatives for branding and promotion
such as development of information and interpretation centres at tourist
destinations.
Safety and Security of Visitors
i. The ―tourist scouts‖ shall be deployed at key tourist destinations for
keeping a vigil on the gathering thus ensuring safety and security of
visitors.
ii. Visitor monitoring and management plan should be developed for
rationalizing the flow of visitors. Registration of tourist and vehicles arriving
in the state from any of the gateways / entrance should be done to
manage overcrowding and traffic congestion at tourist destinations. The
wireless communication based methods which provide real time
information about the tourist numbers and location at various tourist
destinations should also be studied and feasibility of introducing any of
these shall be looked into.
iii. A Disaster Management Plan, in collaboration with State Disaster
Management Authority (SDMA), should be developed for major tourism
destinations to enhance preparedness for any eventuality. A dedicated
helpline number will be launched exclusively for the convenience of
tourists. In addition, based on the carrying capacity and tourism
regulation studies (including those undertaken as per UEAP loan
covenant requirements) measures thereof for visitor numbers through
registration (e.g. bio-metric registration for important pilgrimages) &
control of visitation permitted from one registration control point at a
lower level to the respective destination enroute. This is expected to
facilitate disaster management during any eventuality and would not
unnecessarily invite the visitors at risk beyond the carrying capacity of a
travel route/destination.
SITE FINALIZATION CRITERIA
For site finalization/subproject selection post-spatial planning, consider the
following international/national best practice for–new projects or those which
require redevelopment/rehabilitation/restoration:
The selection of sites as attractions/destinations along a priority tourism
circuit must be connected to at least one main gateway centre that is, in
turn, connected either by air, rail, road or water transportation to one or
more domestic or international transportation hubs.
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The selection of local communities for participation in the subproject(s)
must be based upon the following criteria:
i. preferably comprise clusters of villages within or adjacent to, a tourist
attraction site;
ii. must be accessible through an existing road including that which has the
potential to enhance access to other tourist attraction(s), and gateway
centre(s), through minimum upgrading;
iii. There is strong support and commitment from key stakeholders (e.g., local
community members, ULB/Panchayat, SHG, tourism and related
concerned agencies, private sector tour operators and carriers, and
development partners and NGOs); and
iv. Cost recovery mechanisms for recurrent operating costs are in place or
there is a clear willingness to put them in place.
TECHNICAL & ECONOMIC CRITERIA FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SUBPROJECT
This guideline in-principle recommends adopting the existing provisions of
subproject selection criteria defined in the UEAP-PAM under Appendix 4,
Section 2 (ii) to (vii) of the Technical Criteria, as below:
The subproject shall be technically sound and meeting design standards.
The subproject will be designed and executed as seismic resistant structure.
The subproject shall be cost-effective.
The subproject should be avoided in core zones of national parks, wildlife
sanctuaries and biospheres and the critical habitats. If unavoidable, such
subprojects should be strictly confined to minor rehabilitation of existing
infrastructure.
The revised high flood levels of the rivers or the natural streams or drainage
channels shall be considered, while designing facilities.
Geo-technical studies shall be undertaken and slope stabilization measures
considered for slide zones, wherever applicable.
The subproject shall be in compliance with all applicable local rules and
regulations.
Similarly, the provisions made under the ongoing ADB IDIPT-UK Loan under
its FAM with respect to subproject selection and technical criteria are also
duly referred and incorporated.
While, the Economic Criteria being as below:
the analysis should ensure that there is sufficient demand for the critical
public and social infrastructure;
the analysis is undertaken for the various alternatives
economic evaluation should cover the key areas of economic analysis
indicated in ADB‘s Key Areas of Economic Analysis of Projects – An
Overview.
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In addition, similar criteria provisions made by the Government of India under
the disaster management subject are also considered herein:
i. Mitigation measures on individual structures can be achieved by
design standards, building codes and performance specifications.
Building codes, critical front-line defence for achieving stronger
engineered structures, need to be drawn up in accordance with the
vulnerability of the area and implemented through appropriate
techno-legal measures.
ii. Mitigation measures need to be considered in land use and site
planning activities. Constructions in hazardous areas like flood plains or
steep soft slopes are more vulnerable to disasters. Necessary mitigation
measures need to be built into the design and costing of development
projects.
iii. Every hazard prone district may draw up specific hazard related plans.
These plans may be reviewed/updated in the months of April and May
each year.
iv. Every district located in area prone to hazard will need to maintain an
online inventory of resources available in the Government, public and
private sector. This will enable easy and quick mobilization of resources
in case of need. A State-wide online resources inventory would enable
the mobilization of resources from neighbouring districts in cases of
need.
v. State in seismic zone V and IV may ensure that the BIS building codes
for these zones have been adopted and are rigorously enforced by the
municipal bodies. All construction in the Government sector in these
areas must conform to the BIS code.
vi. Additional Provisions in Development Control Regulations for Safety;
and Additional Provisions in Building Regulations/Byelaws for Structural
Safety–in Natural Hazard Zones under the following heads are
incorporated:
Earthquake Prone Areas,
Flood Prone Areas,
Land Slide Prone Areas,
Approach for Land Use Zoning,
Prioritisation,
Land Use Zoning for Flood Safety,
Planning in Hill Areas, and
Identification of Open Spaces.
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CRITERIA FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SITES/SUBPROJECTS
General requirements that must be followed in developing the
sites/subprojects for tourism infrastructure are set out below:
(i) Proposed works under the subprojects shall conform to each of the
safeguard frameworks (i.e. both environment and social);
(ii) Proposed works should give preference to the use of local materials
and labour;
(iii) Building/streetscape/community market‘s designs, materials and
scale must be compatible to the local vernacular architecture, and
physical and cultural heritage landscape;
(iv) Proposed works should result in significant improvements to the
quality of the site environment and enable it to host tourists in a safe,
healthy/comfortable, and secure manner;
(v) Design of environmental infrastructure and last-mile road
connectivity should comply to nationally-accepted benchmarks and
standards including the international best practice of ―complete
streets‖ concept which adopt green infrastructure principles, have
proper road-side drainage & cross-drainage works and are
protected with crash barriers, are inclusive in nature for pedestrian
use with appropriate spaces & surface markings, are barrier-free
built-environment compliant, and have signage etc. and practice
should be made preferably complete the road in all respects prior to
the road being opened for public use;
(vi) Environmental infrastructure including water supply, drainage and
flood control, sanitation, and solid waste management shall be
provided where existing provisions are assessed to be insufficient for
both community and projected tourism use, and should explore the
options of adopting green infrastructure practices; and
(vii) Responsible organization exists or can be established to maintain
and operate the tourism assets/tourism infrastructure to be created.
Utilities/Infrastructure Services
The type of environmental-friendly utilities/infrastructure services eligible at
tourist attractions/destinations, gateway centres and CBT village sites, and
on main access roads between these (where wayside facilities are
proposed) include: water supply, sanitation, solid waste management,
drainage and flood control, and use of renewable energy applications.
Tourist Support Infrastructure and Services
Tourist support infrastructure and services are a key element in ensuring
that tourists are able to fully appreciate and enjoy tourist destinations and
attractions in a safe, convenient/comfortable and healthy manner, thus
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helping to increase the attractiveness of the tourist destinations, and thus
length of stay and expenditure by the tourists. Such infrastructure and
services include: visitor information and interpretation facilities; public
toilets; signage, lighting and landscaping; community markets; and CBT
facilities and services at tourist attractions/ destinations and gateway
centres.
Tourist Destination Connectivity Infrastructure
Connectivity is a key element in effectively linking tourist attraction site(s)
within a tourist destination and linking tourist destinations and gateway
centre(s) along a tourism circuit/sub-circuit. Eligible infrastructure and
services include helipad/heliports/helidromes (which also provide
capacity development for disaster preparedness when integrated with
multi-purpose halls/shelters for facilitating any disaster-based/emergency
evacuation, rescue and relief services), last-mile connectivity
improvements (by roads/pedestrian paths), wayside facilities, and traffic
management infrastructure (circulation and parking). Description of each
type of infrastructure and services, and the guidelines that must be
followed in selecting, undertaking and operating these subprojects are
set out below:
(i) Helipads/heliports provide the opportunity to bring tourists to
more remote locations as well as provide emergency medical
evacuation services to enhance tourists‘ safety and security.
Post-disaster of June 2013, helidromes may be developed near
selective large tourism destination/urban centers as felt
necessary for disaster preparedness coverage needs, and those
already existing may be upgraded as felt required. The site shall
be finalized based on required land area availability,
obstruction analysis report for FATO alignment, and safeguard
screening (both environment and social) completed. Land
required for helipad/heliport/helidrome development, and
passenger and freight services should be made available by the
State. Willingness to operate regular services between the site
and main gateway centre(s) must be confirmed and
guaranteed with one or more private helicopter service
operators. These facilities should be developed as per
applicable norms & standards/regulations viz. DGCA CAR, ICAO
Heliport Manual, etc. Also, associated facilities with each
helipad/heliport/helidrome category as applicable like apron,
helicopter parking, taxiway, any hangar/terminal building,
approach road access & vehicle parking, surface markings,
fencing, and equipments like–windsock/lighting & any
navigational aid/fire-fighting and rescue & relief mechanism,
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etc., should be provided; and an integrated amenity of
multipurpose hall/shelter within 500 m distance (as per land
availability) should also be thought off to strengthen disaster
preparedness capacity;
(ii) Last-Mile Connectivity Improvements include improvements to
last-mile road access to tourist attraction sites and provision of
road signage. Road upgrading must follow existing alignments
as far as practicable and must not lead to alteration of surface
water hydrology of rivers/streams/waterways. Where required to
protect the ecological sensitivity and to maintain the serenity of
the tourism site, last-mile connectivity may also be explored
through the provision of environment-friendly constructed
pedestrian pathways/trails;
(iii) Wayside facilities/amenities are essential where travel distance
between tourist gateway centre and destination, or between
two tourist destinations, is significant. Wayside facilities include
off and on-highway ramps, parking for cars and buses, public
toilets and restrooms with lockers, refreshment centre offering
food and beverage, information, fuel and vehicle
maintenance, etc. The location of wayside facilities must be
determined by the length of vehicle travel times between tourist
gateway centre and destination, or between two tourist
destinations (typically one for a vehicle travel interval of
between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours) as well as by ―through
traffic‖ requirements, if any, based on traffic flow studies. Land
required for the wayside facilities should be made available by
the State (if land transfer is required between two state
departments, the same should be done in a well-coordinated
and timely manner to achieve the purpose of tourism
asset/infrastructure creation in time). In principle, wayside
facilities should be operated on a PPP basis by the private
sector; and
(iv) Traffic management and transportation infrastructure,
especially circulation and parking, is essential for ensuring
attractive environment and quality experience for visiting
tourists. As a long-term measure integrated traffic management
plan and/or comprehensive mobility plan (CMP) should be
prepared for tourist attractions/destinations and gateway
centres to provide a framework for investments in traffic
management infrastructure. Traffic management infrastructure
such as multi-storey parking, which is well suited for PPP or
private sector investment, should be encouraged. Such parking
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structure may also be integrated with one tourism information
kiosk/booth, one small cafeteria, and where felt required one
PCO booth as well (as access to all mobile networks may not be
available at all sites, especially in the upper reaches of the
Himalayan Region in Uttarakhand State).
TECHNICAL STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS
Except where otherwise specified, materials and workmanship shall comply with
the requirements of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD)
Specifications, relevant Indian Standards (hereinafter referred to as IS) issued by
the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), safety manuals and National Building
Code (NBC). Also, GRIHA, an acronym for Green Rating for Integrated Habitat
Assessment, is the national rating system for green building in India [GRIHA has
been conceived by TERI and developed jointly with the Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy, Government of India. It is a green building 'design
evaluation system', and is suitable for all kinds of buildings in different climatic
zones of the country].
In the absence of any IS or specifications, equivalent International Standard
Specifications such as those issued by the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) or British Standards (BS) or the International Electro-
technical Commission (IEC) or American Society for Testing and materials
(ASTM) or American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or Japanese Industrial
Standards (JIS) any other international standard, specifications or Manual may
be followed or proposed by the developer at the sole discretion of the
Executing Authority or as may have been agreed in the Contract.
All standards and specifications, whether national or international, applied and
used shall be with latest amendments / correction slips. In the event of conflict
between any of these Specifications and the Codes referred, such
specifications shall be defined, prepared by the Developer and submitted to
the Executing/Implementing Authority for approval. The decision of
Executing/Implementing Authority in such case shall be final and binding on the
Developer.
In referring to the Standards, Specifications, Manuals, Guidelines, etc. the
following abbreviations are used but not limited to these only:
ANSI : American National Standards Institute APA : American Planning Association
AWS : American Welding Society AGMA : American Gear Manufacturer’s Association AS : Australian Standards ASME : American Society of Mechanical Engineers ASTM : American Society of Testing and Materials AWWA : American Water Works Association
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BIS : Bureau of Indian Standards
BS : British Standard CEN : Comité Européen de Normalisation or European Committee for
Standardization CPHEEO : Central Public Health Environmental and Engineering Organization.
CPWD : Central Public works Department DIN : Deutsches Institute fur Normung EN : European Standards GRIHA : Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment ICOMOS : International Council on Monuments and Sites IEC : International Electrotechnical Commission
IEE : Institution of Electrical Engineers IEEE : Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers ISO : International Organisation for Standardisation IP Ratings/IP code : Ingress Protection Ratings IRC : Indian Road Congress IS : Indian Standard JIS : Japanese Industrial Standards MORTH : Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways NBC : National Building Code NEMA : National Electrical Manufacturers Association
NZS : New Zealand Standards
All materials, plant and equipment shall be new and all materials and
workmanship not fully specified herein or covered by an approved standard
shall be of such kind as is used in first class work and suitable to the environment
and climate in the project area. All details, materials and equipment supplied
and workmanship performed shall comply with these Standards.
PLANNING AND ENGINEERING DESIGN
o Uttarakhand State falls primarily in seismic zone V and some parts in seismic
zone IV and thus all areas in the State are considered prone to earthquake
hazards. The State shall ensure that the BIS building codes for these zones
have been adopted and are rigorously enforced by the ULBs/Panchayats
and PWD/District Administration. All new construction (single- or multi-
storeyed) in the Government sector in these areas for tourism infrastructure
integrated with disaster preparedness infrastructure measures must
conform to the BIS code for earthquake resistant framed-structure design.
All new construction in Private sector under Tourism Sector (i.e. tourism
assets/supporting tourism infrastructure) in Uttarakhand State must conform
to the BIS code for earthquake resistant framed-structure design, without
any exception to number of storeys proposed during process of approval
from ULBs/Panchayats, and for registration under Department of Tourism
(through UTDB/GMVN/KMVN) for operating such tourism services. The State
departments participating in creation of tourism assets/tourism
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infrastructure directly (UTDB/GMVN/KMVN) or as an assisting body
(RDD/PWD/RES/UPRNN etc. including for rural areas) must follow the criteria
proposed by NDM Division, MoHA, GoI in 2004 for ―Earthquake Prone
Areas‖ recommended and reproduced herewith:
a) Intensities of VII or more on Modified Mercalli or MSK intensity scale
are considered moderate to high areas under seismic zones III, IV
and V as specified in IS 1893. Therefore, all areas in these three zones
will be considered prone to earthquake hazards.
b) In these zones the areas which have soil conditions and the level of
water table favourable for liquefaction or settlements under
earthquake vibrations will have greater risk to buildings and structures
which will be of special consideration under Land Use Zoning.
c) Under these zones, those hilly areas which are identified to have poor
slope stability conditions and where landslides could be triggered by
earthquake or where due to prior saturated conditions, mud flow
could be initiated by earthquakes and where avalanches could be
triggered by earthquake will be specially risk prone.
d) Whereas, earthquake hazard prone areas defined in ‗a‘ above are
identified on the map given in IS 1893 to small scale and more easily
identified in the larger scale state wise maps given in the Vulnerability
Atlas of India, the special risky areas as defined in ‗b‘ and ‗c‘ above,
have to be determined specifically for the planning area under
consideration through special studies to be carried out by geologists
and geo-technical engineers.
e) If an active fault trace is identified by GSI (Geological Survey of
India), a structure for human occupancy should not be placed over
the fault trace and must be set back by a minimum of 15 m on either
side of fault trace.
o The provisions proposed by NDM Division, MoHA, GoI as mentioned-above
in 2004 including for ―Flood Prone Areas‖ are recommended to be
followed in Uttarakhand State (as reproduced herewith):
a) The flood prone areas in river plains (unprotected and protected by
bunds) are indicated in the Flood Atlas of India prepared by the
Central Water Commission and reproduced on larger scale in the
state-wise maps in the Vulnerability Atlas of India.
b) Besides the above areas, other areas can be flooded under
conditions of heavy intensity rains, inundation in depressions,
backflow in drains, inadequate drainage, failure of protection works,
etc.
c) Whereas, the flood prone areas under ‗a‘ are identified on the
available maps as indicated, the areas under ‗b‘ have to be
identified through local contour survey and study of the flood history
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of the planning area. Such studies may be carried out through
Survey of India or local survey teams, and by reference to the
Central Water Commission and the departments of the State or UT
dealing with the floods.
o Since the Uttarakhand State located in the young Himalayan mountain
range, the provisions proposed by NDM Division, MoHA, GoI as mentioned-
above in 2004 including for ―Land Slide Prone Areas‖ are recommended to
be followed in the State (as reproduced herewith):
a) While it is known that most hilly areas are prone to
landslides/landslips, the susceptibility of the various areas to landslide
varies from very low to very high. Landslide zoning naturally requires
mapping on large scale. Normally medium scale of 1:25000 is at least
chosen. In preparation of the landslide zone map, two types of
factors are considered important as listed here below:
1) Geological/Topographic Factors/Parameters
- Lithology
- Geological Structures/Lineaments
- Slope-dip (bedding, joint) relation
- Geomorphology
- Drainage
- Slope angle, slope aspect and slope morphology
- Land use
- Soil texture and depth
- Rock weathering
2) Triggering Factors
- Rainfall
- Earthquake
- Anthropogeny
b) Whereas the factors listed under geological/topographic parameters
have been considered as basic inputs for the landslide potential
model, the three triggering factors namely, Rainfall, Earthquake and
Anthropogeny were considered external factors which trigger the
occurrence of a landslide.
c) Whereas, the landslide prone areas under ‗a‘ are available for some
parts of the country on the maps given in Landslide Hazard Zonation
Mapping in the Himalayas of Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh
States using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques, published by
National Remote Sensing Agency, Department of Space,
Government of India, Hyderabad and Landslide Hazard Zonation
Atlas of India – Landslide Hazard Maps and Cases Studies prepared
by Building Materials & Technology Promotion Council, Ministry of
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Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation, Government of India, the
risky areas in other parts of the country have to be determined
specially for the planning areas under consideration through special
studies to be carried out by the State/UT governments and the
concerned Competent Authorities.
o Mitigation measures need to be considered in land use and site planning
activities. Constructions in hazardous areas like flood plains or steep soft
slopes are more vulnerable to disasters. Necessary mitigation measures
need to be built into the design and costing of development projects.
o The provisions proposed by NDM Division, MoHA, GoI as mentioned above
in 2004 including for ―Approach for Land Use Zoning‖ are recommended to
be followed in Uttarakhand State (as reproduced herewith):
Having identified the hazard prone areas the following alternatives
can be adopted for dealing with the disaster risk problems:
1) Leaving the area unprotected: In this case it will be necessary to
specify Land Use Zoning for various development purposes as
recommended under herein (next four bulleted sub-sections
below).
2) Using protection methods for the areas as a whole or in the
construction of buildings, structures and infrastructure facilities to
cater for the hazard intensities likely in the Planning Area.
3) It will be appropriate to prioritise buildings, structures and
infrastructures in terms of their importance from the point of view
of impact of damage on the socio-economic structure of the
society.
o Prioritisation (recommended as proposed in above-mentioned NDM
Division, MoHA, GoI report in 2004, and as reproduced herewith):
In regard to Land Use Zoning, different types of buildings and utility
services are grouped under three priorities as indicated below:
Priority 1. Defence installation, industries, public utilities, life line
structures like hospitals, electricity installations, water supply,
telephone exchange, aerodromes and railway stations;
commercial centres, libraries, other buildings or installations with
contents of high economic value.
Priority 2. Public and Semi-public institutions, Government offices,
and residential areas.
Priority 3. Parks, play grounds, wood lands, gardens, green belts,
and recreational areas.
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o Land Use Zoning for Flood Safety (recommended as proposed in above-
mentioned NDM Division, MoHA, GoI report in 2004, and as reproduced
herewith):
1) Recommendations for Land Use Zoning of Flood Prone Areas
(a) Preparation of Flood Contour Maps
The following actions should be taken to prepare the flood
contour maps by taking up special studies/surveys as found
necessary in the Development Area:
i. Prepare detailed contour plan of the area liable to flood
on a scale of 1 in 15000 or larger scale showing contours
at interval of 0.3 to 0.5 metre;
ii. Fix reference river gauges or maximum flood levels due to
heavy rains with respect to which the areas are likely to
be inundated;
iii. Demarcate areas liable to flooding by floods in rivers of
return periods of 5, 25, 50 and 100 years or by excessive
rainfall of return period of 5, 10, 25, and 50 years; and
iv. Mark on the maps the submersion contours for these flood
stages.
(b) Regulation for Land Use Zoning
i. Installations and Buildings of Priority 1 should be located in
such a fashion that the area is above the levels
corresponding to a 100 year flood or the maximum
observed flood levels, whichever higher. Similarly, they
should also be above the levels corresponding to a 50
year rainfall flooding and the likely submersion due to
drainage congestion;
ii. Buildings of Priority 2 should be located outside the 25
year flood or a 10 year rainfall contour, provided that the
buildings if constructed between the 10 and 25 year
contours should have either high plinth level above 25
year flood mark or constructed on columns or stilts, with
ground area left for the unimportant uses;
iii. Activities of Priority 3 viz. play grounds, gardens and parks
etc. can be located in areas vulnerable to frequent
floods.
Note: In natural hazard prone areas identified under the land use zoning
regulations, structures buildings and installations which cannot be avoided,
protective measures for such construction/development should be properly
safeguarded.
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Thus, it can be summarised that generally tourism cannot be promoted without
basic infrastructure especially, transportation and water supply. Whilst, transport
is key for travel, water supply is generally most essential for any tourist service
facilities. Accommodation establishments and restaurants cannot exist without
water. Other utilities and services are important not only for visitors, but also for
tourism service industries. Future tourism development should be coordinated
with existing infrastructure capacities, and future infrastructure development
plans. Types of tourism development largely depend on the service level of
these infrastructures.
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BACKGROUND
he State of Uttarakhand with holy shrines, rivers, the Himalayas and stunning landscapes, is
popularly called the Devbhumi i.e. the Land of Gods and is an important destination for pilgrims
and tourists from all over the world. Two of the most revered rivers of the country, the Ganga
and the Yamuna, originate from Gaumukh (Gangotri), and Yamunotri respectively; and Shri
Badrinath and Shri Kedarnath, the holy places of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva respectively are an
important part of the Char-Dham pilgrimage circuit. Another prominent pilgrimage destination is
the holy town of Haridwar, where the prestigious Kumbh Mela is held every twelve years,
attracting millions of pilgrims from all over the world; while the pilgrimage of Kailash-Mansarovar
Yatra trek route passes through the eastern edge of the State, the State is also home to Sri
Hemkunt Sahib Shrine (the highest located Gurdwara in the world). Apart from
religious/pilgrimage tourism, Uttarakhand also provides great opportunities for nature based
tourism and adventure sports like mountaineering, trekking, skiing and water sports.
During June 15-17, 2013, significant part of both regions of Garhwal and Kumaon of state of
Uttarakhand received heavy torrential rains, cloudburst and unexpected floods from probable
glacial meltdown (e.g. glacial lake burst/overflow related flash floods at Kedarnath) which led
to large scale devastations. The aftermath experienced as: long stretches of roads washed out
or caved in; complete loss of road connectivity and communications; loss of human lives; large
scale damage to personal and civic infrastructure property; natural alteration in local ecology;
complete disruption of civic services in affected towns; impacts on local and regional livelihood
and loss of tourism footprint; complete disruption in pilgrimage; etc. In this context, it has been
observed that presently there does exist some guidelines/directive circulars issued from time to
time by Uttarakhand State Government through Forest Department as well as those under
Tourism, Urban Development, Housing, and T&CP Departments. However, these need to be duly
studied and holistically integrated and made comprehensive in nature towards meeting
sustainable tourism infrastructure development in such Himalayan terrain.
Thus, as per the loan covenant of Asian Development Bank (ADB) provisioned in para 7,
Schedule 5 of the Loan Agreement of Uttarakhand Emergency Assistance Project (UEAP)‖, it‘s
imperative that ―With regard to tourism infrastructure rehabilitated and reconstructed under the
Project, without limiting the generality of Project requirements, the EA in particular shall (a)
prepare guidelines for new infrastructure to be developed under the sector…‖ The guidelines
has thus been prepared as “Infrastructure Development Guidelines: Developing new
infrastructure under tourism sector, including any rehabilitated and reconstructed tourism
infrastructure (UTDB-IDG-01), March 2015” and discussed amongst several stakeholders finalised.
1 PROJECT SUMMARY
The State of Uttarakhand was carved out of Himalayan and adjoining
districts of Uttar Pradesh on 9 November 2000 becoming the 27th state of
the Republic of India, and was initially known as Uttaranchal when the
state was so formed, up-till the end of year 2006.
Uttarakhand borders Tibet to the north, Nepal to the east, and the states of
Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh in the west and south respectively.
The region is traditionally referred to as Uttarakhand in Hindu scriptures and
T
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old literature, a term which derives from the Sanskrit for Northern Country or
Section. Uttarakhand by virtue of its geographical setting is vulnerable to
minor ecological changes. Hence any activity disapproved by mountain
ecosystem triggers a disaster. We cannot stop disaster to happen but can
certainly take some steps to reduce its effects. Disasters are synonymous to
damage of property, life and psyche of the people. If disasters cannot be
averted, then reduction of losses of any type, caused by disaster becomes
a focal point of the policy for disaster. So far, in the recent June 2013
Uttarakhand has experienced major natural calamities in districts
Rudraprayag (Kedarnath), Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Bageshwar and
Pithoragarh (Dharchula).
Being part the Himalayan region1, Uttarakhand is a disaster prone state.
Landslides, forest fires, cloudbursts and flash-floods are seasonal in nature
and this strike at a certain period of the year with high frequency. Natural
disasters in the mountains are the most devastating and are unpredictable.
Natural disaster of June 2013 resulted in huge damage of life, roads,
tourism assets/infrastructure, rural & urban infrastructure in the state of
Uttarakhand. This event also recorded a glacial lake (Chorabari Lake)
burst/overflow2 related flash flood causing a great number of loss of lives
and severe damage of property at Kedarnath & further downstream
enroute, e.g. settlement of Rambara was completely washed away.
The Government of Uttarakhand (GoUK) launched a massive emergency
rescue and evacuation operation with assistance from the Indian Army,
Indian Air Force (IAF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the National
Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the local Police evacuating more than
110,000 people from these flood affected areas. The need to immediately
start the recovery and reconstruction work, especially in the most affected
areas prompted the need for a rapid assessment to understand the nature
of damages post-disaster (as described below). The Uttarakhand
Government is committed to ensure the safety and well-being of its people
and recognizes the necessity to continuously improve disaster risk reduction
and management within the State. This report is a forward looking report
incorporating a post-disaster recovery framework that proposes immediate
1 Inhabitants in the Himalayan region are exposed to many natural hazards. The mountain ranges are young with an
unstable geology, steep slopes, and a climate that is difficult to predict. As a result, the region is highly susceptible to
natural hazards such as floods and flash floods, landslides, and earthquakes. (ICIMOD, 2008, Sharing Knowledge on
Disaster Risk Reduction in the Himalayan Region: Proceedings from two workshops on planning processes, social
inclusion, and local knowledge for disaster preparedness) 2 Chorabari Lake is reported as glacier moraine dammed lake adjoining the Chorabari Glacier terminus. ―The Chorabari
Lake is a snow melt and rain fed lake, located about 2 km upstream of Kedarnath town which is approximately 400 m
long, 200 m wide having a depth of 15–20 m. The bursting of this lake led to its complete draining within 5–10 min as
reported by the watch and ward staff of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) who were present in WIHG
camp at Chorabari Glacier on 16 June and early morning of 17 June 2013. The heavy rainfall together with melting of
snow in the surrounding Chorabari Lake washed off both the banks of the Mandakini River causing massive
devastation to the Kedarnath town.‖[Dobhal et al 2013, Scientific Correspondence on ―Kedarnath disaster; facts and
plausible causes‖ published in Current Science, Vol. 105, No.2, 25 July 2013, pp 171-174.]
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measures of ‗building-back-smarter‘ to improve the resilience of the State‘s
infrastructure and its communities from impacts of future disasters and
climate change(s).3
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on receiving a request from the
Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Government of India (GoI), fielded
a Joint Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (JRDNA) Mission with World
Bank, within the State. The JRDNA team visited the State during July 29 to
August 07, 2013, and in collaboration with GoUK undertook a multi-sectoral
assessment of the damages and laid the grounds for an immediate
recovery and reconstruction needs framework. The said report noted that a
high percentage of precipitation coupled with the large influx of tourists
and pilgrims around the same time of the disaster stretched the existing
public infrastructure and public services beyond its limits; and suggests
several recommendations for recovery and way forward, for housing,
public infrastructure, transport, urban and rural infrastructures, productive
sectors and livelihoods, tourism infrastructure, energy, forest and
biodiversity, and urban disaster risk reduction and response preparedness,
along with cross cutting themes like full-fledged mitigation program for
landslides, cloudbursts, floods, avalanches, earthquakes., including safe
shelters in disaster prone areas, etc.
Thus, based on above suggestions and as per the advice of Asian
Development Bank (ADB) provisioned in para 7, Schedule 5 of the Loan
Agreement of UEAP, it‘s required that ―With regard to tourism infrastructure
rehabilitated and reconstructed under the Project, without limiting the
generality of Project requirements, the EA in particular shall (a) prepare
guidelines for new infrastructure to be developed under the sector…‖ The
guidelines has thus been prepared as “Infrastructure Development
Guidelines: Developing new infrastructure under tourism sector, including
any rehabilitated and reconstructed tourism infrastructure (UTDB-IDG-01),
March 2015” and discussed amongst several stakeholders and finalised.
ADB further advises the UTDB to incorporate these during preparation of
documents for UEAP implementation. The same can be followed in future
as well by Government of Uttarakhand through UTDB for general tourist
infrastructure development, as well through Forest Department (FD) for
ecotourism-based tourist infrastructure development.
3 INDIA: Uttarakhand Disaster June 2013-Joint Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (JRDNA) Report. (The World Bank,
Government of Uttarakhand, and Asian Development Bank, August 2013)
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2 INTRODUCTION, RATIONALE/NEED
The state of Uttarakhand is bounded by Uttar Pradesh on the south, Nepal
on the east, Himachal Pradesh on the west, and China on the northeast.
The Ganga and the Yamuna rivers take birth in the glaciers of Uttarakhand,
and are fed by innumerable lakes, glacial melts and streams in the region.
The topography of Uttarakhand is characterized by hilly terrain, rugged
and rocky mountains, deep valleys, high peaks, sharp streams and rivulets,
rapid soil erosion, frequent landslides and widely scattered habitations.
Char-Dhams, the four most sacred and revered Hindu temples: Badrinath,
Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are nestled in the Mighty Mountains.
Capital of Uttarakhand is Dehradun which is also the rail-head in the
region. The High Court is situated in the district of Nainital.
2.1 People
Uttarakhand has traditionally been divided into two parts, the eastern
region going by the name of Kumaon and the western half known as
Garhwal. The native people of Uttarakhand call themselves Paharis (hill
people), the majority of whom are Hindus. Other ethnic communities in the
region include Gujjars and Nepalis.
2.2 Climate
The climate of Uttarakhand is temperate, marked by seasonal variations in
temperature but also affected by tropical monsoon. January is the coldest
month, with daily high temperatures averaging below freezing in the north
and near 70 °F (21 °C) in the southeast. In the north, July is the hottest
month, with temperatures typically rising from the mid-40s °F (about 7 °C) to
about 70 °F daily. In the southeast, May is the warmest month, with daily
temperatures normally reaching the low 100s °F (about 38 °C) from a low
around 80 °F (27 °C). Most of the State‘s roughly 60 inches (1,500 mm) of
annual precipitation is brought by the southwest monsoon, which blows
from July through September. Floods and landslides are problems during
the rainy season in the lower stretches of the valleys. In the northern parts of
the state, 10 to 15 feet (3 to 5 meters) of snowfall is common between
December and March.
2.3 Geography
Uttarakhand State is located in the northern part of India amongst the
Himalayan region between latitudes 28°43‘ N to 31°27‘ N and longitudes
77°34‘ E to 81°02‘ E. Uttarakhand has a total area of 53,483 sqkm, of which
86% is mountainous/hill (46,035 sqkm) and almost 65% is covered by forests
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(34,651 sqkm). (General Information – Uttarakhand at a Glance, 2011,
Uttarakhand Tourism Website)
Most of the northern part of the state is covered by high Himalayan peaks
and glaciers, while the lower foothills are densely forested.
2.4 Drainage
The state is drained by various rivers of the Ganges (Ganga) system. The
westernmost watershed is formed by the Yamuna River and its major
tributary, the Tons. The land to the east of this basin is drained by
the Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda—which join to form the Ganges at the
town of Devprayag—and the Mandakini, Pindar, and Dhauliganga, all
principal tributaries of the Alaknanda. To the east again are the southward-
flowing Ramganga and Kosi rivers, and draining to the southeast in the
same region are the Saryu and Goriganga, both of which join the Kali at
Uttarakhand‘s eastern border with Nepal.
2.5 Soils
Uttarakhand has various types of soil, all of which are susceptible to soil
erosion. In the north, the soil ranges from gravel (debris from glaciers) to stiff
clay. Brown forest soil—often shallow, gravelly, and rich in organic
content—is found farther to the south. The Bhabar area is characterized by
soils that are coarse-textured, sandy to gravelly, highly porous, and largely
infertile. In the extreme southeastern part of the state, the Terai soils are
mostly rich, clayey loams, mixed to varying degrees with fine sand and
humus; they are well suited to the cultivation of rice and sugarcane.
2.6 Demography
According to the 2011 Census of India, Uttarakhand has a population of
10,116,752 comprising 5,154,178 males and 4,962,574 females, with 69.45%
of the population living in rural areas. The state is the 20th most populous
state of the country having 0.84% of the population on 1.69% of the land.
2.7 Literacy
As of the 2011 census the literacy rate of the state was 79.63% with 88.33%
literacy for males and 70.70% literacy for female.
2.8 Economy
Agriculture is one of the most significant sectors of the economy of
Uttarakhand. Basmati rice, wheat, soybeans, groundnuts, coarse cereals,
pulses, and oil seeds are the most widely grown crops. Fruits like apples,
oranges, pears, peaches, litchis, and plums are widely grown and
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important to the large food processing industry. Agricultural export zones
have been set up in the state for leechi, horticulture, herbs, medicinal
plants, and basmati rice. Other key industries include tourism and
hydropower, and there is prospective development in IT, ITES,
biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and automobile industries. The service
sector of Uttarakhand mainly includes tourism, information technology,
higher education, and banking.
2.9 Tourism in Uttarakhand and Tourist Arrivals
As per the Report of ―Uttarakhand Sector Study, December 2006‖ by
German Technical Cooperation on the economic sectors for the
upcoming gtz sponsored RED program then, ―Tourism in Uttarakhand may
be classified into a number of important segments, such as:
Religious tourism in Garhwal accounts for the single largest volume of
traffic. This form of tourism is largely budget oriented, causes immense
strain on the local environment and moves on its own. The route is well
defined and the State administrative machinery is simply focused on
maintaining law and order and providing basic facilities.
Recreation tourism is popular with few destinations such as Corbett Park
and Nainital in Kumaon and Mussoorie in Garhwal. Several thousand
travellers keep on visiting these places, which are easily accessible from
the rail heads at Kathgodam or Dehradun. The infrastructure in these
places is mostly in place and during the season there are serious
capacity problems.
Nature tourism is popular amongst a new breed of travellers who wish
to experience the peace and quiet of the Himalayas and also escape
from the heat of the plains. This is the segment which visits a large
number of offbeat locations in Kumaon and a few in Garhwal. The
number of travellers is very small but growing steadily. The segment can
expand substantially if marketing and promotion efforts are increased.
Adventure tourism is what brings a number of international tourists and
high value domestic travellers from Indian metros in search of trekking,
rafting, mountaineering and wildlife viewing experiences. This form of
tourism employs a large number of locals in season, creates very little
strain on the system and brings good per head revenue.‖
Also as per the above-mentioned gtz RED program report, ―Broadly
speaking the tourist traffic into Uttarakhand can be categorized into the
following major segments:
Domestic:
o comprising resident Indians
o large cross section on pilgrimage and heritage tours
o predominantly low budget high volume traffic
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o distinct difference in affordability between those on pilgrimage and
those on vacation
o a growing subset of younger, upwardly mobile residents seeking
elements of adventure and nature in vacation
o usually traveling together as a family with relatives and friends
o the upwardly mobile traveller demands a variety of serious and is
willing to pay for these.
o those on weekend trips tend to make frequent trips to few favourite
locations
o those on vacation spend around ten to fifteen days visiting a variety
of places.
Inbound:
o comprising foreigners seeking sunshine, heritage, wildlife and the
high mountains
o two major subsets comprising those at or near retirement age with
up market tastes and high affordability and those in early work life
with low budgets and willingness to rough it out
o comprising a growing subset of NRIs seeking renewal of ties and
wider understanding of country
o a small subset of expatriates working in cities like Delhi who are
familiar with Nepal, and are keen to explore Uttarakhand for
experiencing the Himalayas from this side of the border.
The region experiences large movements of tourist traffic but business is
very seasonal and often restricted to a narrow geographical spread. In the
context of increasing the volume and quality of tourist traffic flow into
Uttarakhand some important requirements are:
(a) The flow of inbound leisure tourist traffic comprising almost 2.0 million
out of a total inbound inflow of 5 million people is largely restricted to
our winter months when most of Uttarakhand remains inaccessible.
More efforts are needed to get some of the foreigners to extend their
trip from the plains to the Himalayas.
(b) The average ―quality‖ tourist seeks well cooked, hygienic food, tidy
accommodation and plenty of customer care (which is vastly different
from confronting simply caretakers in various lodges whether private or
public). Domestic travellers are well disposed to ―Eco-Tourism‖ provided
the ecolodges, rest houses etc. maintain good standards. Ecotourism
actually requires a big face lift.
(c) The inbound traveller from overseas is bombarded by the aggressive
selling features of Rajasthan, Kerala, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, such
that unless directly marketed more often than not Uttarakhand
escapes his prospective itinerary.
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(d) The upwardly mobile domestic traveller is besieged with umpteen
options too and is constantly seeking good value for his money. For a
family of four located in Mumbai, used to air travel spending a
vacation in Mauritius could be quite cost-effective. For several Indian
executives used to incentive and bonus travel the economics and
relative excitement of a fifteen days‘ vacation in Europe often
outweighs the proposition of spending an equally long holiday in the
interiors of Uttarakhand, because in terms of cost there may not always
be a substantial difference.
The traveller is becoming more experienced and sophisticated. Despite
various handicaps in Uttarakhand there has been a strong growth of
demand for travel in both the domestic and international markets. A
noticeable trend is the emergence of the leisure traveller. Leisure travellers
share many characteristics of the business travellers, but there is one major
point of difference – leisure travellers usually pay their own expenses and
therefore the concept of ―value for money‖ is particularly important.
The traveller increasingly seeks to buy a package of arrangements – flights,
accommodation, excursion, car hire etc. In each of the categories, the
price and range of services is very wide and unless there is a conscious
move to benchmark both price and service quality there could be an
inadequate volume of the flow of quality tourists into Uttarakhand.‖
The overall tourist visitation in Uttarakhand State has been steadily
increasing since the beginning of current millennia, with some exceptions
of reduced arrivals in 2001, and 2011-2012. Moreover, the disaster of June
2013 too severely affected the tourist arrivals in that year. The tourist
statistics data as presently available on Uttarakhand Tourism Website is
given below in Table 2.1.
Table 2.1: Tourist Statistics of Uttarakhand (Year 2000 to 2012)
S. No. Year Domestic (in Lakh) Foreign (in Lakh) Total (in Lakh)
1 2000 110.79 0.57 111.36
2 2001 105.49 0.55 106.04
3 2002 116.52 0.56 117.08
4 2003 129.30 0.64 129.94
5 2004 138.30 0.75 139.05
6 2005 162.81 0.93 163.74
7 2006 193.58 0.96 194.54
8 2007 221.54 1.06 222.60
9 2008 230.64 1.12 231.76
10 2009 231.54 1.18 232.72
11 2010 309.72 1.36 311.08
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S. No. Year Domestic (in Lakh) Foreign (in Lakh) Total (in Lakh)
12 2011 266.66 1.43 268.09
13 2012 282.92 1.41 284.33
Source: Uttarakhand Tourism Website
The said disaster has critically highlighted the issue of carrying capacities of
the sites/destinations in this difficult Himalayan terrain. This issue can also be
read in conjunction with current available status of tourist arrivals i.e. in the
year 2012 and the tourist arrival projections made in the Uttarakhand
Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008. It is observed that while
the projected tourist arrivals for 2012 was 20.56 million, the actual tourist
arrivals recorded as per above table was 28.43 million. The said Master Plan
has projected the tourist arrivals till the year 2022 as 69.72 million. Thus, as
per the learning from the impacts of the disaster of 2013, it is imperative
that any future tourist arrival projections and tourism management needs
be rather based on the carrying capacity assessments for tourism load that
such sites/destinations of Uttarakhand can sustainably bear. Also, the said
Master Plan cautions that ―While the occupancy statistics reported by the
accommodation establishments are important in assessing the adequacy
or otherwise of such facilities, the overall visitor arrivals reported by the
temple authorities are useful in area planning and assessing the transport
requirements. But mixing up of both sets of data creates problems of
multiple counting, comparability and interpretation.‖
2.10 Rationale/Need
The need for creating a range of infrastructure development
principles/recommendations/criteria with use of feasible best practices for
tourism sector has been identified for the State of Uttarakhand, for the
following reasons:
Natural Disaster of June 2013 has resulted in huge loss of lives of
tourists/residents and severe damage to conventionally created
infrastructural facilities in the region, highlighting the requirement to
strengthen the principles/criteria of tourism infrastructure development
proposals and their approval, so such tourism infrastructure is durable to
withstand natural elements and such eventualities in the difficult
Himalayan terrain, and yet are low-impact developments (LID) making
them energy efficient/climate resilient and cost-effective in long-term,
thus making them sustainable interventions for the immediate-
interventions.
The effect of climatic mishaps in Garhwal part of Uttarakhand is
maximum, while significant in Kumaon Region as well.
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There are several most frequented destinations in India for religious and
adventure tourism located across Uttarakhand state. The most
frequented tourist destinations for adventure and pilgrim are situated
here in Garhwal Region, with the one of the most visited tourist
destinations in Kumaon Region being Nainital and Pithoragarh for
scenic/leisure/adventure tourism along with the famed Kailash-
Mansarovar pilgrimage yatra route passing through eastern edge of
the Pithoragarh district in an extremely treacherous terrain.
The acute need for exposure to environmental sensitivity in high-altitude
mountainous conditions, more so by the fact that tourists converge,
more or less at the same time every year, making it a large
congregation of visitors over a limited period of tourism primarily due to
climate-dependent accessibility.
Also, ―The RED Tourism Value Chain Selection, Strategy and Operational
Plan-Uttarakhand, October 2008‖ by International Tourism Consultancy for
gtz-RED program, Uttarakhand highlights the following on existing
ecotourism-based development:
―Over-construction in certain areas is creating serious damage because of
poor control of land use and exceeding carrying capacity in sensitive
zones. This is resulting in forests being depleted, views being obstructed and
visual pollution in natural areas. The design and the material used in the
construction of some of the properties that are promoted for ecotourism
are inappropriate and do not blend into the surroundings. In certain cases
interiors do not represent the ecological and cultural identity of the
environment in which they are located.
There was evidence of poor hygiene at some of the properties visited
during the study and the management of non-biodegradable waste is
poor in general because the waste collection system and recycling
measures are weak or non-existent. Natural areas are becoming
dangerously polluted, thus degrading the ecotourism experience that the
visitors have come to enjoy.
Whilst some properties have adopted energy management procedures
and use renewable energy, the majority have not and are utilizing
expensive sources of energy. Villagers who want to provide ecotourism
services need to be educated about environmental protection of their
area, trained so that they can deliver the quality of service required and
explained about energy management and the use of renewable energy.
This may require developing a system of incentives or grants to encourage
accommodation providers to install renewable energy equipment.
… Operators complain that there is nowhere to protect their clients during
periods of bad weather and shelters are needed on the trekking routes.
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Trekking can cause environmental damage and there is a need for
carrying capacity studies on popular routes and strategies to divert trekkers
to other routes during the high season.‖
Thus, this guidelines document deliberates on the recommendations to be
made for when, where, and what type of construction should be followed
to conserve the fragile environment in the Himalayan region, and promote
climate resilient and overall environmentally sustainable tourism
infrastructure at such destinations in the state of Uttarakhand. It is felt
imperative and so recommended, to follow low-impact development (LID)
and safe tourism infrastructure development that has built-in mitigation
measures that eventually support the capacity of the Uttarakhand State
towards adaptation capabilities to meet climate change impacts/threats.
A summarized process checklist for ensuring due-diligence in tourism
infrastructure development process in the state of Uttarakhand is attached
as Appendix-1 in this main report, supplementing the set guidelines.
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3 CRITERIA FOR INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES
The criteria in general has been suggested based on the existing technical
criteria provisioned in UEAP-PAM which is compliant with the basic terms of
internationally followed mandate of external-aided development including
referring provisions in FAM of ongoing IDIPT-UK project; as well as the bases
observed in the earlier mentioned JRDNA Report (June 2013), and other
national/international best practices being followed on development
which are primarily of low-impact/energy efficient/climate
resilient/integrated tourism-cum-culture or heritage context-sensitive in
nature, and other development practices that enhance quality of
experience of any tourism infrastructure usage.
3.1 Technical and Economic Criteria under ADB Investment Program/Project
Foremost, in general, this guideline in-principle recommends adopting the
existing provisions of subproject selection criteria defined in the UEAP-PAM
under Appendix 4, Section 2 (ii) to (vii) of the Technical Criteria, as below:
The subproject shall be technically sound, meeting design standards of
the Government of India or other equivalent technical authorities and
preliminary design will have been prepared.
The subproject will be designed and executed as seismic resistant
structure in accordance with relevant national standards, as
applicable.
The subproject shall be cost-effective based on a review of technical
options available to address the identified problems.
The subproject should be avoided in core zones of national parks,
wildlife sanctuaries and biospheres and the critical habitats. If
unavoidable, such subprojects should be strictly confined to minor
rehabilitation of existing infrastructure.
The design and construction standards will be raised to appropriate
level. The revised high flood levels of the rivers or the natural streams or
drainage channels shall be considered, while designing facilities, as
applicable. Geo-technical studies* shall be undertaken and slope
stabilization measures considered for slide zones, wherever applicable.
[* Identification of suitable land with NOC from District Administration &
individual title holder along with environmental & social screening for
sub-project implementation at the time of submission of Sub-project
Appraisal Report (SAR), and topographical/total station survey shall
precede the geo-technical studies. Also, ADB through its approvals on
SARs under UEAP has reaffirmed the advice that “Incorporate slope
stabilization measure during implementation based on geo-technical
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investigation by the geo-technical expert/design and supervision
consultants.”]
The subproject shall be in compliance with all applicable local rules
and regulations. All required central and state government
approvals/clearances will be in place including those from state
disaster management authority/high powered committee. Additionally,
necessary statutory clearances should be in place before contract
award/commencement of works.
While, the Economic Criteria being as below:
Economic evaluation should cover the key areas of economic analysis
indicated in ADB‘s Key Areas of Economic Analysis of Projects – An
Overview. In particular, (i) the analysis should ensure that there is
sufficient demand for the critical public and social infrastructure; (ii) the
analysis is undertaken for the various alternatives; (iii) the subproject
demonstrates an EIRR of at least 12%, is not overly sensitive to changes
in key cost and benefit parameters and will likely be sustainable with
due provision for O&M, or the chosen technical option is the least cost
option for providing the particular service. If there is a justification that
the economic benefits cannot be entirely quantified, the economic
rate of return of 10% instead of 12% can be acceptable.
[i.e. as also suggested in the ―Uttarakhand Tourism Development
Master Plan 2007 – 2022‖ issued in April 2008 by Government of India,
Government of Uttarakhand, United Nations Development Programme,
and World Tourism Organisation–―Avoid tourist infrastructure projects
that create a burden to local taxpayers and businesses or drain
government budgets for questionable returns. Every project must
undergo a rigorous cost-benefit analysis at every planning stage.‖]
Similarly, the provisions made under the ongoing ADB IDIPT-UK Loan under
its FAM with respect to subproject selection and technical criteria are also
duly referred and incorporated.
3.2 Criteria suggested under JRDNA Report (June 2013)
Some the existing requirements for physical developmental activities that
were found relevant towards integrated tourism infrastructure & disaster
preparedness as observed in the JRDNA Report (June 2013) are
incorporated and further elaborated as follows:
The damaged assets need to be replaced with new ones (in some
cases), not only of equal value, but with upgrades to services and
infrastructure in order to reduce the previous inherent vulnerability or
change in land parcel siting/alignments.
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During the upcoming season, the flood protection structures and
diversion bunds should be rehabilitated on a priority basis to avert
further losses and damages.
Besides the physical damages, the disaster has also severely affected
the livelihood of the people dependent solely on the flow of pilgrims
and tourists. With the destruction of infrastructure on one hand and the
loss of livelihoods on the other, the image of tourism in the State has
taken a severe beating and the tragedy has cascaded down to other
tourism destinations in the State as well. The hospitality industry suffered
a great set back due to massive cancellations of earlier bookings after
the disaster, even in the unaffected popular destinations of the State.
The damage and loss could be broadly classified as:
ii. Loss of Infrastructure (Government and Private)
iii. Direct Loss to stakeholders: Hotel and other service industries related
to tourism (tour operators, travel agents, taxi drivers, guides, shop
keepers etc.)
iv. Loss of Livelihoods along the entire chain dependent on the
pilgrimage and adventure tourism in the impacted areas.
v. Revenue and Tax Losses
vi. Loss to Tourism repute of the State as a whole.
The following table 3.1 highlights the district & category-wise damages to
the government tourism infrastructure for 115 numbers of properties/
development categories and corresponding physical losses to the tune of
US$ 19.44 million or equivalent INR 1166.10 million.
Table 3.1: District & Category-wise damages to the Government Tourism Infrastructure
S. N
o.
Dis
tric
ts
De
stin
atio
n
De
ve
lop
me
nt/
Site
s a
nd
Se
rvic
es
Gh
at
De
ve
lop
me
nt
Nig
ht
Sh
elte
rs
Mis
ce
lla
ne
ou
s*
Tou
rism
In
form
atio
n/
Co
nv
en
ien
ce
Ce
nte
r
Toile
t B
loc
ks/
Co
mp
lex
es
Tou
rist
Re
st H
ou
ses
Gra
nd
To
tal
INR
mn
Eq
uiv
ale
nt
No
‟s
US$ m
n
No
‟s
US$ m
n
No
‟s
US$ m
n
No
‟s
US$ m
n
No
‟s
US$ m
n
No
‟s
US$ m
n
No
‟s
US$ m
n
No
‟s
US$ m
n
1 Bageshwar 1 0.33 1 0.33 20.00
2 Chamoli 1 0.07 2 0.31 4 0.23 7 0.37 6 1.56 20 2.53 152.10
3 Pithoragarh 1 0.29 1 0.08 5 0.38 7 0.76 45.50
4 Rudraprayag 3 1.11 1 0.21 4 1.58 10 0.78 9 4.99 27 8.67 520.00
5 Uttarkashi 1 0.04 2 0.08 7 0.23 16 1.58 26 1.93 115.50
6 Almora 2 0.12 1 0.13 3 0.83 6 1.08 64.50
7 Dehradun 2 0.13 2 0.06 4 0.19 11.60
8 Haridwar 1 0.17 1 0.17 10.00
9 Nainital 1 0.03 2 0.09 3 0.13 7.50
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S. N
o.
Dis
tric
ts
De
stin
atio
n
De
ve
lop
me
nt/
Site
s a
nd
Se
rvic
es
Gh
at
De
ve
lop
me
nt
Nig
ht
Sh
elte
rs
Mis
ce
lla
ne
ou
s*
Tou
rism
In
form
atio
n/
Co
nv
en
ien
ce
Ce
nte
r
Toile
t B
loc
ks/
Co
mp
lex
es
Tou
rist
Re
st H
ou
ses
Gra
nd
To
tal
INR
mn
Eq
uiv
ale
nt
No
‟s
US$ m
n
No
‟s
US$ m
n
No
‟s
US$ m
n
No
‟s
US$ m
n
No
‟s
US$ m
n
No
‟s
US$ m
n
No
‟s
US$ m
n
No
‟s
US$ m
n
10 New Tehri 3 0.71 4 0.92 4 0.15 1 0.04 12 1.82 109.00
11 Pauri Garhwal 1 0.03 4 0.38 1 0.08 1 0.02 7 0.51 30.50
12 General 1 1.33 1 1.33 80.00
Total 11 2.64 8 1.47 8 1.96 6 1.74 8 0.53 32 1.63 42 9.47 115 19.44 1166.10
* Miscellaneous: Trek routes, parking, replacement of damaged and washed away assets and fixtures, retaining walls
etc.
Source: JRDNA Report, June 2013 (Table 46 & 48)
As part of the JRDNA Report (June 2013), the following advice towards
development of tourism infrastructure and disaster preparedness has been
made:
Devise a strategy and develop guidelines for impact absorbing buffers
based on the bioshield approach for reducing the vulnerability of
frequently visited areas, such as the pilgrim routes [e.g. regenerate
ethnic biodiversity through bioshield of shrubs and trees that absorbs
water, holds soil/controls erosion, and minimizes forest fires].
The last extreme weather events of 15-17 June 2013 have clearly
indicated a need to undertake thorough assessments prior to the siting
of physical infrastructure, including road alignments and disposal of
debris and muck generated during large-scale infrastructure
development. The State should develop an environment strategy and
environment management plans/frameworks for infrastructure
development planned in the river valleys, silt disposal and deposits in
the rivers, extractive policy on river bed materials etc.
Promotion of climatically resilient tourism.
Strengthening of existing infrastructure of helipads and construction of
new helipads, ropeways and other supporting structures and multi-
purpose shelters.
Promotion of village- and community-based tourism.
Development of Tourist Bio-metrics & Regulation software at various
entry points for knowing and regulating the numbers of tourists.
Conduct studies to (i) define the carrying and absorption capacities of
higher reaches destinations; (ii) develop micro plans for the middle
reaches destinations to convert them into base camps for the higher
reaches destinations to stagger the number of tourists, and (iii)
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enhance the facilities in surrounding towns and villages near the
Gateways to major destinations.
Comprehensive media campaign to revive the image of tourism in the
State.
Enhancement of planning, funding and implementation capacity to
undertake projects.
3.3 Criteria provisions under Disaster Management by Government of India
In addition, similar criteria provisions made by the Government of India
under the disaster management subject are also considered herein:
As part of strengthening of plan activities under disaster risk reduction,
and guidelines to the state governments, these measures to be
undertaken are4:
vii. Mitigation measures on individual structures can be achieved by
design standards, building codes and performance specifications.
Building codes, critical front-line defence for achieving stronger
engineered structures, need to be drawn up in accordance with
the vulnerability of the area and implemented through appropriate
techno-legal measures.
viii. Mitigation measures need to be considered in land use and site
planning activities. Constructions in hazardous areas like flood plains
or steep soft slopes are more vulnerable to disasters. Necessary
mitigation measures need to be built into the design and costing of
development projects.
ix. Every hazard prone district may draw up specific hazard related
plans. These plans may be reviewed/updated in the months of April
and May each year.
x. Every district located in area prone to hazard will need to maintain
an online inventory of resources available in the Government,
public and private sector. This will enable easy and quick
mobilization of resources in case of need. A State-wide online
resources inventory would enable the mobilization of resources from
neighbouring districts in cases of need.
xi. State in seismic zone V and IV may ensure that the BIS building
codes for these zones have been adopted and are rigorously
enforced by the municipal bodies. All construction in the
Government sector in these areas must conform to the BIS code.
As part of the proposed amendments to town and country planning
regulations, additional provisions for safety in development control
regulations, etc. prepared and issued in 2004 by the Committee of
4 Disaster Management in India, NDM Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, 2004
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Experts in constituted by the NDM Division, Ministry of Home Affairs,
Government of India, as per the Volume I Report (Proposed
Amendment in Town and Country Planning Legislations; Regulations for
Land Use Zoning; Additional Provisions in Development Control
Regulations for Safety; and Additional Provisions in Building
Regulations/Byelaws for Structural Safety–in Natural Hazard Zones in
India) the relevant provisions under the following heads are
incorporated:
i. Earthquake Prone Areas,
ii. Flood Prone Areas,
iii. Land Slide Prone Areas,
iv. Approach for Land Use Zoning,
v. Prioritisation,
vi. Land Use Zoning for Flood Safety,
vii. Planning in Hill Areas, and
viii. Identification of Open Spaces.
3.4 Introduction from Report of the Steering Committee on Tourism for “The
Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-2012)”
The Report of the Steering Committee on Tourism for the Eleventh Five Year
Plan (2007-2012), Planning Commission, Government of India highlights the
following:
―Tourism is one economic sector in India that has the potential to grow at a
high rate and can ensure consequential development of the infrastructure
at the destinations. It has the capacity to capitalize on the country‘s
success in the services sector and provide sustainable models of growth.
Tourism has the potential to stimulate other economic sectors through its
backward and forward linkages and cross-sectoral synergies with sectors
like agriculture, horticulture, poultry, handicrafts, transport, construction,
etc. Expenditure on tourism induces a chain of transactions requiring supply
of goods and services from these related sectors. The consumption
demand, emanating from tourist expenditure, also induces more
employment and generates a multiplier effect on the economy. As a result,
additional income and employment opportunities are generated through
such linkages. Thus, the expansion of the tourism sector can lead to large-
scale employment generation and poverty alleviation. The economic
benefits that flow into the economy through growth of tourism in the shape
of increased national and State revenues, business receipts, employment,
wages and salary, buoyancy in Central, State and local tax receipts can
contribute towards overall socio-economic improvement and accelerated
growth in the economy.
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With regards to the infrastructure it highlights that ‖Tourism is
overwhelmingly an industry of private sector service providers, although the
public sector has a significant role to play in infrastructure areas either
directly or through Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. It is a multi-
sectoral activity characterized by multiple services provided by a range of
suppliers. It is quite similar to manufacturing industry, where the supply
chain is as important as the end product. The related sectors include
airlines, surface transport, hotels, basic infrastructure and facilitation
systems, etc.‖
3.5 Guidance Inputs from Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan
(2007-2022)
The ―Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan 2007 – 2022‖ issued in
April 2008 by GoI, GoUK, UNDP, and UNWTO suggests providing both
generic and area-specific physical planning, environmental management,
and urban development guidelines for well-defined tourism zones
promoting among others:
Development control by:
o Conservation and protection of valuable natural and cultural
environments, protection of traditional and historical architectural
and cultural values in the environment.
o Environmental management, pollution control, health and
cleanliness.
o Establishment of green belts and buffers around protected areas
and valuable built-environments.
o Creation of a sustainable and energy-efficient built-environment in
urban and rural areas inside and away from the tourism zones and
utilizing locally available building materials.
o Efficient transportation and a safe vehicular and pedestrian
environment in both rural and urban areas.
o Product uniqueness and enhancement; creating or enforcing an
areas ―sense of place.‖
Plan implementation guided by:
o Site specific Development Briefs identifying land use, access,
building set-backs, density, land cover, scale, style, infrastructure
services and utilities, landscape constraints, conservation and
protection or any other sector relevant standards or regulatory
measures applicable for a particular tourism spot.
Local community involvement by:
o Initiatives and measures to increase and add value to local
community participation in the tourism industry, thereby providing
better and relevant livelihood opportunities for the rural population.
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o Focus on capacity building at the central and local level by
developing a train the trainer system for tourism industry workers
and villagers.
o Focus on local entrepreneur ship development based on up and
downstream activities and identification of measures and
instruments for mini financing.
o Development of a symbiotic relationship with towns and villages in
or close by tourism zones, circuits and specific development nodes.
o Fostering a policy of high quality tourism products with facilities
different standard and type from 0 star to 5 star, thereby increasing
livelihood opportunities for the local population and contributing
towards the eradication of poverty.
Marketing effectiveness by:
o Formulating marketing strategy for Uttarakhand State as a tourist
destination as well as for the various regions/tourism zones which will
position the State vis-à-vis the most appropriate target markets.
o Endowing Uttarakhand with a clear and unique image to ensure
that it is differentiated from its competitors and stands out in the
global market place.
o Identifying new tourism products to heighten visitor experience in
the State and to attract new markets.
o Enhancing the capacity of Uttarakhand‘s tourism stakeholders in
the field of tourism marketing and promotion.
o Supporting community based tourism initiatives by increasing
awareness of tourists about available community products and
services and providing a marketing platform for local communities
to promote and distribute their tourism products and related goods.
3.6 Guiding Principles/Inputs discussed with various Departments, GoUK
As part of these guidelines‘ development process, interactions with several
government departments in the State of Uttarakhand were held by
meeting senior officials and their other representative officials as further
directed, under the coordination of Secretary, Tourism, and Department of
Tourism‘s representative Tourism Officer, UTDB.
The below Table 3.2 lists these interactions and the guiding principles/inputs
as well technical/any other suggestions made, to be adopted in preparing
these infrastructure development guidelines for the overall tourism sector.
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Table 3.2: Interactions held with several Government Departments in Uttarakhand
S.
No.
Officials met and
Department, Date met
Guiding Principles/Inputs Technical/Other Suggestions
1 Secretary, Tourism
(28.04.2014)
A) Guiding principles/inputs:
Refer Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, 2007-2022
(GoI, GoUK, UNDP, UNWTO)
While, UEAP is only limited to those infrastructural assets damaged for
reconstruction/rehabilitation of the same, these guidelines may help
in all future construction of tourism infrastructure
All structures that are re-built/newly constructed shall– be
environment/eco-friendly, comply with seismic zone requirements
and be earthquake resistant, comply with buffer distance to be
maintained from river banks (as per Hon‘ble High Court Order)
Carrying capacity-based planning & development shall be
considered
B) Refer regulatory provisions/byelaws and the guidelines should be
compatible
C) Prepare ―actionable guidelines‖
D) To be further followed-up with Additional Director Tourism, UTDB for
tourism related information
In general, the tourism
infrastructure design shall address
the needs of architectural
aesthetics with use of materials
that are compatible with
surroundings and environment-
friendly; being culturally sensitive;
being tourists friendly (including
barrier-free friendly); and be
commercially viable with
economic benefits to local
population
2 Secretary, Urban
Development, Housing
and T&CP
(02.05.2014)
Representation given, as several development authorities, municipal
bodies, housing, and T&CP department are involved for information to be
collected
Further directed to meet
Additional Secretary, Urban
Development, and Deputy
Secretary, Housing and T&CP on
16.05.2014
3 Additional Secretary,
Forest and Environment
(05.05.2014)
(telecon on 02.06.2014)
A) Prepare the guidelines complying with the provisions of the National
Acts applicable to Forests i.e. The Indian Forest Act, 1927, The Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972, Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and any
Clarifications issued by MoEF, GoI from time to time related to eco-
tourism in forest areas
B) Refer specific regulatory information as below:
Instructions to be followed provisioned in Conditions for
Research/Tourism etc. under The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 w.r.t.
National Parks/Sanctuaries/Other Protected Areas & Conservation
Areas [as issued by CCF (CWLW Office) for Corbett National Park]
In general, only places identified
for tourism under applicable
master plans should be
developed / opened for tourism
infrastructure / activities; and
avoid violating new areas and
any over exploitation of existing
tourism areas beyond their
capacities
Safety Audit of
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S.
No.
Officials met and
Department, Date met
Guiding Principles/Inputs Technical/Other Suggestions
Instructions for High Altitude Trekking & Camping mainly in forest
areas (a State G.O. issued through Forest Wing)
Instructions on Control of No. of People visiting Gaumukh [as issued
by CCF (CWLW Office)]
Conservation Reserves‘ Management Plans implemented by
Conservation Reserve Prabandhan Samiti, which regulates tourism
activities as well (These are new types of protected areas, e.g. Asan
Barrage Area where migratory birds visit during Oct-Mar, and thus
certain regulatory provisions exist like, only pedal boats are permitted
in the bird watching season to avoid any water pollution and motor
boats can be permitted only for disaster management/emergency
assistance or for any patrolling, time for dredging is scheduled only
in remaining non-bird visitation months, etc.)
C) Process normally followed for tourism activity by Forest Department:
The long-term Working Plan for Forest Activity includes tourism
activities (as ancillary to forest activity) and is then undertaken, as
approved by MoEF, GoI including any further MoEF communications
in this regard from time to time [Note: MoEF vide its communication
F. No. 5-3/2007-FC dated 14 May 2010 under Subject ―Clarification
regarding the construction of permanent structures for Eco-Tourism in
the forest areas‖ has clearly stated that “,,, the Eco-tourism is
regarded as non-forest activity. As such taking up of non-forest
activity including permanent structures amounts to violation of the
provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.‖ This normally
means that only temporary tourism facilities like camping tents
pitched on ground etc. would be permissible (i.e. facilities without
any pucca base, as any pucca base/plinth of even 6‘‘ would be
treated as permanent structure and thereby would be a violation as
per the said Act).
D) Advice by the Forest Department for other Departments undertaking
tourism projects around forest areas:
In case of any confusion w.r.t. applicability of Forest Department
provisions, always refer the tourism project proposal to Forest
Department for any clarification/approval (The GoI projects
sanctioned to State Governments always have the provision to take
destinations/activities must be
undertaken (e.g. unless required
for any disaster
management/emergencies the
use of helicopter services shall be
in regulated manner considering
all the safety requirements like
presence of ATC assistance, fire &
rescue mechanisms etc. in such
an Himalayan terrain
Regulations for control of number
of tourists to destinations based on
carrying capacities
All tourism properties shall take
clearance from UEPPCB, and all
large tourism properties i.e. above
20,000 sqm area shall take
clearance from SEIAA
The tourism infrastructure design
shall ensure that following
technical aspects are duly
considered and provisions made
to that effect–their siting is at safe
distance/maintaining the
necessary buffer from river banks;
have waste-water & waste
management plan and systems,
and rain water harvesting; avoid
electricity supply line to be laid in
from far away and instead use
new & renewable energy
resources (as promoted by MNRE,
GoI; avoid noise pollution by use
of generators, music parties with
DJs etc.; avoid natural resource-
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S.
No.
Officials met and
Department, Date met
Guiding Principles/Inputs Technical/Other Suggestions
necessary clearance from Forest Department, State PCB, and other
Urban/Rural Body authorities. The relevant Acts are meant for
Regulation/regulatory approvals under permissible provisions. It‘s
preferable to seek such development approvals. Forest Department
normally gives such approvals in 2-months period, if the proposal is in
order.). Wherever required, it would then be sent to MoEF for
approval (in cases of disaster/emergency assistance requirements,
as special cases MoEF can be requested for expedited approval
instead of normal approval times of 1-year or so, depending on the
quantum of area of development proposal and type of
development proposed as per EIA Notification requirements). [Note:
Forest Department too has to take permission from MoEF for non-
forest activity in protected areas (excluding forest roads which are
fair-weather roads in natures constructed out of compacted river
bed material–for conservation activity and which can also be used
by villagers, and MoEF does not permit black topping of roads in
such forest areas).]
When other Departments are sure that no confusion exists in their
project proposals w.r.t. no forest-related conflicts or no need of any
clearance/approval requirements, they should not send such project
proposals to the Forest Department just for the sake of it.
E) When queried on ―Beach Camping Policy‖ it was informed that it a
Draft Policy was prepared beach camping activity in forest areas issued
by Forest Section-3, and after comments from UTDB in 2012, it was
further put-up to the Cabinet, but was not passed, and the approval
process thereafter on this Draft Policy has been stopped. Thus, there is
no Beach Camping Policy in effect at present.
intensive luxuries like swimming
pools etc.; avoid forest produce
like firewood for heating and
instead have own alternate
measures, toilets facilities; plan
visitor information centres/kiosks,
building height not to be above
the surrounding tree canopy
heights, architecture to be
compatible with local cultural-
heritage context (local materials
like wood which can be procured
from Forest Corporation, bamboo-
based compressed sheet already
being used by the Forest
Department, for example at Malsi
Deer Park/Zoo on Mussoorie Road,
can be incorporated in design of
roofing/false ceiling, walls, etc.),
and fencing layout/design shall
be such that does not interfere
with any safe passage of wild
animals.
Further directed to meet Chief
Conservator of Forests
(Ecotourism), Dalanwala area,
and Chief Conservator of Forests
(Office of Chief Wildlife Warden),
Chandrabani Road ahead of ISBT
4 Secretary, Rural
Development, and
Panchayati Raj
(05.05.2014)
A) Process normally followed for tourism activity in rural areas by the Rural
Development Department:
Currently the tourism infrastructure developed by Rural Development
Department is the construction of Tourist Rest Houses (TRHs) executed
through the following process–District level demand for TRHs in rural
Advised to meet Project Director-
ILSP (Integrated Livelihood
Support Program) under Rural
Development Department for the
tourism sub-component part in
rural areas (The Project Director-
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S.
No.
Officials met and
Department, Date met
Guiding Principles/Inputs Technical/Other Suggestions
areas is received; the budget is prepared by the Rural Development
Department in consultation with the implementing agency available
from either of the two – Rural Engineering Services, and Public Works
Department and by following their norms & standards; and post-
constructing handing over the TRH to the Panchayats for operation
and maintenance
B) As currently, the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Departments
do not have any role in Tourism Departments‘ project proposals for
tourism infrastructure, interactions in planning stage can be proposed
wherein the Panchayat/SHGs requirements can be dovetailed with
such tourism infrastructure proposals/designs
ILSP further directed to meet &
discuss with Manager-Knowledge
Management and Innovations in
ILSP)
Advised to further meet Secretary,
Rural Engineering Services for their
norms & standards used in Rural
Department‘s tourism works
5 Chief Conservator of
Forests (Ecotourism),
Forest Department
(06.05.2014 and
28.05.2014)
A) General information:
Post-formation of Uttarakhand State, the Central Government in 2002
had given a package to the State which tax holiday for eco-tourism
development for 10 years (incentive criteria), although no guidance
was provided on what constitutes eco-tourism development
(regulatory criteria).
25% of the forest area in Uttarakhand State is under National
Parks/Sanctuaries/Protected Areas
The Sarai Act, 1867 controls only the type of tourism, but does not
control any construction type per se
There are three-types of control activities: Prohibited (e.g. mining),
Regulated (e.g. construction), and Promoted (e.g. new & renewable
energy resources)
Contact CWLW Office for Guidelines on tourism activities in forest
areas viz. mountaineering, trekking, high altitude trekking, and
angling
Obtain Rafting Guidelines from UTDB
B) Guiding Principles/Inputs:
When undertaking tourism infrastructure development in forest areas
e.g. Resorts etc., one may consider the following: site to be at a safe
distance/buffer of 500 m from river banks; temporary
establishments/facilities created; and not be sited above 2000 m
elevation above MSL
Else, Resorts or any large-sized tourism infrastructure should be only
Refer NTCA Comprehensive
Guidelines, MoEF, GoI
Refer giz-RED (Regional Economic
Development) Project Report on
Sustainable Tourism
Refer Survey of Resorts around
Corbett ( from IHM, Pusa)
Refer Management Plans that
prescribe/govern tourism activities
in forest areas
Refer UNWTO Guidelines on Resort
Development
Refer ―1998, Talacko, Jan., Being
green keeps you out of the red :
an easy guide to environmental
action for accommodation
providers and tourist attractions,
presented by Tourism Council
Australia and CRC Tourism in
association with the Department
of Industry, Science and Tourism
and Environment Australia‖
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S.
No.
Officials met and
Department, Date met
Guiding Principles/Inputs Technical/Other Suggestions
allowed with – proper environmental impact study of the project
proposal is made and assurance for compliance is observed
including necessary mitigation measures incorporated; avoids water
to be brought from far away with water consumption requirement &
nearby availability of water source duly studied, public consultations
held, and no objection to the use of any external water source duly
obtained; etc. and such project approved at Chief Secretary level
Consider MoEF, GoI Orders/Notifications for Eco-sensitive Zones
Consider the need for role of climate-responsive materials vis-à-vis
the tourism infrastructure created & operated in a low occupancy
scenario at high altitudes (i.e. at such facilities to endure cold living
environment heating systems are required, and when the
occupancy is low, the cost of operating the infrastructure/cost-
recovery period becomes higher)
Keep a balance between incentives and regulation aspects when
framing these guidelines
Consider the following four (4) as aspects for development of Rural
Tourism/Ecotourism:
o Control of development in terms of permitting & promoting
tourism development in rural areas to be mainly through the
rural residents of that respective village through Homestays, trek
tours/guides activity etc. promoting nature- & culture-based
tourism experience, than to development by large private
tourism/luxury resort market players from outside, so that
economic opportunities that can be created through tourism for
the rural residents do not get exploited/overwhelmed by
external entrepreneurs (e.g. Bhakrakot Village near Corbett
National Park having presence of lot of private resorts);
o Access to rural tourism/ecotourism areas be controlled for
vehicular traffic, and be promoted for access through
scenic/environment-friendly pedestrian paths as last mile
connectivity to tourism sites, and not having motorable access
till tourism sites/accommodation/amenities etc. should not be a
discouraging criteria for any financial assistance like bank loans
etc.;
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S.
No.
Officials met and
Department, Date met
Guiding Principles/Inputs Technical/Other Suggestions
o Licensing after properly defining tourism activity categories with
norms & standards for quality of tourism sites, level of service
(LOS), standards monitoring etc. shall be duly looked into, to
ensure achievement of proper visitor satisfaction outcomes and
a positive image/brand of Uttarakhand in the tourism sector
experiences; and
o Financial sustainability of rural tourism/ecotourism enterprises
under the government sector shall be duly supported in tourism
development programs/schemes either by promoting self-
sufficient tourism enterprises wherein revenues earned are
reinvested in the O&M and sustainable management of such
enterprises or dedicated allocation of funds be made annually
by the Government of Uttarakhand to sustain such tourism
enterprises and offer quality services.
6 Chief Conservator of
Forest (Chief Wildlife
Warden Office), Forest
Department
(13.05.2014)
A) General information:
Forest Conservation Act, 1980 plays the overarching role with respect
to activities in Forest Areas, including any tourism
Be aware of MoEF communication dated 14 May 2010 which clearly
states that “,,, the Eco-tourism is regarded as non-forest activity.”
In case of eco-tourism in wildlife areas of National Parks/Sanctuaries,
the regulatory control is exercised including in the 10 km radius of
such protected areas
B) Specific Information:
A Set of 4-Directives/Rules and Regulations for Corbett Tiger Reserve
vide No. 1638/15-1 dated 02 December 2013, have been issued by
CWLW Office, Camp-Dehradun, Uttarakhand w.r.t.–1) Directives for
Nature Guide and Naturalist; 2) Directives for Registration of Light
Vehicles for Tourism Management; 3) Directives for Vehicle Operators
for Tourism Management; and 4) Rules and Regulations for Tourists
visiting Corbett Tiger Reserve; and the same can be studied for any
possible generalisation for the overall tourism sector
Gangotri National Park (High Altitude one) is the only protected area
in Uttarakhand wherein the Regulatory Control on Number of Visitors
that would be permitted has been introduced for the destination of
Gaumukh [Order No. 2930/37-1 dated 29 April 2008 issued by CWLW
Refer ―Guidelines for
mountaineering expeditions in
Uttaranchal‖ published by
Government of Uttaranchal, 03
July 2004
Refer MoEF, GoI issued EIA
Notification dated 14 September
2006, and its Amendment
SO3067€ dated 01 December
2009 for understanding different
types of clearances (forests /
wildlife / environment)-related
norms and processes/procedures
Refer ―Guidance document for
taking up non-forestry activities in
wildlife habitats‖ issued by the
Office of the Deputy Inspector
General of Forests (WL), MoEF, GoI
vide F. No. 6-10/2011 WL dated 19
December 2012 for National
Board of Wildlife (NBWL)
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S.
No.
Officials met and
Department, Date met
Guiding Principles/Inputs Technical/Other Suggestions
Office, Camp-Dehradun w.r.t.–1) To establish the process for issuing
permits to 150 numbers of pilgrims, tourists, and other visitors per day
in Gaumukh area; 2) For complete prohibition on movement of
mules, horses, and other animals plying under commercial purposes;
3) Directives to reduce the number of mountaineers in Gaumukh
area; 4) Research-related Instructions in Gangotri National Park; and
5) Arrangements to regulate onward travel from Gangotri (with entry
prohibited at 500 m peripheral distance from the Gaumukh)]
Follow the EIA Notification issued by MoEF dated 14th September
2006 and its amendments, as it clearly notifies the different levels of
clearance processes required for different environment category
conditions (e.g. case of environment category ―B‖ requires SEIAA
clearance)
Refer ―Comprehensive Guidelines for Tiger Conservation and Tourism
as provided under Section 38O(01)E of The Wildlife (Protection) Act,
1972‖, as per Notification dated 15th October 2012, NTCA
Clearances
The tourism infrastructure design
shall ensure that–waste
management issues are dully
addressed; it‘s a low-impact
development (instead of too
much of conventional
development wherein normally
built-up ground coverage is high,
use of concrete & iron is high,
etc.); respects environment-
friendly accessibility to protected
sites by stopping the entry of
vehicles at a safe distance that
does not pollute the site and helps
maintain the serenity of the site
with the neatly created
environment-friendly pedestrian
access to the last point, instead of
spoiling the site with lot of
concretisation/use of impervious
surfaces; avoids creating
infrastructure that eventually
becomes difficult to maintain/gets
vandalised in recreational areas
like picnic spots etc.; incorporates
efforts for interpretation means &
measures for natural conservation,
like interpretation centers/visitor
centers; and incorporate use of
environment-friendly materials
and permeable pavement design
(like use of Bamboo in
construction of tourist huts with
toilets, for example for Forest
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S.
No.
Officials met and
Department, Date met
Guiding Principles/Inputs Technical/Other Suggestions
Department created 4-set of
Bamboo Huts 8-bedded with
toilets at Dhanaulti and very well
run & maintained for last 6-7 years
through local participation of
Panchayat; refer work of
Uttarakhand Bamboo Board
which has its base in Kotdwar in
Kumaon Region and uses
Craftsmen from Manipur)
7 Additional Secretary,
Urban Development
(16.05.2014)
Directed further to meet the Deputy Secretary and then Section Officer-2
(Urban Development), and then to Deputy Director (Urban Development
Directorate):
It was informed by Deputy Director (Urban Development Directorate)
that in the case of Uttarakhand State, the Housing and T&CP
Department only have the power to make Planning Norms &
Standards/Development Control Regulations or Byelaws for
development in urban areas
-
8 Deputy Secretary,
Housing and T&CP
(16.05.2014)
Directed further to meet the Under Secretary, and then Section Officer
(Housing and T&CP), through which the prescribed Document Building
Construction and Development Byelaws/Regulations–2011‖ issued by
Housing Section-2 was obtained on 28.05.2014
-
9 Project Director, ILSP
(Telecon/message dated
08.05.2014/16.05.2014
respectively)
Manager- Knowledge
Management and
Innovations (ILSP), under
UGVS, Rural
Development
(17.05.2014)
As directed by Project Director, Integrated Livelihood Support Project (ILSP)
a meeting & discussion was held with Manager-Knowledge Management
and Innovations, ILSP under Uttarakhand Gramya Vikas Samiti (UGVS),
Rural Development Department, as summarised below:
A) General Information
The ILSP programme has commenced in 2013 and is of 7-year
duration till 2019, and ILSP succeeds the earlier programme
Uttarakhand Livelihoods Improvement Project for the
Himalayas (ULIPH), commonly known as "Aajeevika" (meaning
Livelihoods in Hindi), from October 2004 to 2012 with financial support
from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). For
Minimize traffic to Home Stays
area to retain the serenity of the
destination and not to disturb the
daily lifestyle of village residents,
yet allow interactive-ness with
village residents for these tourists
from different cultural
backgrounds
When finalising a Home Stay, Own
Family-Own House criterion is
important for rapport building with
guests and cultural interactive-
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managing ULIPH 2-bodies were created–i.e. UGVS, supported by a
Section 25 Company i.e. Social Venture Capital Company (SVCC)
known as Uttarakhand Parvatiya Aajeevika Sanvardhan Company
(UPASaC) that provides business development services.
Under ULIPH, 5-districts were covered (viz. Almora, Bageshwar,
Chamoli, Tehri, & Uttarkashi). Under ILSP, apart from these 5-districts.
6-more districts are covered (viz. Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal‘s one
Block, Rudraprayag, & Pithoragarh, and Champawat & Nainital
added under Watershed Management Directorate-WMD). Thus, ILSP
has coverage of total 11-districts.
While ULIPH had a main focus on agriculture, ILSP includes the rural
tourism component.
While ILSP is planning works under rural tourism/eco-tourism sector,
already under ULIPH Homestay program was initiated with activities
for Homestays Selection & Promotion and 36 Homestays were made
operational. A Grant of INR 1.20 Lakhs from IFAD funds was made per
HH/Homestay. The criterion adopted was: own house, 2-spare
bedrooms, toilet & kitchen if the product potential was assured and
with approach access. These Home Stays however are not
registered for operations under Department of Tourism through UTDB
for any licensing/maintaining Levels of Service (LOS) standards, etc.
71 Federations were created under ULIPH for implementation
support, some of these continue to support under ILSP, and SHGs
were also created. For example for forward linkages to be
established in Almora & Bageshwar, ―Village Ways‖ (A British NGO)
assists in implementing Home Stay regulations as envisaged including
attracting the Foreign Guest clientele, and initially they also provide
technical assistance for Home Stays
B) Specific information to be referred:
―Rural Tourism – A Snapshot in Uttarakhand – UGVS View‖ prepared
by ILSP, UGVS, March 2014 (including the Home Stay Standards and
―Draft Guidelines & Notification for Uttarakhand Homestay, 2012
(including Annexures I to III)‖ submitted to Tourism Department). The
Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board has published the
Uttarakhand Home Stay Rules 2015 and is annexed with this
ness to come into-being for a
satisfactory visitor experience
Forward market linkages in other
districts to get tourists/guest
clientele is lacking at present, and
the same could be improved by
thinking a Tie-up of Home Stays
with Hotel Groups for Clientele
and implementing Level of
Service (LOS) Standards (e.g. as is
done in Sikkim)
Integrate comprehensively the
tourism destination potential (viz.
culture/heritage, museum,
trekking, etc.) with the Home Stay
product presence for maximum
economic impact to the Home
Stay Owners/Village Residents
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document as Appendix-2.
10 Secretary, Rural
Engineering Services
(21.05.2014)
Normally, Rural Engineering Services (RES) is only an executing agency in
the field for development of small tourism infrastructure as and when
requested by the Rural Development Department (RDD). Any
norms/standards based on which such infrastructure is to be built are given
by RDD only as per the District Administration‘s request for such
infrastructure (e.g. space/functional use requirements etc.).
Directed further to meet the Chief Engineer, RES, Off Tapovan Road, Raipur
area, Dehradun.
-
11 Chief Engineer, Rural
Engineering Services
(22.05.2014 in the
presence of
Superintending Engineer,
RES)
A) General Information:
RES only executes Miscellaneous Works in rural areas as listed below
for various departments as per their requests of which tourism
infrastructure is one component:
o Border Area Development Program (BADP) for Districts with
Funds from MoRD, GoI to State RDD
o Work done in Districts being Schools, Revenue Police Chowki,
Health-care infrastructure, Tourist Rest Houses (TRHs),
Concrete/Bitumen Roads, etc.
It is confirmed that the infrastructure is constructed as per the
requirement norms provided by the RDD only. Thereafter, the RES
assists in preparing the drawings & estimate as per the standard PWD
Specification and Block- & District-specific SOR followed in
Uttarakhand. With regards to height norms, RES hired Architect
services are taken which follows the necessary BIS/NBC norms or
State norms as applicable for building construction (e.g. normally for
small rooms roof height is minimum 10‘, while for large rooms
including in cold climate & summer conditions roof height is higher
for proper ventilation.
Now, one has to follow the safe buffer norms prescribed by the
Hon‘ble High Court Order post-disaster in 2013 for permanent
construction from river banks (However, a rational balance is to be
made between infrastructure development needs and availability of
scarce land, and the said safe buffer requirements)
B) Guiding Principles/Inputs:
-
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Any norms/standards/guidelines if made for tourism infrastructure
development should be flexible in range so as to meet the purpose
of development, else such infrastructure cannot be developed with
very strict norms as land available for development in this Himalayan
region is scarce
Prior to development, one should ensure about the following:
o Consult the local population about flood history so as to
maintain safe buffer from river banks
o geotechnical investigation should be conducted (part of design
& estimate preparation process)
o topographical survey (normally done if land is a hilly area
parcel, and if it‘s a flat parcel then normally it‘s not done)
o earthquake resistant design to be adopted
o optimal utilisation of land to be attempted by vertical
development as the land for development is scarce
o safe distance from trees to be maintained due to aspect of
building safety
o O&M budget allocation for tourism infrastructure should be duly
planned for sustenance of such infrastructure facilities (e.g. Auli
Ropeway is not-operational for several years)
For inter-department works, funds allocation/reimbursement system
should be properly functional so that payments are received in a
timely manner by the executing agency from the infrastructure
proposing department, else not only the financial sustainability of the
executing agency is affected the litigation process too may get
resorted to by the Contractor when timely payments are not
released even after a work is duly completed (e.g. previously, for a
work, as the funds were not given properly by RDD, the RES was
unable to pay the Contractor after the work was completed, a
Court Case was filed/Contempt of Court happened after the Court
Order, and finally even then when RDD did not release the balance
funds, the RES had to finally pay from its own funds taken out from
other RES Projects)
12 Additional Director A) Tourism-Specific Information: While planning for tourism
development consider current
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Tourism, Uttarakhand
Tourism Development
Board (UTDB)
(31.05.2014 &
on 24.06.2014 in the
presence of DTDO, UTDB)
Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade Registration Regulations, 2014
are effective from 24 January 2014, however, its likely to be
amended on request of affected stakeholders like Hotel/Restaurant
owners (one stakeholder meeting has already been held in past
dated 15 May 2014, and more are expected to be held in future)
On the Beach Camping Policy Draft prepared by the Chief
Conservator of Forests (Ecotourism), it was informed that UTDB
comments have already been submitted on 06 June 2012, and
further follow-up to be done from Section Officer, Tourism Section-1
at Secretariat
The Home Stay Rules 2015 have been published by UTDB at the time
of finalization of these guidelines and have been made a part of this
document.
Refer list of Rural Tourism Schemes including Tourism Villages under
CFA (for internal use of UTDB) that covers Schemes (Hardware and
Software Project components) for 13 Villages in 8 Districts, with 28
New Tourism Villages identified in 13 Districts
Refer excerpts from Presentation to the Government of Uttarakhand
dated 20 June 2014 by UTDB on:
o ―Details of Schemes being implemented for Tourism
Development – Rural Tourism covering Development of
Infrastructure Facilities (Hardware Project) and Training (Software
Project); and Financial Progress of Schemes implemented under
Rural Tourism under Hardware and Software Projects‖ and
o ―Hurdles in Tourism Development‖ – For example, quicker/safe
accessibility to arriving in State & Tourism destinations is required
whether by fast trains and/or proper quality roads (improved
after due studies for widening, rock fall/landslide arresting &
protection measures) and trek paths, duly integrated with
helipads for disaster preparedness; it takes a very long time for
transfer of Forest Lands (more than a year and times/in some
cases it has been observed to be much longer); inter-
departmental coordination and rapport in implementing tourism
activities needs improvement as every department has its own
priorities and a consensus for a priority to fully utilize the tourism
needs to appropriately meet:
o the tourism demand vis-à-vis
carrying capacity available
(after due carrying capacity
study) and accordingly
regulate the tourist visitation,
and
o quality of infrastructure
expectations for satisfactory
visitor experiences (e.g. by
making improvements in
tourism infrastructure facilities
like, rooms with good quality
finishing & furnishing, attached
toilets, etc.)
When designing tourism
infrastructure ensure the following:
o Architecture to be compatible
with surroundings i.e. following
hill architecture (e.g. room
frontage for valley view and
toilets to be on rear side) and
be environment-friendly
o Design to be complying to
earthquake resilience needs
and incorporating geological
survey results
o For the carrying capacity
arrived at a site/destination,
further planning for a proper
provision of all supporting
infrastructure/utilities shall be
worked out, and such
infrastructure design should be
able to cater to the peak
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development is necessary to be achieved (e.g. while we may
have a tourism infrastructure built, we may not yet have proper
access to it, etc.); CFA implementation time limit is of 2 years
currently that needs to be extended because if a work is not
completed (due to season/construction window being limited in
Himalayan region of Uttarakhand) GoI does not release funds
unless evidence for Utilization of Previously Released Funds is
produced, as well as funds transferred under current Fund Flow
Chart as GoI–GoUK–Tourism Department–UTDB is considerably
time-consuming; the Annual Budget for Advertisement–
Promotion is limited (currently it is only INR 5 Crores out of the
total INR 12 Crores approved as Grant by GoUK which is less
than the annual outlay proposal submitted by UTDB to GoUK
covering several sub-heads like advertisement-promotion,
consultancy services, allocation for works under Char Dham
Commissioner, salaries & sages, etc. ), etc.
B) Guiding Principles/Inputs:
Earlier newer tourism activities were introduced as they were new to
the State to attract tourists, but not necessarily in a planned
manner/carrying capacity duly studied (e.g. river rafting undertaken
normally between 1 September to 30 June except in July-August
months due to monsoon season when the river water level rises
above safe limits, has been stopped this year from 15 June 2014
onwards due to raised water levels). The outlook post- disaster has
necessitated the need for planned development. Thus, it‘s
imperative to undertake tourism development in a planned manner,
with carrying capacity of sites/destinations/activities duly studied,
and with use of local materials.
tourism demand i.e. the main
season (of the three-tourism
seasons: off-, main-, and mean
seasons)
Control the extent of pucca
constructions to address the need
of minimizing the climate change
impacts in such an eco-sensitive
Himalayan region
13 District Magistrate,
Rudraprayag-cum-Chief
Executive Officer,
Kedarnath Development
Authority (20.06.2014)
Guiding principles/inputs suggested w.r.t. construction of tourism
infrastructure considering the disaster impacts observed in Kedarnath are:
Minimize construction using cement concrete
Prefer the use of Pre-fabricated/Pre-engineered structures in High
Altitude Regions
Use green technologies infrastructure design
-
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Plan & provide for proper solid waste management (from segregation
to collection to proper treatment & disposal)
Study of river morphology/river flow pattern/glacial melting pattern etc.
based on which technical inputs for safe development planning to be
undertaken; and in addition, proper mitigation measures like flood
protection/river embankment strengthening measures and rock fall
arresting barriers/landslide protection measures should be undertaken
for safer sites with proper approach access
Master Plan to be prepared for development of Kedarnath town for
allocation of different land uses in a planned manner including
requirements of buildings of various departments/institutions like
transport, railways, etc., and which shall consider vertical development
upto G+2 storeys for judicious use of scarce land in this Himalayan
region
Planning for water supply development and waste water management
Provision of Helipads for disaster preparedness
14 Managing Director,
GMVN and Program
Manager, UEAP-PIU
(Tourism), GMVN
(25.06.2014 in the
presence of DGM-Civil,
GMVN)
Guiding principles/inputs suggested w.r.t. construction of tourism
infrastructure are:
Avoid construction that encroaches on river banks (as earlier most of
the private properties constructed in the past were encroaching the
river banks and hence most affected by the disaster of June 2013,
including some tourism assets located along river banks – e.g. Birahi TRH
in Chamoli district, etc.)
The structural designs must be earthquake resistant (it seems that the
damaged private properties as constructed in the past were of
conventional/sub-standard construction with flawed structural design –
e.g. properties with several storeys like 7-8 storeys supported only on 9‖
sized columns existed in Gaurikund area, and thus could not stand-up
to the disaster conditions)
Flood protection measures should be planned and implemented after
due geological and hydrological studies (the designs of such measures
undertaken by Irrigation Department should be suitable for hilly areas
considering river flow pattern & velocities, geology etc., i.e. be different
than as for plains)
-
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Proper road-side & cross drainage works must be designed and
implemented as part of complete road and safe streetscape
construction works (currently the same does not seem to be properly
provisioned)
The roads connecting the Char Dhams, constructed & maintained by
Border Roads Organization (BRO) were initially constructed to provide
basic accessibility to border areas in Uttarakhand State for military
purposes, and when considering the current traffic to at least the main
Dhams of Kedarnath & Badrinath it seems that the traffic & bearing
capacity of these roads does not seem adequate, and thus requires
appropriate improvements to me made for comfortable ride/travel
time savings/safe visitor experiences
Rehabilitation/upgradation of tourism assets should be of improved
quality for safe & better visitor experiences
15 Superintending Engineer,
UEAP-PIU (PWD)
(02.08.2014)
A) General Information:
The development works undertaken by PWD are taken by adopting the
following: (i) CPWD Specifications and CPWD Specification-based
Block-wise Uttarakhand PWD Schedules of Rates (SORs); and (ii)
separate Specifications for Trek Routes, applicable since Government
of Uttar Pradesh times
With respect to their norms & standards used in Rural Department‘s
tourism works, it was formed that PWD normally does not do any rural
tourism related work except for trek routes under PWD jurisdiction
And for planning norms & standards, PWD follows the concerned local
body‘s norms & standards/byelaws issued by the Housing Department,
Government of Uttarakhand and/or as amended for customisation
w.r.t. local body‘s/development authority‘s needs (e.g. MDDA planning
norms & standards/byelaws)
B) Guiding principles/inputs suggested w.r.t. construction of tourism
infrastructure are:
Need to explore use of non-conventional construction that is light-
weight yet durable, environment-friendly, maintaining visual aesthetics
conforming to/ revival of traditional architecture of various hills regions,
etc.
Refer existing Specifications on
Development of Trek Routes,
issued by PWD, the then
Government of Uttar Pradesh
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The scope of interventions required when developing/improving trek
routes-related tourism infrastructure may be limited, but should cover
the basic minimum needs for a safe trek travel (e.g. upgrading the
natural treks paths/trails where necessary (with retaining wall support,
slope gradient maintained in damaged paths with wood/bamboo
frame base-surface with landings at adequate distances, benches, rest
shelters with benches (pre-fab or wooden/bamboo with steel frame i.e.
temporary in nature and which can be assembled and disassembled
with ease, with wood sourced from Forest Development Corporation
Depots & bamboo from Uttarakhand Bamboo Board), suitable camp
site spaces, view-points & watch-towers for bird watching, pre-fab toilet
unit enroute and at camp sites, etc. Trek path lighting should be
avoided in wilderness areas.
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3.7 Principles of Ecotourism Development (MOT, GoI, 1998)
The ―Ecotourism in India: Policy & Guidelines, 1998‖ issued by Ministry of
Tourism, GoI, under the Section of Policy and Planning highlights that ―The
developmental process itself should meet the following cardinal principles:
(i) It should involve the local community and lead to the overall
economic development of the area;
(ii) It should identify the likely conflicts between resource use for tourism
and the livelihood of local inhabitants, and attempt to minimise such
conflicts;
(iii) The type and scale of tourism development should be compatible
with the environment and socio-cultural characteristics of the local
community; and
(iv) It should be planned as a part of the overall area development
strategy, guided by an integrated land-use plan, and associated with
commensurate expansion of public services.
The biospheres, mangroves, coral reefs, deserts and mountains which form
the core resources of ecotourism, are fragile ecosystems5. Hence, decisions
for the development of tourism in such areas have to be based on a
thorough understanding of local resources, social and economic factors,
and other characteristics.
The objectives of tourism development in any specified area, as well as the
intended beneficiaries, dependency and scale of development have to
be decided on the basis of these factors, and discussion and negotiations
with those most directly concerned.
The development of physical infrastructure for tourism should be preceded
by the preparation of an inventory of resources and a
zoning/management plan to ensure preservation and public use of
valuable natural sites.
Whenever destruction or serious alteration of areas of high primary
productivity like wetland, seagrass beds, coral reefs or rainforests is
5 Two environments that are potentially more susceptible to tourism pressures are slow-growing, high-
altitude areas and marine areas… Fragile ecosystems are considered to be: those plant and animal
communities which are particularly vulnerable to damage by humans but those in slow-growing alpine
regions and those in high latitudes in particular that have suffered very considerable destruction due to
the low powers of regeneration and recovery. Wetland communities… are also considered fragile
communities in that they require very specific conditions of wetness and pH for their survival.
Fragile ecosystems are fragile either inherently (e.g., wetland communities) or in relation to human
activities (e.g., alpine and high-altitude ecosystems, and most desert and savannah ecosystems). The
fact that human beings have become agents of change at a global scale (e.g., human population
growth, urbanisation, industrialisation, pollution and climate change) has resulted in the term fragile
environments being used more generically in a global sense.
`[―Guidelines for Tourism in Parks and Protected Areas of East Asia,‖ issued by International Union for
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), 2001]
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contemplated, benefits and costs should be carefully assessed before
planning tourism development activities. Further, planning and promotion
of tourism should be undertaken as a component part of an integrated,
comprehensive resource management plan founded on sound ecological
principles.
The Tourism Management Plan should also establish standards for resort
development, covering among others, the style and locations of structures,
treatment of sewage and control of litter, preservation of open spaces and
public use of fragile areas. It should further lay down procedures to ensure
that sewage is not directed to the beach or the ground water, and solid
waste is systematically collected and disposed-off suitably. Adequate
precautionary measures should also be taken to avoid noise pollution. It
should also specify methods and material for construction activities, and
minimise any possible adverse impact on local environment.
Physical planning and design should integrate community services
including availability of potable water, transportation and tourism.
Transportation and aces should also be integrated with other purposes
such as industry and trade as communities are the termini for air, land and
water access. Physical planning for all travel modes, especially modern
tour buses, also needs to be integrated between segments outside and
inside the area of attraction.‖
Under Section of ―Operational Guidelines‖ of the above-mentioned MOT,
GoI, 1998 document on Ecotourism, the following provisions for separate
key players in the development of ecotourism were made:
The Government
o The management plan for each area should be prepared by
professional landscape architects and urban planners, in
consultation with the local community as well as others directly
concerned.
o Integrated planning should be adopted to avoid inter-sectoral and
cross-sectoral conflict.
o The architectural program for ecotourism centers should include
controlled access points and cabins, roads, self-guided nature trails,
transportation options, interpretive centers, signs, observation
towers and blinds, adequate but unpretentious lodging and dining
facilities, docks, garbage disposal facility and other utilities as per
requirement. If needed, suitable living quarters and facilities for
project personnel have to be provided.
o Structures creating visual pollution, un-aesthetic values and non-
compatible architecture should be controlled and temporary
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structures using local building material and befitting the local
environment should be encouraged.
o Exclude developments in geologically unstable zones, and define
development and buffer zones after proper environmental impact
assessments.
o Establish standards, building codes and other regulations.
o Specify environmental, physical, and social carrying capacities to
limit development activities.
o Ensure continuous monitoring of adverse effects of tourism activities
and initiate suitable corrective measures.
o Recognise and award quality labels to ecotourism operators.
o Provide visitor information and interpretation services covering
particularly–(i) what to see, (ii) how to see, and (iii) how to behave.
It can be by way of brochures, leaflets, specialised guides, visitor
information centers and such.
o Prepare and widely distribute codes of conduct to all visitors.
o Launch training programs to ecotourism to tourism administrators,
planners, operators and general public.
Developers, Operators and Suppliers
o Respect and follow the planning restrictions, standards and codes
provided by the government and local authorities.
o Implement sound environment principles through self-regulation.
o Practice environmental impact assessment for all new projects, and
conduct regular environmental audit for all ongoing activities
leading to development of environmental improvement programs.
o Be sensitive to conservation of environmentally protected or
threatened areas, species, and scenic aesthetics, achieving
landscape enhancement wherever possible.
o Ensure that all structures are unobtrusive and do not interfere with
the natural ecosystem to the maximum extent.
o Recognise the optimal environmental capacity and sociological
use limits of the site in creating tourist facilities. They should also take
into account safety and convenience of tourists.
o Buildings should be designed strictly on functional and
environmental considerations, and avoid over-construction.
o Local material and designs should be used in all construction to the
extent possible.
o Physical planning, architectural design, and construction of tourist
facilities, should employ eco-friendly techniques, like solar energy,
capture and utilisation of rainwater, recycling of garbage, natural
cross-ventilation instead of air-conditioning, a high level of self-
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sufficiency in food generation through orchards, ecological farms,
aquaculture and such.
o Energy and water-saving practices should be employed to the
extent possible. Fresh water management and controlled sewage
disposal should also be practised.
o Control air emissions–both chemical pollutants and noise.
o Control and reduce environmentally unfriendly products such as
asbestos, CFCs, pesticides, and toxic, corrosive, infectious, explosive
or flammable material.
o Respect and support historic or religious objects and sites.
o Provide information and interpretive services to visitors especially on
attractions and facilities, safety and security, local customs and
traditions, prohibitions and regulations, and self-conduct and
behaviour.
o Ensure adequate opportunities to visitors for communion with nature
and native cultures.
o In marketing ecotourism products, customers should be given
correct information, as the visitors who appreciate ecotourism
products usually belong to environmentally-aware groups.
o Training and research programs of the company should include
environmental issues.
o Prepare tourists to minimise possible negative impact while visiting
sensitive environments and cultures before their visit.
o Ensure safety and security of visitors and inform them of precautions
to be taken.
o Exercise due regard for the interest of the local population,
including their history, tradition and culture, and future economic
development.
o Involve the local community to the extent possible in various
activities and vocations.
The Visitors
The provisions made had been duly incorporated in the Do’s & Don’ts
sub-section ahead in this document.
The Destination Population/Host Community
o Realise and respect the value of the environment, the flora and
fauna, the monuments and the cultural heritage.
o Practise conservation of nature and culture as a way of life.
o Establish guidelines to protect valuable local resources and foster
tourism management.
o Realise and react to the threat of potential investors who see
opportunities in development but lack sensitivity to local values.
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o Become effective nature guides and conservationists of natural
areas by enhancing the practical and ancestral knowledge of the
natural features of the area.
o Be friendly with the visitors and help them to practise ecotourism
codes.
Non-Governmental Organisations/Scientific & Research Institutions
o Create awareness, amongst all concerned, about the importance
of sound ecopractices in tourism development.
o Motivate the local community to increase their involvement in
sustainable tourism activities.
o Organise training programs to prepare the local people for taking-
up various vocations related to ecotourism.
3.8 Guidance for Taking-up Non-Forestry Activities in Wildlife Habitats (MoEF,
2012)
As per ―Guidance document for taking-up non-forestry activities in wildlife
habitats‖ issued by the Office of the Deputy Inspector General of Forests
(WL), MoEF, GoI vide F. No. 6-10/2011 WL dated 19 December 2012 for
National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) Clearances, which as a General Policy
states that ―National Parks, Sanctuaries and Conservation Reserves are
notified under The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 as dedicated areas rich in,
and representing the unique biodiversity of a place. Such protected areas
are considered very important for conservation of biodiversity, and for
ensuring the healthy populations of its floral and faunal components, for
the present and future generations alike. However, the rising human
population and its growing demands for socio-economic development put
increasing stress on forests including protected areas both directly and
indirectly. This calls for a balance that has to be struck between
development and conservation implying that any activity involving use or
diversion of any part of a notified protected area may be considered only
under most exceptional circumstances, taking fully into account its
impending impact on the biodiversity of the area, and consequently on
the management of the Protected Area. A critical part of this balanced
approach is to spell out the feasibility of mitigation to address the impacts
without compromising the management objectives of the Protected Area.
The activities to be taken up in the identified wildlife habitats also need to
comply with the orders of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in addition to the
statutory requirements as provided in The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.‖
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4 DEVELOPMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE FOR TOURISM – CERTAIN
SUGGESTIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1 Vision and Objectives
Uttarakhand‘s thriving economy has created many opportunities across
the State in the last few years. The growth of resources and business sectors
has brought more visitors to Uttarakhand‘s cities and regions. As the state
progresses, Government of Uttarakhand (GoUK) is determined to boost the
tourism industry in the state as well. GoUK has to look beyond mere tourist
numbers and make a strategic shift towards quality tourism. This will
emphasise hospitality, service standards, innovative developments and
rejuvenation of older tourist attractions, with the aim of offering visitors the
experience that will commensurate with higher expectations.
Quality tourism and its development aims to increase the tourism sector
contribution to state GDP and supports existing Government policies and
adopts an integrated approach for developing a sustainable tourism
industry in the state, backed by relevant infrastructure, effective
institutional mechanisms and enhanced capacities to deliver on these
targets. GoUK had already embarked on this journey in developing
Uttarakhand as a vibrant, sustainable and preferred tourism destination.
Tourism is one of the priority sectors identified in the Government‘s overall
growth strategy for the state. Uttarakhand should aim to be in the top 5
tourism destinations in India and top 50 in the world. The vision articulated
for the tourism sector post-impact scenario of Disaster of June 2013 is as
follows:
“To develop Uttarakhand as a dynamic, sustainable and most-favoured
tourism destination - by increasing domestic & international visitations,
offering high quality experience to visitors that is safe from the perspectives
of travel to tourism destination and siting & construction of tourism
assets/infrastructure, facilitating and accelerating investments and
improving livelihood opportunities at the local level.”
To achieve the vision and set the direction for the tourism industry over the
next five years, the following objectives are outlined:
Accelerate and facilitate private investments and promoting
entrepreneurship in the tourism sector.
Motivate and enthuse entities from different segments of the society
with substantial incentives to contribute towards development of the
sector.
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Higher growth in visitations and duration of stay of different visitor
segments, through improved quality & safe infrastructure, products and
services.
Improve ‗total quality‘ experience to visitors, from before arrival till after
departure, by providing better access to information, greater choice in
destinations, compendium of services for eating, shopping,
participative safe and hassle-free experience at various travel stages.
Promote effective inter-departmental co-ordination to streamline
processes and increase sector performance.
Enhance tourism industry skills, knowledge and professionalism to
provide visitors a pleasant experience and promote local employment
opportunities.
Enhance faith of visitors that Uttarakhand is a safe tourism destination
through integration of tourism sites with the availability of enhanced
disaster preparedness capacities of the State (viz. emergency
evacuation and rescue & relief mechanisms in place through the
development of helipads/heliports/helidromes and multi-purpose
halls/shelters in their vicinity).
4.2 Definitions related to Integrated Tourism-Heritage Sector (UNWTO/TA/ETC,
2010/2011; IUCN, 2001, etc.)
Tourism Sector
Accommodation capacity. A measure of total accommodation stock
at a defined place or destination. It may be given by different
measures such as the number of establishments; number of rooms or
units within all establishments, or the total number of bed spaces.
Adventure/Sports Tourism. A form of tourism in natural areas that
incorporates an element of risk, higher levels of physical exertion, and
the need for specialised skills.
Although not strictly ecotourism per se, activities such as rafting and
mountaineering can also be combined with ecotourism, where an
appreciation and interpretation of the environment is undertaken as
part of the activity. The development of camping sites on river beaches
is one example of a product that can easily be turned into ecotourism.
This is also a potentially important market as ecotourism can easily be
combined with other forms of nature tourism. As well as the financial
benefits of introducing a new market to this tourism product, such an
initiative can also have important environmental benefits. Adventure
and sports tourism can sometimes have negative impacts on the
environment, which could be mitigated by the introduction of an
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ecotourism element in the product. For example special routings for
mountain biking could be introduced where the intention is to combine
the sport with nature interpretation. Here environmental considerations
can be taken in the selection of routes that have the least adverse
impact on the environment and/or the choice of tracks that minimize
soil erosion. (Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO,
2008)
Uttarakhand is a paradise for adventure sports. The sheer variety
ranging from mountaineering (Bhagirathi, Chowkhamba, Nanda Devi,
Kamet, Pindari, Sahastrataal, Milam, Kafni, Khatling, Gaumukh),
trekking, skiing (Auli, Dayara Bugyal, Munsyari, Mundali), skating, water
sports (in all the lakes and rivers in Uttarakhand) to aero sports like hang
gliding/para gliding (Pithoragarh, Jolly Grant, Pauri) make Uttarakhand
one of the most attractive destinations for adventure sports on only in
India but the world over. (Tourism Policy of State of Uttarakhand, UTDB,
2007)
Also, the current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes the following under Adventure Tourism-related Unit to be
registered under the said Regulations: adventure tour operator,
kayaking/canoeing/sailing/yachting (Sail boat)/boating (water sports),
water skiing, snow skiing, trekking, mountaineering, rock/artificial wall
climbing, mountain biking, wildlife safari/bird watching, moto car/motor
cycle rally, parasailing/paragliding, bungee jumping, hot air ballooning,
flying fox, ice skating, adventure club, river rafting, etc.
Adventure Tour Operator (ATO). As per the Guidelines for Recognition /
Renewal or Extension as an Approved Adventure Tour Operator (ATO)
revised with effect from 2nd January 2012 by MOT, GoI, ―An ATO is the
one who is engaged in activities related to Adventure Tourism in India
namely, water sports, aero sports, mountaineering, trekking and safaris
of various kinds, etc. In addition to that he may also make
arrangements for transport, accommodation, etc.‖
Also, the current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―Adventure Tour Operator‖ as part of Adventure Tourism-
related Unit to be registered under the said Regulations. While, for
safety standards/regulations in Aero Sports refer ―Instructions related to
temporary directives till the Permanent Regulations/Directives are
prepared for Aero Sports in Uttarakhand‖ issued by Tourism Section,
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Government of Uttarakhand vide No. 112/T.O./2003-47 Tourism/2003
dated 28 Mar 2003.
Agent. One who acts or has the power to act as the representative of
another. Most frequently in travel anyone other than a principal, such
as a retail travel agent, receiving agent, ticket agent, local operator or
wholesaler.
Agri/Agro-tourism. Agri-tourism, as it is defined most broadly, involves
any agriculturally based operation or activity that brings visitors to
a farm or ranch. Agri-tourism has different definitions in different parts of
the world, and sometimes refers specifically to farm stays, as in Italy.
Elsewhere, agri-tourism includes a wide variety of activities, including
buying produce direct from a farm stand, navigating a corn maze,
picking fruit, feeding animals, or staying at a B&B on a farm. Agri-
tourism is a form of niche tourism that is considered a growth industry in
many parts of the world…… (Wikipedia)
As per Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008,
the information centers at Jageshwar are proposed to include
itineraries for agro-tourism, including visits to farms making local
produce.
Attractions. Things to see. For example, a place, event, activity, building
or area (whether natural or man-made), which offers items of specific
interest to tourists.
Barrier-Free Friendly Built-Environment. Barrier-free environment is one
which enables people with disabilities to move about safety and freely
and to use the facilities within the built-environment. The goal of barrier-
free design is to provide an environment that supports the independent
functioning of individuals so that they can get to, and participate
without assistance, in everyday activities such as procurement of goods
and services, community living, employment, and leisure. Barrier-free
design standards should satisfy anyone who is hampered in his mobility
of functioning (as compared with a non-disabled person) as a result of
obstacles put in his way by the design of a building, the choice of
hardware and equipment, and the arrangement of outside space.
(Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier-Free Built-Environment for
Disabled and Elderly Persons, CPWD, GoI, 1998)
Bed & Breakfast (B&B). Generally overnight accommodations in a
private home, with breakfast included in the rate.
Refer for details, the Guidelines for Approval and Registration of
Incredible India Bed & Breakfast/Homestay Establishments,‖ H&R
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Division, MOT, GoI on ―Incredible India Bed & Breakfast / Homestay
Establishments.‖ Also, the current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and
Travel Trade Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January
2014, includes ―Bread & Breakfast‖ as part of Accommodation-related
Unit to be registered under the said Regulations.
Carrying Capacity. The amount of visitor activity that a site or
destination can sustain.
As per the ―Guidelines for Tourism in Parks and Protected Areas of East
Asia,‖ issued by International Union for Conservation of Nature and
Natural Resources (IUCN), 2001 provides definitions on Use Levels
covering Limits of Acceptable Use and Types of Limits or Carrying
Capacities, as given below:
o Limits of Acceptable Use: A concept that is fundamental to the
management of sustainable tourism is the development of
desirable limits of acceptable use. Simply stated, it measures the
types and levels of use that are sustainable. Examples of questions
to consider when determining these limits are ―How much damage
can the environment take?‖ and ―How much degradation will be
acceptable to tourists?‖ There is evidence that as environments
become damaged or use levels and type changes, some tourists
go elsewhere (Valentine*, 1992). Three types of limits are: a)
environmental, b) cultural and social, and c) psychological.
[*Valentine, P. S. (1992). Review: Nature-based tourism. In B. Weiler,
& C.M. Hall (Eds.), Special interest tourism (pp. 105-127). London,
England: Belhaven.]
Environmental carrying capacity is the most traditional concept
of the three. Environmental limits are assessed according to the
―degree to which an ecosystem, habitat or landscape can
accommodate the various impacts of tourism without damage
being caused or without losing its ‗sense of place‘‖ (FNNPE^,
1993, p. 26). The assigned limits may vary depending on the
season. For example, wildlife is more sensitive at certain times of
the year, such as during breeding season, and weather
conditions and water levels can alter the ability for habitat to
withstand the pressures placed upon it.
[^Federation of Nature and National Parks of Europe. (1993).
Loving them to death? Sustainable tourism in Europe‘s nature
and national parks. Eupen, Belgium: FNNPE.]
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Cultural or social carrying capacity refers to the ―level beyond
which tourism developments and visitor numbers adversely affect
local communities and their ways of life (FNNPE, 1993, p. 26 as
mentioned-above).‖ Tourism levels that are too high will interfere
with local people‘s ability to go about their necessary daily
routines, and after the initial curiosity and excitement associated
with potential economic benefits fades, the local people may
begin to resent tourists. Once communities become adversely
affected (i.e., a once peaceful place becomes very busy and
congested or a historic site is damaged), their ability to attract
visitors declines.
Psychological carrying capacity is the ―level beyond which the
essential qualities that people seek in the protected area (such
as peace and quiet, few other people, few signs of human
developments) would be damaged by tourism developments
(FNNPE, 1993, p. 26 as mentioned-above).‖ Each visitor to a
protected area has certain expectations, including
approximately how many other visitors he or she expects to
encounter. At a beach on a hot day a visitor can expect crowds
of people, whereas on a backcountry hike a visitor will expect
less people. Psychological carrying capacity addresses this
expectation. When visitors‘ expectations are not met, visitors may
leave feeling unsatisfied and unhappy with their experience.
Refer ―Guidelines for Ecotourism in and around Protected Areas (Draft)‖
introduced by MoEF, GoI dated 02 June 2011 or ―Comprehensive
Guidelines for Tiger Conservation and Tourism‖ as per Notification
dated 15th October 2012, NTCA for methods of deriving carrying
capacities.
Also, the said NTCA Guidelines, 2012, mentions that ―The
Encyclopaedia of Ecotourism* defines carrying capacity as ―the
amount of tourism-related activity that a site or destination can
sustainably accommodate; often measured in terms of visitor numbers
or visitor-nights over a given period of time, or by the number of
available accommodation units; management techniques such as site
hardening can be employed to raise a site‘s carrying capacity.‖ Also,
―The definition of Limits of Acceptable Change as defined by the
Encyclopaedia of Ecotourism* is ―a land management philosophy that
identifies specific indicators of environmental quality and tourism
impacts, and defines thresholds within which the conservation goals of
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a protected area are met.‖ [*David B, Weaver (Ed.) (2001), ―The
Encyclopaedia of Ecotourism,‖ CABI Publishing, U.K.]
Corporate Tourism. As per Uttarakhand Tourism Policy, 2001 enormous
potential exists in Uttarakhand for corporate tourism. This involves
encouraging private sector participation in the establishment of high
class Convention Centers and facilities for conferences, seminars,
workshops, business-meets, etc.
Also, known as business/MICE tourism i.e. Meetings, Incentives,
Conferences, and Exhibitions (with the ―E‖ sometimes referring to events
and the ―C‖ sometimes referring to conventions) it is a type of tourism in
which large groups, usually planned well in advance, are brought
together for a particular purpose, viz. an agenda centered around a
theme or topic, such as profession trade organization, a special interest
group or an education topic. (Wikipedia)
Cultural Tourism. In its broadest and most accurate sense it is tourism
based on an interest or concern for the way of life of a place and how
this is experienced by visitors. It encompasses tourism subsets including–
arts, theatre, music, science and heritage tourism, events and
entertainment tourism, and indigenous/tribal area tourism.
If culture is developed it can provide additional interest for tourists
visiting the area. Tribal handicraft can be made available to tourists,
historical and cultural museums can be opened, cultural expression (i.e.
art, song and dance related folk-performances) can be presented to
tourists, as well as local food and culinary delicacies can be promoted.
Also, built-heritage can be restored along with adaptive reuse and be
added to cultural assets for use of tourists. (Uttarakhand Tourism
Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008)
Uttarakhand has a rich and vibrant cultural heritage. There are
innumerable local fairs and festivals like, Jhanda Mela (Dehradun),
Surkanda Devi Mela (Tehri), Madh Mela (Uttarkashi), Nanda Devi Mela
(Nainital), Chaiti Mela (Udham Singh Nagar), Purnagiri Mela
(Champawat), Piran Kaliyar Mela (Haridwar), Jauljibi Mela
(Pithoragarh), and Uttarayani Mela (Bageshwar). (Tourism Policy of
State of Uttarakhand, UTDB, 2007)
Destination Brand. A unique combination of product characteristics
and added values, both tangible and non-tangible. The brand is not
only a trademark (logo, strapline or icon), but an experience and
image that signals a value system and positioning. It establishes the kind
of experience that the visitor can expect from the destination.
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Domestic Tourism. It comprises the activities of a resident visitor within
the country of reference, either as a part of a domestic tourism trip or
part of an outbound tourism trip.
Ecolodge. As per ―Ecotourism: Principles, Practices & Policies for
Sustainability‖ by Megan Epler Wood, UNEP-TIES, 2002, the Ecolodge
definition as adapted from ―Mehta et al, 2002 – International Ecolodge
Guidelines‖ is ―An ecolodge is a tourism accommodation facility that
meets the following criteria:
o It conserves the surrounding environment, both natural and cultural.
o It has minimal impact on the natural surroundings during
construction.
o It fits into its specific physical and cultural contexts through careful
attention to form, landscaping and colour, as well as the use of
localised architecture.‖
o It uses alternative, sustainable means of water acquisition, and
reduces water consumption.
o It provides careful handling and disposal of solid waste and
sewage.
o It meets its energy needs through passive design and combines
these with their modern counterparts for greater sustainability.
o It endeavours to work together with the local community.
o It offers interpretative programs to educate both its employees and
tourists about the surrounding natural and cultural environments.
o It contributes to local sustainable development through research
programs.‖
Ecotourism. ―Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the
environment and improves the well-being of local people.‖ (The
International Ecotourism Society-TIES, 1990)
―Ecotourism in India: Policy & Guidelines, 1998‖ issued by Ministry of
Tourism, GoI, had mentioned that ―The key elements of ecotourism
include a natural environment as the prime attraction, an optimum
number of environment-friendly visitors, activities which do not have
any serious impact on the ecosystem, and the positive involvement of
the local community in maintaining the ecological balance. Ecotourism
can take many forms and magnitudes. For example, ‗losing‘ oneself in
a beautiful natural forest or landscape–watching animals, birds and
trees in a forest, corals and marine life in sea, engaging in trekking
boating or rafting, wandering amongst sand dunes–these are some of
the common forms of ecotourism.‖
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As per ―Ecotourism Policy, 2003,‖ Center for Ecotourism, Forest
Department, GoUK, it is stated that ecotourism was identified as one of
the main strategies for self-employment and poverty alleviation6 in the
Uttaranchal Forest Policy–2001, and similarly, ecotourism development
is one of the important activities in the Action Plan of Uttaranchal
Tourism Policy–2001. However, the above-mentioned ―Ecotourism
Policy, 2003,‖ clearly emphasises that ―Only those tourism activities as
part of nature tourism can be considered as ecotourism that comply
with the following standards:
o through which tourists can have close and true experience nature
and culture, resulting in increased understanding;
o which can increase the environment-related awareness of tourists
and local communities, leading to protection of and improvement
in environment;
o through which conservation of nature, natural and cultural
resources is encouraged, and private conservation efforts get
enhanced;
o which assist in enhancing local development, and allow
appropriate distribution of benefits of ecotourism at local, regional
and national level; and
o which assist in creation of alternate livelihoods opportunities for
local people, and enhance the capability of ecotourism
management of local communities.
o And, ecotourism is promoted as a form of strategy for conservation,
and ecotourism can lead to increase in environment protection.‖
o Also as per the above-mentioned ―Ecotourism Policy, 2003,‖ one of
the purposes & activities of the ecotourism programme is
―Developing of need-based local basic infrastructure facilities for
ecotourism:
6 In line with the National Forest Policy, 1988 applicable in all states, the Amendment for Uttarakhand in
1989 for a State Forest Policy, emphasises few of the main purposes of the State Forest Policy in
Uttarakhand as:
Attempt to reduce the gap between the need and availability for local requirements of rural poor for
fuel wood, fodder, minor forest produce and wood for building construction.
Attempt to reduce the bio-pressure by judicious use of timber and other forest produce along with use
of their alternative means.
While retaining the vegetation cover in the State, attempt to provide opportunities for self-
employment and poverty alleviation through programs like, forestry and ecotourism.
Strengthen the Van Panchayat mechanism with the purpose to re-establish fruitful relationship
between forests and local host community and to achieve local participation in forestry; joint forest
management and to develop ecotourism at wider level which includes to provide special roles to
women folk.
[National Forest Policy, 1988 with Amendment for Uttarakhand, 1989 (Text in Hindi), Forest Department
website]
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Planning and management of basic infrastructure facilities for
environment protection in destination towns.
Development of roads for access to large settlements and
villages.
Enhancing the use of solar energy and other suitable
techniques.
Encouraging the construction of buildings in traditional style and
eco-lodge.
Development of management mechanisms for disposal of solid
waste at village-, large settlement- and town-levels.
Implementation of measures for prevention and treatment of
air, noise and water pollution.‖
The State of Uttarakhand offers diverse opportunities for ecotourism,
both from perspectives of biodiversity of flora and fauna (through its
protected areas of National Parks/Sanctuaries/Reserves, including
especially wildlife ecotourism within such eco-sensitive forest areas).
This makes it an ideal area for development ecotourism, projects
and activities like, jungle safaris, trekking on mountain and forest
trails, nature walks, catch and release angling for Mahaseer and
other fish species. All these activities have to be conducted in a
manner that promotes awareness of environment and helps
maintain the fragile ecological balance. (Tourism Policy of State of
Uttarakhand, UTDB, 2007)
Ecotourism is an important tool for conservation because it
generates economic benefits for the authorities managing the
protected area as well as local people who get employment. This
instils a sense of pride in the local people who now appreciate the
value of their natural and cultural heritage. Ecotourism also
influences visitors by providing an opportunity for a better, more
educative experience, thus sensitising them towards conservation.
[―Ecotourism‖ sub-section under ―Tourism‖ section, Park
Management & Conservation webpage, Corbett National Park
Website]
Ecotourists interested in Biodiversity. These are tourists specifically
interested in wildlife, both on a general basis and as specialist
enthusiasts such as birdwatchers. One particular animal or habitat
would usually attract both groups. Tiger or leopard viewing for example
would probably attract tourists with no particular specialist knowledge
but who are attracted by the exotic nature and rarity of these
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mammals. They may exhibit more mainstream characteristics such as in
terms of spending or accommodation needs (although they would be
prepared to experience rough conditions over short periods of time to
see the animals in question). The specialist segment of this group of
ecotourists would usually have higher disposable incomes and be
prepared to experience conditions that are related to their special
interests. Although thus prepared to experience hardships, the higher
paying segments of this market would also expect high quality services
and accommodation after viewing activities. A combination of nature
watching with spa facilities would therefore be ideal for this group of
higher spending tourists. (Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master
Plan, UNWTO, 2008)
Ethical and Responsible Tourists. This is one of the fastest growing
markets in tourism, and perhaps one of the most lucrative. Originating
mostly from Europe and North America, they comprise tourists who wish
to contribute financially to the environmental sustainability and
consideration of destinations and/or help bring real improvements to
host populations. It is likely that this type of tourism will grow in Asia, as
city dwellers become more environmentally and socially conscious and
impacts of global warming are increasingly publicised. [Uttarakhand
Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008. Also, practiced by
Kingdom of Bhutan in the Asian Subcontinent.]
Experiential Tourism. Experimental tourism is a novel approach
to tourism in which visitors do not visit the ordinary tourist attractions (or,
at least not with the ordinary approach), but allow whim to guide them.
It is an alternative form of tourism in which destinations are chosen not
on their standard touristic merit but on the basis of an idea or
experiment. It often involves elements of humour, serendipity,
and chance. (Wikipedia)
Experiential Tourism … … ―to encompass travel interests and activities
that elevate and enhance the individual travellers‘ experiences by
providing personal enrichment, enlightenment, stimulation and
engagement. (Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO,
2008.
General Ecotourists. Tourists with a general interest in nature who are
drawn by the allure of the Himalayas and who would wish to
experience the landscapes, major fauna and flora, and cultural
attributes of the region (often in combination). They can include
different age groups and have varied spending power according to
age. (Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008)
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Guest Houses. In order to meet the rising demand of hotel
accommodation for budget tourists both domestic and foreign, Ministry
of Tourism has decided to standardize and ensure good, clean,
hygienic, fair and upgraded facilities and practices in the large number
of Guest Houses and unregulated accommodation units that spring up
in cities and towns. These measures may not only augment hotel
accommodation in budget category but also generate employment
and revenue for the States. With this aim in view, Govt. of India, Ministry
of Tourism has a voluntary Scheme for approval of Guest Houses in the
country. (Guidelines for Approval of Guest Houses (Revised)‖ issued by
H&R Division, MOT, GoI, 2009)
Also, the current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―Paying Guest House‖ as part of Accommodation-related Unit
to be registered under the said Regulations.
Home Stay. The primary intent of a home stay is to provide for foreign
and domestic tourists a hygienic and cheap and at village level an
accommodation facility of a certain standard level. This would allow
foreign tourists as well to stay with an Indian family, and an excellent
opportunity to experience their culture and understand their traditions,
and get a taste of cuisines of India/Uttarakhand. [Uttarakhand Home
Stay Rules, 2015].
Also, the current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―Home Stay‖ as part of Accommodation-related Unit to be
registered under the said Regulations.
House Boats. A house boat is a boat that has been designed or
modified to be used primarily as a home. Some house boats are not
motorized, because they are usually moored, kept stationary at a fixed
point and often tethered to land to provide utilities. However, many are
capable of operation under their own power. (Wikipedia)
The current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―River/Lake Cruise/House Boats‖ as part of Accommodation-
related Unit to be registered under the said Regulations. Also, as per
Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008, ―The
house boats can be motorized like those in Kerala, if permissible as per
existing laws and court rulings or can be stationary at a specific
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location as in the case of Kashmir‖ as per feasibility/proposition possible
at Tehri Lake Water Sports Complex.
Inbound Tourism. It comprises the activities of a non-resident visitor
within the country of reference on an inbound tourism trip.
Inbound Tour Operator. Travel operator who serves or works with
international wholesalers packaging holidays for travellers arriving from
another country (usually groups), in liaison with destinations' suppliers.
Infrastructure. Facilities, services, assets and plant that support the
delivery of tourism experiences.
Internal Tourism. It comprises domestic and inbound tourism.
International Tourism. It comprises inbound tourism plus outbound
tourism, that is to say, the activities of resident visitors outside the
country of reference, either as part of domestic or outbound trips and
the activities of non-resident visitors within the country of reference on
inbound tourism trips.
Interpretation. Communicating ideas, insights and information in
pleasurable, relevant, accurate, imaginative, organised and thematic
ways.
Mainstream Tourism. Mainstream tourism captures the largest market
segment of tourism. It consists of people looking for rest, novel
experiences and recreation, and often occurs at beaches and in cities.
These travellers desire comfortable hotels and the presence of other
tourist accommodations, such as a resort complex that offers shopping,
recreation, restaurants, entertainment and other facilities and services.
This tourism often occurs in high volumes, which is why it is often referred
to as mass tourism. [―Guidelines for Tourism in Parks and Protected
Areas of East Asia,‖ IUCN, 2001. While, as per Wikipedia, ―A resort is a
place used for relaxation or recreation, attracting visitors for vacations
and/or tourism. Resorts are places, towns or sometimes commercial
establishment operated by a single company.‖]
Market Segmentation. The process of dividing a broad market into
smaller, specific markets based on customer characteristics, buying
power and other variables, such as adventure tourism, cultural/heritage
tourism, indigenous/tribal area tourism, food and wine tourism, agri-
tourism, etc.
National Tourism. It comprises domestic tourism and outbound tourism.
Nature-based Tourism. Nature in tourism involves experiencing natural
places, typically through outdoor activities that are sustainable in terms
of their impact on the environment.
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As per ―Guidelines for Tourism in Parks and Protected Areas of East
Asia,‖ IUCN, 2001, ―It is a general class of special interest tourism whose
common factor is a link to nature. A relatively simple definition is that
―nature-based tourism is primarily concerned with the direct enjoyment
of some relatively undisturbed phenomenon of nature‖ (Valentine, 1992
as mentioned-earlier, p. 108). The degree to which a visitor‘s
experience depends upon nature can vary. There are activities:
a) which are dependent on nature (e.g., people seeking to observe
animals in the wild require a natural environment to enjoy their
experience);
b) which are enhanced by nature (e.g., people prefer to camp in a
forest but the activity might be possible with equal satisfaction for
some users without a purely natural setting); and
c) for which the natural setting is incidental (e.g., if a person‘s interest is
a cooling swim then the setting may be relatively unimportant,
assuming unpolluted water). (Valentine, 1992 as mentioned-earlier,
p. 110)
However, nature-based tourism is not automatically ecologically
sustainable. In general, for such tourism to be ecologically sustainable,
it must be appropriate for the specific location and should produce no
permanent degradation of the natural environment.‖ Sustainable
tourism, rural tourism, ecotourism etc. are considered component terms
under nature-based tourism.
The Queen of the Hills - Mussoorie, the Lake District of India - Nainital,
Kausani, Pauri, Lansdowne, Ranikhet, Almora, Pithoragarh, Munsyari,
and many more attractive tourist destinations are part of Uttarakhand.
(Tourism Policy of State of Uttarakhand, UTDB, 2007)
Outbound Tourism. It comprises the activities of a resident visitor outside
the country of reference, either as part of an outbound tourism trip or
as part of a domestic tourism trip.
Outbound Tour Operator. A company that takes groups from a given
city or country to another city or country.
Paying Guest Scheme. It means that a private house owner would
provide a part of own home (few rooms) to tourists on rental basis. The
house owner apart from providing rooms would also be able to provide
breakfast/meal service to tourists, and would be able to collect
prescribed amounts for room rent and food charges, etc. from the
tourists. (Introduction of Paying Guest Scheme for Development of
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Tourism in the State, Tourism Department, the then State of Uttar
Pradesh, 1994)
Protected Areas. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) defines a
protected area as an ―area of land and/or sea especially dedicated
to the protection and maintenance of biological diversity, and of
natural and associated cultural resources, and managed through legal
or other effective means.‖
Recreation, Amusement and Leisure Tourism. Recreation is an activity
of leisure, leisure being discretionary time. The "need to do something
for recreation" is an essential element of human biology and
psychology. Recreational activities are often done for enjoyment,
amusement, or pleasure and are considered to be "fun." An
amusement park or theme park is a group of entertainment attractions,
rides, and other events in a location for the enjoyment of large numbers
of people. Amusement parks have a fixed location, and are more
elaborate than simple city parks or playgrounds, usually providing
attractions meant to cater specifically to certain age groups, as well as
some that are aimed towards all ages. Theme parks, a specific type of
amusement park, are usually much more intricately themed to a
certain subject or group of subjects than normal amusement parks.
(Wikipedia)
As per Tourism Policy of State of Uttarakhand, 2007, ―The clean, fresh
and invigorating environment makes Uttarakhand a preferred
destination to relax and unwind. From the modern facilities at Mussoorie
and Nainital to the untouched pristine beauty of its snow clad peaks,
rivers and forests, Uttarakhand provides all that a tourist could possibly
seek for amusement and leisure.‖ While, as per Uttarakhand Tourism
Development Mast Plan, UNWTO, 2008, promotional incentives for
setting up of amusement parks have been made.
Also, the current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―Recreation/Theme/Amusement Park‖ as part of
Entertainment-related Unit to be registered under the said Regulations.
Rural Tourism. Any form of tourism that showcases the rural life, art,
culture and heritage at rural locations, thereby benefiting the local
community economically and socially as well as enabling interaction
between the tourists and the locals for a more enriching tourism
experience can be termed as rural tourism. Rural tourism is essentially
an activity which takes place in the countryside. It is multi-faceted and
may entail farm/agricultural tourism, cultural tourism, nature tourism,
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adventure tourism, and eco-tourism. As against conventional tourism,
rural tourism has certain typical characteristics like; it is experience
oriented, the locations are sparsely populated, it is predominantly in
natural environment, it meshes with seasonality and local events and is
based on preservation of culture, heritage and traditions. (Rural Tourism
Scheme for Infrastructure Development – Scheme Guidelines (Revised
as on 09.12.11), Ministry of Tourism, GoI, 2011]
As per Tourism Policy of State of Uttarakhand, UTDB, 2007, ―Action will
be taken for development and promotion of village tourism and tourist
villages at different places in the State. This would include development
of basic facilities of clean and healthy food, and comfortable
accommodation to tourists in these villages. Together with mountain
tourism activities in the surrounding areas, the historical traditions of the
villagers, folk arts/culture and cuisine will be promoted as special
attractions.‖
As per excerpts from Presentation to the Government of Uttarakhand
dated 20 June 2014 by UTDB on ―Details of Schemes being
implemented for Tourism Development – Rural Tourism‖ covers the
following:
o Development of Infrastructure Facilities (Hardware Project):
beautification of village surroundings, landscaping work,
development of parks, compound wall and fencing, upgradation
of all streets joining a village within Panchayat limit, lighting in
villages, solid waste management and sewerage system provision,
placing signage, construction of reception room, construction of
accommodation facility, etc.; and
o Training (Software Project): photography/videography, awareness
training, hotel industry and guide, skill development, initial training
for English Language, Women Self-Help Group, natural resources
and environmental conservation, health and hygiene, hospitality,
etc.
Community-based Rural Tourism (CBT) has been identified as a viable
option for providing livelihood opportunities to the communities residing
in villages near the forest areas and to provide visitors a glimpse of rural
hill village life. In the interior regions of the Uttarakhand State, CBT has
been introduced as a means of employment and income generation
for the local communities. (Experience village life: Community-based
Tourism (CBT), CCF-Ecotourism Division, Forest Department, GoUK)
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Community-based tourism is planned and managed by local people.
As such, it is a positive means of inculcating cultural pride and creating
strong local communities who recognize and nurture the goals of the
collective. By contrast, pro-poor tourism is a strategy that aims at
poverty reduction of the most disadvantaged sections of the
community. It utilizes tourism as an intervention against poverty. Instead
of assuming that tourism benefits the poorest sections in rural areas, it
spells out practical strategies to ensure their inclusion. (Uttarakhand
Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008)
Seasonality. A phenomenon created by either tourism supply or
demand (or both) changing according to the time of the year.
Special Interest Tourism. It consists of people who possess a common
special interest that influences their travel choices*. These visitors are
segmented by specific interests or motivations rather than by other
characteristics such as age or social class. The type of travel
experience that they seek is strongly related to their special interest.
Nature-based tourism, in all its specialised forms, is an example of
special interest tourism. *For example, bird watchers of all ages will
choose travel destinations that offer opportunities to view bird species
unique to the area. [―Guidelines for Tourism in Parks and Protected
Areas of East Asia‖, IUCN, 2001]
Supply (the supply side of tourism 'supply and demand'). The means of
accessing and the tourism experiences and products found at the
tourism destination.
Sustainable Tourism. Sustainable tourism combines conservation
principles with tourism development. Sustainable tourism development
is about making tourism more compatible with the needs and resources
of a destination area. It should:
o make optimal use of environmental resources, that constitute a key
element in tourism development, maintaining essential ecological
processes, and helping to conserve natural resources and
biodiversity;
o respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities,
conserve their built- and living-cultural heritage and traditional
values, and contribute to intercultural understanding and
tolerance;
o ensure viable, long-term economic operations, providing socio-
economic benefits to all stakeholders that are fairly distributed,
including stable employment and income-earning opportunities,
social services to host communities, and contributing to poverty
alleviation; and
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o also maintain a high level of tourist satisfaction and ensure a
meaningful experience to the tourists, raising their awareness about
sustainability issues and promoting sustainable tourism practices
amongst them.
Tourism. Tourism is about people travelling for a wide range of purposes
together with the services and facilities required to enable and support
travel. It is defined as ―The activities of persons travelling to and staying
in places outside their usual environment for not more than one
consecutive year for leisure, business, education, and other purposes‖
(UNWTO & TA, 2010).
Tourism Activities or Tourism Product. Things to do. Types of tourism
activities may include the following, and as permitted in the State of
Uttarakhand:
o Adventure. Uttarakhand State is also a major destination for
adventure sports lovers. Many national and international
competitions of Skiing, Mountaineering, Water rafting, Rock
climbing etc. are held annually. The many thrills the State has on
offer range from treks to white water rafting to paragliding to biking
are sufficient to entice the adventure-bound souls to explore and
experience the newer highs. (―Things to do‖ webpage, Uttarakhand
Tourism Website)
o Angling. However, the act of catching fish using a rod and line in
India and many other countries is seen mainly seen as a method of
food capture rather than a genuine recreation. Consequently
angling in India as a sport is a relatively new phenomenon. The
methods used to catch fish are many and success is dependent on
a large number of variables. Many of these variables are not
controllable (weather, water quality etc.) and as such, perception
of success can also be variable. (Uttarakhand Tourism Development
Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008)
As per ―Ecotourism in Uttarakhand‖ issued by Ecotourism Division,
under Ecotourism Menu on Forest Department‘s website, ―To
promote angling, areas replete with Mahaseer rivers like
Ramganga, Kosi, Ganga, Kali, Nayar, Tons have been identified.
Sites on Ramganga (Kalagarh Forest Division) and Ganga attract a
large number of anglers. Pancheswar located at the confluence of
Saryu and Kali river has camping sites and is 40 km from Lohaghat.
It is an ideal site for Mahaseer angling. Home Stays at nearby
villages under community-based tourism are also on offer. Permits
for angling are issued by the respective Divisional Forest Officer.
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Angling tourism has been promoted for the conservation of
Mahaseer a popular game fish in the Mountain Rivers.‖
Angling as an activity shall be undertaken as permitted, e.g. within
a prescribed period/season; between sunrise and sunset; on catch
and release basis only; with expectation from anglers and their
gillies to observe, complete silence, minimum movement, proper
dress, proper cover and offer least disturbance to the environment;
the catch shall always be handled in wet sack slings that have
been properly cleaned prior to use and the fish catch shall be
returned to the water without any damage or shock; angling
without permit (prescribing fishing beats) is prohibited and shall not
be permitted in National Parks and Sanctuaries; no person shall fish
except by rod and line; etc. (Angling Rules for Mahaseer
Conservation in Ram Ganga river through P.P.P. Mode in
Uttarakhand, CWLW, Forest Department, GoUK)
Also, the current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―Angling (Fish Hunt)‖ as part of Entertainment-related Unit
to be registered under the said Regulations.
o Bird Watching. Bird watching or birding is the observation of birds as
a recreational activity. It can be done with the naked eye, through
a visual enhancement device like binoculars and telescopes, or by
listening for bird sounds. Bird watching often involves a significant
auditory component, as many bird species are more easily
detected and identified by ear than by eye. Most bird watchers
pursue this activity for recreational or social reasons,
unlike ornithologists, who engage in the study of birds using formal
scientific methods. (Wikipedia)
Bird watchers have been identified as comprising the largest group
of nature-based tourists in the world. Even in more remote areas,
the impact of bird-watching can generate important revenues for
local economies. Potential revenue from this ecotourism activity
does not emanate purely from the sighting of birds, but from a
whole range of ancillary facilities and services that can be
developed around bird watching. As a segment of ecotourism, bird
watching has especially great significance in regions of the world
that have a rich variety of birds, including exotic or endangered
species. Uttarakhand is one such region as it has both a wide range
of native and migratory birds, including many exotic species that
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migrate from Siberia to spend the winter months south of the
Himalayas. Uttarakhand has four biomes: Eurasian High Montane;
Sino-Himalayan Temperate Forest; Sino-Himalayan Subtropical
Forests; and Indo-Malayan Tropical Dry Zone. Over 632 species of
birds have been recorded in the state of which the Oriental White-
backed and Slender-billed vultures are critically endangered.
Furthermore, 13 species are vulnerable and 15 are near threatened.
The Cheer Pheasant and the Pallas Fish Eagle (both vulnerable) and
another critically endangered bird, the Himalayan Quail, are
important endemic species. The rarity of the avifauna, which would
attract serious bird watchers, is made more important by the
presence of 11 restricted range species. There are fourteen
Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Uttarakhand. Six of these lie in the
national parks of the State and therefore benefit from the
protection afforded to these national parks or sanctuaries by the
Forest Department. Three sites do not receive such protection (Asan
Barrage, New Forest Campus and Upper Pindar Catchment) as
these are outside the national parks and sanctuaries. (Uttarakhand
Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008)
Also, the current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―Bird Watching‖ as part of Adventure Tourism-related Unit
to be registered under the said Regulations.
o Boat Paddling. Paddling with regard to watercraft is the act of
manually propelling a boat using a paddle. The paddle, which
consists of one or two blades joined to a shaft, is also used to steer
the vessel. The paddle is not connected to the boat (unlike
in rowing where the oar is connected to the boat). (Wikipedia)
As per Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO,
2008, ―Under the general term of boating there will be many
different forms of propelling a vehicle and many different types of
boat themselves. There will also be different levels of
competitiveness with each type of boating. For example Rowing
Boat Racing, by its very nature, is competitive, (unless training),
whereas the provision of simple boats for recreational boating does
not necessarily involve competition. For simplicity we have divided
the general category of boating into the following sub-categories:
In view of the ‗environmentally friendly‘ image that the State should
portray, Jet Skiing, Knee/wake and ski-boarding has not been
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included at this stage due to the noise and environmental pollution
factor: Rowing, Sailing, Cruising, Kayaking, and Canoeing.‖
Also, the current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―Boating (Water Sports)‖ as part of Adventure Tourism-
related Unit to be registered under the said Regulations.
o Bungee Jumping. It is an activity that involves jumping from a tall
structure while connected to a large elastic cord. The tall structure is
usually a fixed object, such as a building, bridge or crane; but it is
also possible to jump from a movable object, such as a hot-air-
balloon or helicopter, that has the ability to hover above the
ground. The thrill comes from the free-falling and the rebound.
When the person jumps, the cord stretches and the jumper flies
upwards again as the cord recoils, and continues to oscillate up
and down until all the kinetic energy is dissipated. (Wikipedia)
The current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―Bungee Jumping‖ as part of Adventure Tourism-related
Unit to be registered under the said Regulations.
o Burma Bridge. A hanging bridge often part of a Ropes Course that
consists of a single wire or rope to walk on and two others to hold
on to [Wikipedia]. The name ‗Burma Bridge‘ is said to be acquired
from hanging bridges used extensively in Burma during World War II
to cross numerous rivers. The Burma rope bridge is reported as a
classic rope walking activity for the thrill seekers. This classic 3-rope
construction has reportedly a 3/4" foot line, 5/8" hand lines and 3/8"
connecting struts. The bridge in the Burma Bridge is represented by
three parallel cables/ropes set in a triangular fashion–bottom foot
cable with two hand lines about four feet above that foot cable. As
with any high traversing element, an overhead belay cable
parallels the lower cables. This is said to be one of the easiest high
elements to complete, thus providing a good choice for those
feeling highly challenged just by being at elevation. It is said to be a
confidence building exercise which calls for concentration.
As per ―Experience village life: Community-based Tourism (CBT)‖
issued by Ecotourism Division, under Ecotourism Menu on Forest
Department‘s website, ―Jungle Adventure group (Rishikesh), Shivpuri
undertakes activities of rock climbing, rappelling, trekking and
Burma Bridge experience. The group is formed by the local
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communities who have received training from the National Institute
of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi.‖
o Camping. Camping is possibly the finest way to enjoy the serenity of
nature with the company of one‘s friends and family. It is the best
mode to spend time in the lap of nature and forget the mundane
affairs of an otherwise hectic life. It also provides an opportunity to
spend quality time with the loved ones and understand them
better. The Himalayan region in Uttarakhand State in India is one
such place that offers fantastic range of camping. Whether it is
wildlife camping or normal camping, Indian topography offers
everything for the adventure enthusiasts. It can prove to be very
beneficial for the growing and budding mind of the children.
Camping is a recreational activity and there is no age limit. Anyone
who likes to explore nature can take up this camping expedition.
Camping in forest areas may require obtaining due prior permits,
and following the applicable regulations of the Forest Department.
Also, the current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―Tent Colony/Nature Camp‖ as part of Accommodation-
related Unit to be registered under the said Regulations.
o Canoeing and Kayaking. A canoe can be defined as a relatively
small, human powered boat propelled by one or more people,
sitting or kneeling, using single bladed paddles (the major
differentiating feature between kayaking and canoeing). Canoes
are often open at the top and are always pointed at both ends.
Modern canoes are made of fibreglass or aluminium depending on
the nature of the water to be used. Originally they were made from
the hollowed trunk of a tree. Canoes are inherently unstable and it
is important that the paddles person(s) keep a low centre of gravity
to avoid capsizing the vessel. Steering is achieved by using the
paddle on either side of the boat. The tranquil nature of this
recreation attracts a lot of people who are interested in enjoying
passive recreation. A kayak is a light narrow canoe covered at the
top. There are a number of different types of kayak depending on
the use they are put to. Different types of kayak include white water
kayaks, which are extremely manoeuvrable and are designed to
become almost part of the kayaker‘s body. Recreational kayaks
are stable, all-purpose vessels that are easily paddled and are, in
the main used for inland waters especially lakes. More recently ‗sit
on top kayaks‘ have been developed which you, literally, sit on top
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of. These can be great fun for beginners. In recent years inflatable
kayaks have been developed but generally the best boats are
made of fibreglass, plastic, wood and in better kayaks, Kevlar. For
large numbers of people their first experience of a water sport will
be in a form of kayak. There are a number of techniques that must
be learnt before approaching competitive kayaking not the least of
which is what happens when the kayak capsizes. This technique of
righting a capsized boat is called an ‗Eskimo Roll‘ and involves
complete immersion under the water. Water sports like canoeing
and kayaking can be included or developed, though only when
the issue of water quality has improved, in viz. Nainital Lake, Saattal
Lake, Naukuchiyatal Lake, Bhimtal Lake, and Khurpatal Lake.
(Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008)
The current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―Kayaking/Canoeing‖ as part of Adventure Tourism-
related Unit to be registered under the said Regulations.
Also, for a brief on applicable kayaking regulations refer the
definition sub-section ―River Rafting‖ and for full details refer
―Uttarakhand River Rafting/Kayaking Regulations, 2014‖ issued by
Tourism Department vide No. 160/VI/2013-01(03)/2013 dated 24
January 2014.
o Excursion. A short journey or trip, especially one taken as a leisure
activity. (Oxford Dictionaries Website)
As per ―Things to do‖ webpage, Uttarakhand Tourism Website, the
State offers excursion activities in 11 must visit destinations, and in
another 34 popular destinations.
o Flying Fox. A flying fox is a small cable car, often propelled
by gravity, and used as an item of children's play equipment and
more rarely for other purposes. The term ‗flying fox‘ is Australian
English and New Zealand English. In other countries, it is also known
as a ‗zip-line or zip-wire.‘ The toy should not be confused with
a ‗foxtail (or fox tail),‘ which is a children's toy consisting of a ball
with a rope attached to it, allowing it to be thrown like a sling.
(Wikipedia)
The current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―Flying Fox‖ as part of Adventure Tourism-related Unit to be
registered under the said Regulations.
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o Golf. Golf is a precision club and ball sport in which competing
players (or golfers) use many types of clubs to hit balls into a series
of holes on a course using the fewest number of strokes. Golf is
defined, in the rules of golf, as "playing a ball with a club from the
teeing ground into the hole by a stroke or successive strokes in
accordance with the Rules." It is one of the few ball games that do
not require a standardized playing area. Instead, the game is
played on a course, in general consisting of an arranged
progression of either 9 or 18 holes. Each hole on the course must
contain a tee box to start from, and a putting green containing the
actual hole. There are various other standardized forms of terrain in
between, such as the fairway, rough, and hazards, but each hole
on a course, and indeed among virtually all courses, is unique in its
specific layout and arrangement. Golf competition is generally
played for the lowest number of strokes by an individual, known
simply as stroke play, or the lowest score on the most individual
holes during a complete round by an individual or team, known
as match play. Stroke play is the most commonly seen format at
virtually all levels of play. (Wikipedia)
Golf has been identified as a potential market for the future. There
are a few golf courses in Uttarakhand, notably in Nainital,
Narendranagar, Pithoragarh, and Ranikhet. (Uttarakhand Tourism
Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008)
Also, the current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―Golf Course‖ as part of Entertainment-related Unit to be
registered under the said Regulations.
o Horse Riding. Equestrianism more often known as riding, horseback
riding (American English) or horse riding (British English) referring to
the skill of riding, driving, steeplechasing or vaulting with horses. This
broad description includes the use of horses for practical working
purposes, transportation, recreational activities, artistic or cultural
exercises, and competitive sport. (Wikipedia)
As per Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO,
2008 locations for horse riding activity interest are at Mussoorie,
Dhanaulti, Ranikhet, Askot, Ghangharia (as a base for additional
activities in nearby mountains other than the primary activity of trek
in two-different directions to Valley of Flowers National Park and Shri
Hemkunt Sahib), and Jageshwar.
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o Hot Air Ballooning. It is the activity of flying hot air balloons.
Attractive aspects of ballooning include the exceptional quiet
(except when the propane burners are firing), the lack of a feeling
of movement, and the bird's-eye view. Since the balloon moves
with the direction of the winds, the passengers feel absolutely no
wind, except for brief periods during the flight when the balloon
climbs or descends into air currents of different direction or speed.
(Wikipedia)
The current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―Hot Air Ballooning‖ as part of Adventure Tourism-related
Unit to be registered under the said Regulations.
o Ice Skating. It is moving on ice by using ice skates. It can be done
for a variety of reasons, including exercise, leisure, traveling, and
various sports. Ice skating occurs both on specially
prepared indoor and outdoor tracks, as well as on naturally
occurring bodies of frozen water, such as lakes and rivers.
(Wikipedia)
The current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―Ice Skating‖ as part of Adventure Tourism-related Unit to
be registered under the said Regulations. Currently, it is reported
that ice skating activity can be undertaken at viz. Maharana Pratap
Sports Stadium‘s Ice Skating Rink (indoor) at Dehradun / Auli Ski
Resort Complex.
o Mountain Biking. It is the sport of riding bicycles off-road, often over
rough terrain, using specially designed mountain bikes. Mountain
bikes share similarities with other bikes, but incorporate features
designed to enhance durability and performance in rough terrain.
Mountain biking can generally be broken down into multiple
categories: cross country (XC), trail riding, all mountain, downhill,
freeride, slopestyle, dirt jumping, and trials. The vast majority of
mountain biking falls into the recreational XC, Trail Riding and
Enduro categories. This individual sport requires endurance, core
strength and balance, bike handling skills, and self-reliance.
(Wikipedia)
Mountain biking is all about speed, control and thrill and is one of
the latest ways of exploring and discovering new vistas of the
Himalayan landscape. The rugged terrain and steep slopes, though
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risky at times, provide great mountain biking experience in
Uttarakhand. The cycle trails in this region are best traversed
between October and December. In India, this sport is still in its
nascent stage, surviving on some financial support from the
government. Blessed with rare and diverse flora and fauna,
Uttarakhand is an ideal place to develop adventure sports and
eco-tourism. After paragliding, mountain biking is the second most
popular adventure sport in the state. The sport attracts many
national and international tourists and adventure sports enthusiasts,
which in turn boosts tourism activities in the state. Mountain biking
and cycling can be great ways to explore the towns and villages
that fringe the foothills of the Himalayas. It also gives tourists the
opportunity to understand the challenges that mountains have in
store for them. (―Adventure/Mountain-Biking‖ webpage,
Uttarakhand Tourism Website)
Also, the current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―Mountain Biking‖ as part of Adventure Tourism-related Unit
to be registered under the said Regulations.
o Motor Car/Motor Cycle Rally. Rallying, also known as rally racing is a
form of auto racing that takes place on public or private roads with
modified production or specially built road-legal cars. This
motorsport is distinguished by running not on a circuit, but instead in
a point-to-point format in which participants and their co-drivers
drive between set control points (special stages), leaving at regular
intervals from one or more start points. Rallies may be won by pure
speed within the stages or alternatively by driving to a
predetermined ideal journey time within the stages. There are two
main forms: stage rallies and road rallies. Since the 1960s, stage
rallies have been the professional branch of the sport. They are
based on straightforward speed over stretches of road closed to
other traffic. These may vary from asphalt mountain passes to rough
forest tracks, from ice and snow to desert sand, each chosen to
provide an enjoyable challenge for the crew and a test of the car's
performance and reliability. The entertaining and unpredictable
nature of the stages, and the fact that the vehicles are in some
cases closely related to road cars, means that the bigger events
draw massive spectator interest. Road rallies are the original form,
held on highways open to normal traffic, where the emphasis is not
on outright speed but on accurate timekeeping and navigation
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and on vehicle reliability, often on difficult roads and over long
distances. They are now primarily amateur events. There are several
types of road rallies testing accuracy, navigation or problem
solving. (Wikipedia)
Also, the current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―Motor Car/Motor Cycle Rally‖ as part of Adventure
Tourism-related Unit to be registered under the said Regulations.
o Mountaineering. The State of Uttarakhand wears a mantle of
mountain ranges in the Himalayan region which endow it with a
breath-taking natural beauty and sheer range of diversity, and 83
peaks in Uttarakhand are open to mountaineers. While
mountaineering is emergency as one of the popular adventure
sports activity in Uttarakhand, it offers a major challenge to ensure
a balance between allowing mountaineering activities in such a
geographical area with the need to preserve fragile Himalayan
environment for posterity, and the need of mountaineering activity
to be promoted in a regulated manner with adequate
environmental safeguards so that the world will have sustained
tourism interest in high mountain areas of Uttarakhand within
permissible limits. (Guidelines for mountaineering expeditions in
Uttaranchal, CWLW, Forest Department, GoUK, 2004, and
Guidelines for Mountaineering Expeditions in Uttarakhand, UTDB,
2007)
Also, the current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―Mountaineering‖ as part of Adventure Tourism-related Unit
to be registered under the said Regulations.
o Nature Walk. A walk in nature can give you the small dose of
wilderness you need to refresh your spirit. Whether you see nature
walks as a time for introspection or a chance to learn about wildlife,
make the most of your stroll into wilderness. The best way to enjoy
nature walks is to take your time. An ideal pace lets you appreciate
nature‘s tranquility and subtle gifts while still getting some exercise.
Walking in the woods can actually increase your ability to focus
and concentrate. (The Wilderness Society, Washington DC, USA,
http://wilderness.org/)
As per Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO,
2008, several destinations and their environs are ideal for nature
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walks, viz. Chaukori, Gwaldam, Dhanaulti, Ranikhet, Ghangharia,
Pokhri, Chakrata, Barsu & Raithal villages, and New Tehri/Tehri Lake.
o Paragliding. It is a recreational and competitive flying sport, which is
recently getting much popular. A foot-launched aircraft, a
paraglide falls in the category of un-powered fixed-wing aircraft. All
that makes up the paraglide is an arc of nylon cloth shaped
aerodynamically. The pilot has to sit in a harness suspended below
a fabric wing. The suspension lines and air pressure entering the
vents in front of the wing help form its shape. The pilot after going
through pre-flight checks begins running down a slope. The cloth
canopy gets inflated and comes overhead and in few more steps
the pilot becomes air borne. The glider is controlled by
manipulating the control lines.
Paragliding in Uttarakhand can be done at Ranikhet, Mukteshwar,
and Naukuchiayatal in Kumaon region. Some other ideal gliding
places are Dayara and Bedini Bugyal (Uttarkashi-Gangotri road),
Pratap Nagar, and Dhanaulti Ridge.
Paragliding is like any other adventure sport where you feel the rush
of adrenalin and the element of risk is not any more than probably
swimming. A pilot attitude and good judgmental skill are of
paramount importance to ensure safety. Though the equipment is
built so that it will almost never fail, still, a great amount of caution
needs to be observed as you are thousands of feet in the air and a
minor glitch can result in terrible consequences.
The essential equipment consists of a glider and a harness that
attaches the paraglider firmly and safely to the pilot. Additionally
you will require a helmet specially made for gliding (light and
sturdy), shoes & gloves, a reserve parachute and a variometer (may
or may not contain a GPS) to gauge the ascent or descent of the
glider. (―Adventure/Paragliding‖ webpage, Uttarakhand Tourism
Website)
Also, the current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―Paragliding‖ as part of Adventure Tourism-related Unit to
be registered under the said Regulations.
o Parasailing. Also known as parascending or parakiting, parasailing is
a recreational kiting activity where a person is towed behind a
vehicle (usually a boat) while attached to a specially designed
canopy wing that reminds one of a parachute, known as a parasail
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wing. The manned kite's moving anchor may be a car, truck, or
boat. The harness attaches the pilot to the parasail, which is
connected to the boat, or land vehicle, by the tow rope. The
vehicle then drives off, carrying the parascender (or wing) and
person into the air. The parascender has little or no control over the
parachute. The activity is primarily a fun ride, not to be confused
with the sport of paragliding. (Wikipedia)
The current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―Parasailing‖ as part of Adventure Tourism-related Unit to
be registered under the said Regulations.
o Pilgrimage. Home to a myriad holy shrines, the name Uttarakhand is
aptly associated with Devbhumi i.e. Land of Gods. Pilgrims from far
and wide visit this Himalayan state, seeking salvation and self-
purgation. Two of the most revered rivers of the country, namely
Ganga and Yamuna originate from Gaumukh (Gangotri) and
Yamunotri. The most esteemed pilgrimage circuit of the country
incorporates Shri Badrinath and Shri Kedarnath, the holy seats of
Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva respectively. Another prominent pilgrim-
destination in Uttarakhand is the holy town of Haridwar, where the
prestigious Kumbh Mela is held every twelve years, attracting
millions of devout people from all over the world. Situated close to
Haridwar, on the banks of the divine Ganga is Rishikesh, a major
centre for Yoga and Meditation – people from several parts of the
world have been visiting this town for decades.
There are countless other temples and shrines in the state, homes to
local deities and various manifestations of Lord Shiva and Durga. It is
not as though Uttarakhand is a pilgrimage destination exclusively for
Hindus–there are several important shrines related to other religions
too, keeping in line with the secular traditions of our country. These
include Hemkunt Sahib, Nanak Matta Sahib, Meetha-Reetha Sahib,
Piran Kaliyar Sharif near Roorkee, the Mind Rolling Monastery and its
Buddha Stupa in Dehradun. (―Things to do‖ webpage, Uttarakhand
Tourism Website)
Many important religious yatras, of which Nanda Devi Raj Jat and
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra are the most popular, also take place in
Uttarakhand. (Tourism Policy of State of Uttarakhand, UTDB, 2007)
o River Rafting. Rafting or white water rafting is the recreational
outdoor activity of using an inflatable raft to navigate river or other
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bodies of water. This is often done on white water or different
degrees of rough water, in order to thrill and excite the raft
passengers. The development of this activity as a leisure sport has
become popular since the mid-1970s, evolving from individuals
paddling 10 feet (3.0 m) rafts with double-bladed paddles to multi-
person rafts propelled by single-bladed paddles and steered by a
tour guide at the stern. It is considered an extreme sport, and can
be fatal. Otherwise known as the International Scale of River
Difficulty (as created by American Whitewater Association for the
purpose of evaluating rivers throughout the world), below are the six
grades of difficulty in white water rafting. They range from simple to
very dangerous and potential death or serious injuries (Wikipedia,
and also as per Uttarakhand River Rafting/Kayaking Regulations,
2014 under Chapter-10):
Grade 1: Very small rough areas, might require slight manoeuvring.
(Skill level: very basic)
Grade 2: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, might require
some manoeuvring. (Skill level: basic paddling skill)
Grade 3: Whitewater, small waves, maybe a small drop, but no
considerable danger. May require significant manoeuvring.
Grade 4: Whitewater, medium waves, maybe rocks, maybe a
considerable drop, sharp manoeuvres may be needed.
Grade 5: Whitewater, large waves, large volume, possibility of large
rocks and hazards, possibility of a large drop, requires precise
manoeuvring.
Grade 6: Class 6 rapids are considered to be so dangerous that
they are effectively unnavigable on a reliably safe basis. Rafters
can expect to encounter substantial whitewater, huge waves, huge
rocks and hazards, and/or substantial drops that will impart severe
impacts beyond the structural capacities and impact ratings of
almost all rafting equipment. Traversing a Class 6 rapid has a
dramatically increased likelihood of ending in serious injury or death
compared to lesser classes.
Rafting is the most popular adventure sport in Uttarakhand. Swift-
moving rivers offer a thrilling experience for white water rafters.
These rivers flow through deep forests, rocky terrains, mountains and
sometimes even along snowy slopes. Stretches along Alaknanda,
Dhauliganga and Kali rivers have several challenging rapids. One
can opt for a simple half-day tour or a four to five-day experience
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of rafting. Do make sure you have an experienced guide's services.
Choose between simple or expert levels - whether you choose to
negotiate fast and furious river currents or to gently float along the
hillside. The Alaknanda and Bhagirathi are the main tributaries of
the Ganga that confluence at Devprayag. Their waters are of
Grade 4 to 5. Mori is where you go tossing in the turbulent Tons River.
The power trip continues till Khunigad from where you can drive
back to Mori for campfire and dinner. You can also raft from Barkot
to Lakhamandal and Damta to Yamuna Bridge, near Mussoorie.
Over the years, many rafting camps have come up in these
locations. The two stretches are absolutely safe for beginners.
Rafting courses are conducted by trained and qualified river guides
of the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN). The courses includes,
rafting, river-guide services, boarding and lodging. Rafting trips are
also organized by privately-run adventure clubs. Most camps are
usually located between Shivpuri and Kaudiyala, upstream from
Rishikesh on the way to Devprayag during the season. Riding with
life-jacket on is a must for safety when rafting (―Adventure/Rafting‖
webpage, Uttarakhand Tourism Website)
As per Uttarakhand River Rafting/Kayaking Regulation, 2014 issued
by UTDB, the rafting/kayaking season permitted is as follows: (a)
Rivers Ganga, Alaknanda, and Kali – 15th September to 15th June;
(b) River Yamuna – 15th September to 30th November and 01st
April to 15th June; (c) Tons/Gori/Sarayu/Kosi/Pindar rivers – 15th
September to 15th June; (d) Ramganga East & West rivers – 15th
September to 30th November; and (e) or as per the prescribed
period issued from time to time by the UTDB based on the
availability of water flow in any river. As per these regulations a
Raft/Kayak means such a structure that floats in river, and is used
like a boat to travel downstream in a river. Also, the off-season refers
to a period in which during monsoon in all rivers, all rafting/kayaking
activities will be fully prohibited. River rafting/kayaking activities
would be undertaken only in daytime from sunrise to sunset
(―Permission for River Rafting in the Forests of Hill Areas‖ issued by
Forest Section-2, Government of Uttar Pradesh vide letter dated 25
September 1999 specifies the time of 6.00 pm after which no raft
would be operated in the river, no lighting would be permissible
after 9.00 pm in the night in the temporary camps established for
supporting river rafting purposes, and no camp fire permitted
beyond 11.00 pm in the night). Tourists with age less than 14 years
and more than 60 years will not be permitted to undertake river
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rafting; and tourists with age less than 18 years and more than 50
years will not be permitted to undertake kayaking. During river
rafting/kayaking activity, consumption of alcohol/smoking is not
permitted. Each operator/river guide shall ensure that all
rafting/kayaking participants including guide are wearing life jacket
of appropriate size and helmet mandatorily during the
rafting/kayaking operations.
Also, the current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―River Rafting‖ as part of Adventure Tourism-related Unit to
be registered under the said Regulations.
o Rock Climbing and Abseiling. Rock climbing is an activity in which
participants climb up, down or across natural rock formations or
artificial rock walls. The goal is to reach the summit of a formation or
the endpoint of a usually pre-defined route without falling. To
successfully complete a climb, one must return to the base of the
route safely. Due to the length and extended endurance required,
accidents are more likely to happen on descent than ascent,
especially on the larger multiple pitches (Class III-IV and/or multi-
day grades IV-VI climbs). Rock climbing competitions have the
objectives of either completing the route in the quickest possible
time or attaining the farthest point on an increasingly difficult
route. Rock climbing is generally differentiated by its sustained use
of hands to support the climber's weight as well as to provide
balance. Rock climbing is a physically and mentally demanding
sport, one that often tests a climber's strength, endurance, agility
and balance along with mental control. It can be a dangerous
sport and knowledge of proper climbing techniques and usage of
specialised climbing equipment is crucial for the safe completion of
routes. Because of the wide range and variety of rock formations
around the world, rock climbing has been separated into several
different styles and sub-disciplines. Upon completion of a route,
climbers can walk back down if an alternate descent path exists,
or rappel (abseil) down with the rope. Abseiling/rappelling is the
controlled descent down a rock face using a rope. Climbers use this
technique when a cliff or slope is too steep and/or dangerous to
descend without protection. Many climbers use this technique to
protect established anchors from damage. (Wikipedia)
Rock climbing and artificial wall climbing are becoming
increasingly popular in Uttarakhand and courses and competitions
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are arranged on a regular basis by the Nehru Institute of
Mountaineering, the Himalayan Adventure Institute at Kempty and
the OSD, Adventure Sports in Almora. Rock climbing sites exist at
Burans Khanda; George Everest Estate at Mussoorie; Auli; Singtali at
Tehri and Khirsu in Garwhal and Barapathar at Nainital; Munsyari;
Sigri; Phal Seema and Kasar Devi at Almora; Ranikhet and
Bageshwar in Kumaon. (Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master
Plan, UNWTO, 2008)
Also, the current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―Rock/Artificial Wall Climbing‖ as part of Adventure
Tourism-related Unit to be registered under the said Regulations.
o Ropeways/Cable Cars. A cable car is any of a variety of
transportation systems relying on cables to pull vehicles along or
lower them at a steady rate. The terminology also refers to the
vehicles on these systems. The cable car vehicles are motor-less
and engine-less pulled by cable that is rotated by motor off-board.
They are advantageous for transit of mountains, valleys, steep
slopes and bodies of water. (Wikipedia)
As per Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO,
2008, there are several prospective destinations for installation of
ropeways. Also, promotional incentives for installation of ropeway
systems have been made. The only ski lifts in Uttarakhand are at
Auli.
The current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―Ropeways‖ as part of Entertainment-related Unit to be
registered under the said Regulations.
o Rowing. Rowing can be loosely described as the propulsion of
specially designed boats by the provision of oars. The boats (or
shells) are basically of two types and reflect the two forms of
rowing, sweep rowing and sculling. In sweep rowing each rower
handles a single oar, whereas in sculling each rower uses two oars.
The word ‗shell‘ is used for each boat, as these vessels are
notoriously thin (about 6mm). Most shells today are made of
composite materials such as carbon fibre, fibreglass or Kevlar. Few
companies now manufacture the traditional wooden shells. Within
sweep rowing categories there are further sub-divisions to take
account of the number of rowers involved e.g. coxed pairs (two
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rowers with a coxswain who steers the boat), coxless fours, up to the
coxed eights (which can involve shells of up to 18.5 m long). Sculling
rarely uses the services of a Cox. Steering is generally achieved by
exerting more pressure on one side of the boat that the other. As
with sweep rowing, sculling has a number of different categories,
mostly involving different numbers of rowers. Other designations are
used to reflect the weight of the rowers. The minimum stretch of
water required for competitive racing is 800 m long by 30 m wide.
Major competitions require a straight stretch of water of 2000 m and
a width of 90 m with a minimum depth of 3.5 m. Water sports like
rowing can be included or developed, though only when the issue
of water quality has improved, in viz. Nainital Lake and
Naukuchiyatal Lake. (Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master
Plan, UNWTO, 2008)
o Sailing. Sailing is the propulsion of boats by use of a sail to harness
the force of the wind. There are basically seven different types of
sailing boats, which are differentiated by their sail pattern: (i) Sloop –
one mast, two sails, (ii) Catboat – one mast, one sail, (iii) Sunfish –
one mast, lateen type sail, (iv) Catamaran – two hulls, (v) Schooner
– two masts, (vi) Ketch – two masts, mizzenmast, three or four sails,
and (vii) Yawl – two masts, similar to ketch. Within each type of
sailing vessel there are a number of different classes, all of which
display varying degrees of manoeuvrability, speed and ease of use.
For most recreational sailing the most commonly used sailing boats
are dinghies and within the dingy class there are a number of
subdivisions which emphasise the speed, stability and handling
aspects of sailing. Dinghy sailing is the activity of sailing small boats
on much smaller lakes, by using the sails, adjustable centreboard
and rudder. It also involves adjusting the trim and balance of the
sails by changing the body position of the crew (which can be
single or many). Sailing on inland waters has a number of
advantages over coastal sailing, most notably the safety aspects
and the lack of tide to take into account. Requirements for
effective sailing include a minimum depth of 1.5 metres, and
because of the distances that can be achieved in a relatively short
time, this activity requires large open expanses of water with a
minimum of 50 hectares being the norm. For recreational (non-
competitive sailing) a boat density of 3 – 6 boats per hectare is
acceptable, for sailing boat racing, no more than 3 per acre is
suggested. Firm slipways and adequate road access for towing
portable sailing dinghies (e.g. ―Toppers‖) are also a pre-requisite if
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touring boats are to be encouraged. Most areas that encourage
sailing also have some form of marina type facilities with a
clubhouse, changing rooms and toilet facilities. Water sports like
sailing can be included or developed, though only when the issue
of water quality has improved, viz. Lake Tehri (with both larger and
smaller vessels), Saattal Lake (with smaller vessels), Naukuchiyatal
Lake (with smaller vessels), and Bhimtal Lake (with smaller vessels).
(Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008)
Also, the current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―Sailing‖ as part of Adventure Tourism-related Unit to be
registered under the said Regulations.
o Sightseeing. The activity of visiting places of interest in a particular
location. (Oxford Dictionaries Website)
Under the ―Sight Seeing‖ menu of the Uttarakhand Tourism Website,
six destinations are highlighted for sightseeing viz. Almora (cultural
capital of Kumaon region), Nainital (Lake District of India), Mussoorie
(Queen of the Hills), Kausani (Window to the snow-crested Trishul,
Nanda Devi, Nandakot and Panchchuli peaks), Haridwar (Gateway
to the four pilgrimages of Uttarakhand), and Auli (Ski resorts and
stunning natural vistas).
o Skiing. It is a recreational activity and competitive sport in which the
participant attaches skis to boots or shoes on the feet and uses
them to travel on top of snow. Alpine skiing, also called downhill
skiing, typically takes place at a ski resort or dry slope. It originated
in the European Alps, and is characterized by fixed-heel bindings
that attach at both the toe and the heel of the skier's boot. Sub-
genres of alpine skiing include: Freestyle, Snowboarding, and
competitive classes include–slalom, giant slalom, Super-G, downhill,
and disabled skiing. (Wikipedia)
It wouldn‘t be wrong to call Auli the Ski capital of India. Located at
2,500 to 3,050 meters, in Chamoli District of Uttarakhand, the Auli Ski
Resort is close to the famous religious shrine of Badrinath. The month
of December heralds the beginning of the skiing season, which
bears witness to the commencement of several ski festivals, along
with the National Skiing Championships. The snowy excitement goes
on all the way till March. Run and maintained by the Garhwal
Mandal Vikas Nigam, the resort provides skiers with necessary
equipment and all state-of-the-art facilities. Facilities of chair lift and
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a ski lift are available for skiers with the objective of conserving their
time and labour. Auli also hosts formally winter sports at different
levels.
Snow-covered slopes aren‘t just to be admired, but to be enjoyed.
Snow skiing has gained popularity as an alternative sport in the
winter months. At an elevation of 2,915 - 3,049 meters above MSL
with five kilometers expanse of snow, Auli is offers perfect grounds
for beginners and seasoned skiers alike. Coniferous and oak forests
line the slopes. The peaks of Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat and
Dunagiri can be seen from the location. Its importance as a venue
of adventure sports lies in its natural advantages enhanced by
state-of-the-art facilities. The adventurous skier can go for cross
country runs covering 10 - 20 kilometers. For the less adventurous, ski
touring the glaciers is another enjoyable option.
Besides Auli, other ski spots include Dayara Bugyal, Munsyari and
Mundali. Mundali is situated in Dehradun, 129 kilometres from the
main Dehradun town. Mundali‘s enormous skiing rings offer
incredible sights of the Himalayan slopes. (―Adventure/Skiing‖
webpage, Uttarakhand Tourism Website)
Also, the current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―Snow Skiing‖ as part of Adventure Tourism-related Unit to
be registered under the said Regulations.
o Slalom Kayaking. Whitewater slalom (canoe/kayak slalom since
November 2008) is a competitive sport where the aim is to navigate
a decked canoe or kayak through a course of hanging gates
on river rapids in the fastest time possible. (Wikipedia)
o Son et lumière. A French phrase literally meaning sound and light
show, is a form of night-time entertainment that is usually presented
in an outdoor venue of historic significance. Special lighting effects
are projected onto the façade of a building or ruin and
synchronized with recorded or live narration and music to dramatize
the history of the place. The invention of the concept is credited to
Paul Robert-Houdin, who was the curator of the Château de
Chambord in France, which hosted the world's first son et lumière in
1952. (Wikipedia).
The ―Revised Guidelines of Scheme for Product/Infrastructure
Development for Destinations and Circuits‖ issued by Ministry of
Tourism, GoI, covers provisions for the activity of son et lumière
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shows. Also, the current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel
Trade Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January
2014, includes ―son et lumière‖ as part of Entertainment-related Unit
to be registered under the said Regulations.
o Spirituality Seeking. Traditionally spirituality has been defined as a
process of personal transformation in accordance with religious
ideals. Since the 19th century spirituality is often separated from
religion, and has become more oriented on subjective experience
and psychological growth. It may refer to almost any kind of
meaningful activity or blissful experience, but without a single,
widely-agreed definition. (Wikipedia)
As per Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO,
2008, spirituality and wellness seekers are estimated to make up
about 5% of total domestic tourists, with 80% of all being foreigners.
There is a concentration of ashrams in Rishikesh and Haridwar, but
also around the State in general.
o Swimming. Human swimming is the self-propulsion of a person
through water or another liquid, usually for the purpose of
recreation, sport, exercise, or survival. Locomotion is achieved
through coordinated movement of the limbs, the body, or both.
Humans are able to hold their breath underwater and undertake
rudimentary locomotive swimming within weeks of birth, as an
evolutionary response. Swimming is consistently found to be among
the top recreational activities undertaken by the public. (Wikipedia)
To be able to swim in a natural lake will undoubtedly have its
attractions, but not if swimming requires the navigation of
contaminated water! Water sports like swimming can be included
or developed, though only when the issue of water quality has
improved, in viz. Lake Tehri, Nainital Lake, Saattal Lake,
Naukuchiyatal Lake, Bhimtal Lake, and Khurpatal Lake. People will
always see natural watercourses as ‗free‘ and in the absence of the
supply of any equipment swimming should be allowed to develop
naturally. The sight of large numbers of swimmers in the lakes may
also serve to convince other water sport users that the water quality
is good. The only equipment likely to be needed may be a platform
anchored some 100 m offshore where people can sit and relax
after a swim. (Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan,
UNWTO, 2008)
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o Trekking. A trek is a long, adventurous journey undertaken on foot in
areas where common means of transport are generally not
available. Trekking should not be confused with mountaineering. In
North America the equivalent is backpacking, while New
Zealanders use the word tramping. (Wikipedia)
The hilly terrain of Uttarakhand provides plenty of opportunities for
mountaineering, trekking and rock climbing. The easternmost hill
district Pithoragarh, bordering Nepal and Tibet, often dubbed as
‗Miniature Kashmir,‘ is abundant in natural beauty, making it the
perfect base for many an exciting trek. Several interesting treks
interlace the Gori Valley with some of the well-traversed trekking
routes running along the Munsyari – Martoli – Milam – Ralam Glacier.
These treks are not just walks of adventure, but are also an
interesting way to interact and understand the social and cultural
life of the people in the Chaudans, Byans and Darma Valleys. The
Bageshwar – Sunderdhunga – Pindari – Kafni Glacier trek is another
highly preferred trekking route in the area.
The Garhwal region also offers several thrilling treks, some of them
being the Panch Kedar trek, Kedarnath – Vasuki Tal trek, Gangotri –
Kedarnath trek and the Gangotri – Gaumukh – Nandanvan –
Tapovan trek. The Panch Kedar trek passes through the five Kedars
represented by Kedarnath, Madmaheshwar, Tungnath, Kalpeshwar
and Rudranath. The fascinating routes are profusely intermingled
with the widest range of flora and fauna. The Valley of Flowers and
Hemkunt Sahib trek start from Govindghat and lead to Badrinath.
Other treks like the Kalindikhal trek, the Khatling – Sahastrataal –
Masartal trek, Har Ki Dun trek, Rishikesh – Pauri – Binsar trek and
Roopkund trek are equally invigorating for both the eager amateur
and the veteran mountaineer. (―Adventure/Trekking‖ webpage,
Uttarakhand Tourism Website)
Also, the current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014,
includes ―Trekking‖ as part of Adventure Tourism-related Unit to be
registered under the said Regulations.
o Triathlon. The triathlon was ‗invented‘ in the early 1970‘s by a
University Track Club in the USA as an alternative workout to the
boring and exhausting training schedules that ‗super fit‘ athletes
have to conform to. Originally the three parts to the triathlon were a
10km run, followed, without stopping except to change clothes, by
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an 8km cycle ride and a 500m swim. It is this last discipline that may
be restricted by the water quality in the lakes. The current official
triathlon schedule is a 1.5 km swim, a 40 km cycle race, followed by
a 10 km run, and is an Olympic sport. A Tehri lake or the Nainital
Lake district triathlon is a possibility though only when the issue of
water quality has improved, especially with the ability to have the
cycling and the running around the fabulous natural sceneries.
Whilst the triathlon, in itself, not a high individual participation sport,
the promotional effects are enormous. (Uttarakhand Tourism
Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008)
o Water Skiing. Water skiing is a surface water sport in which an
individual is pulled behind a boat or a cable ski installation over
a body of water, skimming the surface on two skis or one (slalom)
ski. The sport requires sufficient area on a smooth stretch of water,
one or two skis, a tow boat with tow rope, three people, and a
personal flotation device. In addition, the skier must have adequate
upper and lower body strength, muscular endurance, and good
balance. Skiing is a fun pastime that allows people of all skill levels
and ages to enjoy. (Wikipedia)
As per Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO,
2008, water skiing is one amongst the several water sports activities
offered in Uttarakhand. Also, the current applicable ―Uttarakhand
Tourism and Travel Trade Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect
from 24 January 2014, includes ―Water Skiing‖ as part of Adventure
Tourism-related Unit to be registered under the said Regulations.
o Wellness. With a long history of Ayurveda, Yoga and Meditation,
Uttarakhand has become an ideal destination to learn, practice
and master these ways of life. The state has lately come to be
known as the Yoga Country on account of the number of ashrams,
health centres, retreats and high-end spas, it is home to. These
institutions have retained the essence of an age-old wisdom of the
land in order to cater to the novel needs of an ever-evolving
society. There are people who come to learn Yoga as a way of life,
and then there are those who come to seek ayurvedic treatment
for a range of their maladies. Whatever the reason, each visitor
invariably finds an apt solution to his problem and goes back with a
sounder mind and healthier body. Also, stress management as well
as preventive and curative therapy for a range of heath disorders
are the most vital factors of contemporary treatments for physical,
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mental and emotional wellbeing of individuals. (―Things to do‖
webpage, Uttarakhand Tourism Website)
o Wildlife. National parks and wildlife sanctuaries are a prime feature
of Uttarakhand. Wildlife lovers, naturalists, eco-tourists and
holidaymakers keep flocking to the region all the year round. The
State is known for its diversified flora and fauna. It is in this region
that travellers get to see some of the most endangered and rarely
seen animal species in the world. Not only for animal lovers but for
bird watching enthusiasts as well, Uttarakhand has a number of
surprises in store to satiate their thirst for wildlife watching. Major
wildlife species to be watched here include the Indian Tiger, deer,
Sloth bear, Black bear, Indian elephant, leopard, Jungle cat, Rhesus
monkey, langur, ghoral (goat antelopes), wild dog, common otter,
porcupine, python, King cobra and a variety of resident and
migratory bird species.
Uttarakhand has 12 National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries7
covering 13.8 percent of the total area of the state where you can
capture the indisputable expressions of various animals and birds.
The various Parks and Sanctuaries are located at different altitudes
varying from 800 meters to the high altitude Protected Areas at
5400 meters. Apart from these there are two Conservation
Reserves–The Asan Barrage and Jhilmil Tal Conservation Reserves8,
7 Nandhour Wildlife Sanctuary is the newly declared Wildlife Sanctuary in the State of Uttarakhand. It is the
seventh Wild life Sanctuary in the State and lies in the two districts- Nainital and Champawat. It comprises
269.95 sq.km. areas of Reserve Forests of Haldwani and Champawat forest division. The natural
uniqueness of the area has been recognized since a long time ago. It has captured the imagination of
many with its diverse wildlife and breath-taking landscapes. The most famous of the Nandhour wild
residents are Royal Bengal Tigers and the Asiatic Elephants, but with about 325 species of birds, Nandhour
is one of the richest bird regions of India. [―Protected Area Network webpage on Uttarakhand Forest
Department website that provides the latest list of National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves,
and Biosphere Reserve] 8 Asan Barrage is located at the confluence of River Yamuna and Asan near Dhalipur village. The 444.40 ha
of area has been declared as a Wetland Conservation Reserve. It is an ideal habitat to a large number
of migratory and resident birds. It is marked by presence of Brahminy ducks, Rudely Shel duck, Dabbling
Duck, Diving Duck birds, Herons, Egrets, storks, Ibises, Geese, which can be easily spotted during winter
season (Nov to Feb).
Jhilmil Tal conservation reserve is in 3783.5 ha area in Haridwar forest Division. The swampy habitat due to
the overflow water of river Ganga is an ideal location for swamp deer.
[―Wildlife Ecotourism in Uttarakhand,‖ under Ecotourism Menu on Forest Department‘s website]
Pawalgarh Conservation Reserve in Nainital district is an area of 5824.76 ha of Reserve Forest. The altitude
of the area varies from 300 to 700 meters above MSL. It is located between the Ramnagar-Haldwani
Highway and the natural course of the river Dabka and river Kosi. The Pawalgarh area is the sub-
landscape flanked by River Kosi in the west and River Baur in the east and intersected by River Dabka
which flows east to west in the northern area and then turn south to cut the landscape into two before
disappearing in the tarai area. Though there are many rivers in this landscape, but Kosi is the most
significant among them and also is the only one which is perennial with substantial water. It also has large
swathes of undisturbed forests which have virtually scant habitation. [―Protected Area Network webpage
on Uttarakhand Forest Department website that provides the latest list of National Parks, Sanctuaries,
Conservation Reserves, and Biosphere Reserve]
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two World Heritage sites of the Nanda Devi Biosphere reserve and
Valley of Flowers National Park.
The high altitude National Park in Uttarakhand includes the Nanda
Devi National Park and the Valley of Flowers National Park (part of
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve-NDBR) which are regarded as
unique creation of nature. They have become popular with trekkers
and mountaineers. Almost 300 species of wild flowers bloom here
and attracts nature lovers, botanists, ecologists, zoologists,
ornithologists and trekkers. Other National Parks and Sanctuaries
include Binog Wildlife Sanctuary near Mussoorie, Govind Pashu
Vihar and National Park, Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, Kedarnath Wildlife
Sanctuary, Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
near Almora, Gangotri National Park. (―Things to do‖ webpage,
Uttarakhand Tourism Website)
Along with the world-famous Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
has several other breath-taking designations for Wildlife Tourism.
These include the Rajaji National Park, Govind Pashu Vihar, Asan
Barrage, Chilla, and Spatarishi Ashram, the last four being a delight
for bird watchers. (Tourism Policy of State of Uttarakhand, UTDB,
2007)
Wildlife Safari is an overland journey, usually a trip by tourists to
natural areas/reserves. Traditionally, the trip was a big-game hunt
(e.g. in Africa), but today, safari often refers to trips to observe
and photograph wildlife—or hiking and sight-seeing. (Wikipedia)
The Eco-sensitive active of safari viz. Elephant Safari is permitted in
Corbett National Park from Durgadevi Gate in the North East (the
only entrance that permits elephant safaris). (Uttarakhand Tourism
Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008. Also, the current
applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade Registration
Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014, includes
―Wildlife Safari‖ as part of Adventure Tourism-related Unit to be
registered under the said Regulations.
Regulated tourism in Corbett Tiger Reserve gives visitors a chance to
view wild animals in their natural environment and experience the
beauty of Nature. This is the only way to help people from all walks
of life appreciate the true value of wildlife preservation. [―Tourism‖
section, Park Management & Conservation webpage, Corbett
National Park Website]
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o Windsurfing. Windsurfing is a surface water sport originated in 1965
that combines elements of surfing and sailing. It consists of a board
usually 2 to 3 meters long, with a volume of about 60 to 250 liters,
powered by wind on a sail. The rig is connected to the board by
a free-rotating universal joint and consists of a mast, 2-
sided boom and sail. The sail area generally ranges from 2.5 m2 to
12 m2 depending on the conditions, the skill of the sailor and the
type of windsurfing being undertaken. However, starting in the
2000s, wind surfing began experiencing a decline in participation as
many avid windsurfers took up the similar sport of Kitesurfing.
Kitesurfing or kiteboarding is a surface water sport combining
aspects of wakeboarding, windsurfing, paragliding, and gymnastics
into one extreme sport. A kitesurfer or kiteboarder harnesses the
power of the wind with a large controllable power kite to be
propelled across the water on a kiteboard similar to a wakeboard
or a small surfboard, with or without foot-straps or bindings. The
terms kiteboarding and kitesurfing are interchangeable, although
kiteboarding may also refer to kite landboarding or kite
snowboarding. There are different styles of kiteboarding, including
freestyle, freeride, downwinders, speed, course racing, wakestyle,
jumping and wave-riding. (Wikipedia)
As per Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO,
2008, water sports like windsurfing (would also include subtle
variations of the sport such as kite-surfing) can be included or
developed, though only when the issue of water quality has
improved, viz. Lake Tehri (including kite-surfing), Naukuchiyatal Lake
(windsurfing), and Bhimtal Lake (windsurfing).
o Yachting. It refers to using water vessels, called yachts, for sporting
purposes. If the vessels are sailboats, it's known as sailing, and if the
vessels are motorboats, it's known as power-boating. A yacht is a
recreational boat or ship. Yachts are different from working ships
mainly by their leisure purpose, and it was not until the rise of the
steamboat and other types of powerboat that sailing vessels in
general came to be perceived as luxury, or recreational vessels.
Yacht lengths generally range from 10 metres (33 feet) up to dozens
of metres (hundreds of feet). (Wikipedia)
As per Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO,
2008, the long established Nainital Yacht Club offers smaller sail
boats as yachting service. Also, the current applicable
―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade Registration Regulations,
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2014‖ with effect from 24 January 2014, includes ―Yachting (Sail
Boating)‖ as part of Adventure Tourism-related Unit to be registered
under the said Regulations.
Tourism Destination. A local tourism destination is a physical space in
which a tourist spends at least one overnight, It comprises the following:
o many products within the overall destination;
o involves many stakeholders with differing objectives and
requirements;
o is both a physical entity and a socio-cultural one;
o is a mental concept for potential tourists;
o is subject to the influence of current events, natural disasters,
terrorism, health scares etc.;
o is subject to historical, real and fictitious events;
o is evaluated subjectively in terms of what represents value-for-
money e.g. based on reality compared with expectations; and
o differs in size, physical attractions, infrastructure, benefits offered to
visitors and degree of dependence on tourism–in fact no two
tourism destinations can be treated the same, each offering its own
unique and authentic attributes.
Tourism Enterprises. As per Uttaranchal Tourism Development Board
Act, 2001, ―Tourism enterprises means all or any of the following:
(a) Any business which provides national or international carriage for
passengers;
(b) Any business which either wholly or in part, provides or arranges
services for visitor in Uttaranchal by way of transport,
accommodation, tours or guides, whether or not such services are
provided within or outside Uttaranchal;
(c) Any business which either wholly or in part, distributes for the
purpose of trade or retails tourism-related products such as
handicrafts, souvenirs, etc. in the State of Uttaranchal; and
(d) Any other undertaking, including any convention centres,
restaurants, amusement parks, ropeways, exhibitions, shows, fairs,
publicity campaigns or theme parks, etc., intended wholly or in part
for the benefit of or for the purpose of attracting visitors to
Uttaranchal.‖
Tourism Expenditure. It refers to the amount paid for the acquisition of
consumption of goods and services as well as valuables of own use or
to give away for and during tourism trips.
Tourism Industries. The activities that typically produce tourism
characteristic products.
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Tourism Product. Can include natural or man-made attractions, hotels,
resorts, restaurants, theatres, activities, festivals and events etc.
Tourism Product Development. A process whereby the assets of a
particular destination are moulded to meet the needs of national and
international visitors.
Tourism Sector. The cluster of production units in different industries that
provide consumption goods and services demanded by visitors.
Tourism Value Chain. Illustrates the many entities directly supplying or
indirectly linked to tourism in each of the three phases of planning,
development and operations & management.
Tourist. A visitor is classified as a tourist if his/her trip includes an
overnight stay.
Tourist/Visitor Experience. The overall impression a visitor attaches to
their encounter with a specific place, event, holiday, or activity.
Tourists Visiting Friends and Relatives. These may primarily not stay in
commercial accommodation. However, there is a substantial market
linked to the well-known schools that Uttarakhand is famous for. It is
reported that parents visit their boarding children up to 10 times during
the year. They tend to stay at good quality hotels and enjoy leisure
pursuits and facilities during their stay. (Uttarakhand Tourism
Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008)
Tour Operator. Develops, markets and operates group travel programs
that provide a complete travel experience for one price and includes
transportation (airline, rail, motor coach, and/or ship),
accommodation, sightseeing, selected meals and an escort. Tour
operators market directly to the consumer through travel agents and
are beginning to be listed on computerised reservation systems.
Tour Wholesaler. An individual or company that sells tour packages and
tour product to travel agents. Tour wholesalers usually receive a 20%
discount from accommodation, transportation companies and
attractions and pass on a 10% to 15% discount to the retail agent.
Trekking Ecotourists. This segment comprises tourists whose prime
motivation is to experience the mountain environment through trekking.
This is already a well-established product in Uttarakhand but the
combination of ecotourism products with trekking can potentially
increase the size and viability of this market. The market can consist of
budget trekkers as well as higher spending tourists, the latter being
potentially major contributors to conservation initiatives. These types of
tourists are currently dominated by young, fit people although
opportunities for softer activities for older age groups are also an
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important segment. (Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan,
UNWTO, 2008)
Visitor. A traveller making a trip to a main destination outside his/her
usual environment, for less than a year, for any main purpose (business,
leisure, or other personal purpose) other than to be employed by a
resident entity in the country or place visited. A visitor is classified as a
tourist if his/her trip includes an overnight stay, or as a same day visitor
otherwise. An international visitor is any person who travels to a country
other than that in which he/she has his/her usual residence but outside
his/her usual environment for a period not exceeding 12 months and
whose main purpose of visit is other than the exercise of an activity
remunerated from within the country visited. Overnight visitors are those
visitors who stay at least one night in a collective or private
accommodation in the place visited. Same-day visitors are those
visitors who do not spend the night in a collective or private
accommodation in the place visited.
Visitor Demand. Understanding visitor demand will provide you with
essential data to plan for future tourism infrastructure needs and
develop destination management strategies. An essential starting point
in understanding the needs of visitors is to have a clear definition of
what is meant by the visitor industry. In general terms the visitor industry
is understood to include international and domestic overnight and day
excursionists. These three categories can be further refined as ……:
International – overnight, day trips; Domestic – overnight, day trips; and
Local – day trips. The visitor demand components helps you to answer
the questions of – who comes, why they come, what services they
utilise, how long they stay, their level of satisfaction with their visit, and
the economic benefit generated.
For tourism planning and provision, especially when peak volumes are
a crucial issue (e.g. for water provision), there is a need to develop
reliable measures of local visitor demand. Until an inventory of
attractions, activities, accommodation and transport has been
completed and matched with an understanding of visitor demand and
satisfaction, destinations will be unsure whether they are meeting visitor
expectations.
Obtaining real micro data for visitor demand on a town‘s infrastructure
such as water consumption, wastewater and solid waste production
can be difficult and costly. The demand is seasonal and depends on
the nature of the activities of the visitor (for example type of
accommodation used). There are certain services that are shared
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between visitors and permanent residents; for example restaurants,
cafés and visitor attractions. In such circumstances identifying and
quantifying the sector demands can be complicated. It is
recommended that snapshot studies be used to provide representative
micro-level data. The snapshot study method involves four 1-week
snapshot studies carried out in the town. The purpose is to obtain the
necessary daily data to be able to create a reliable picture of the
demand visitors place on the town‘s water, wastewater and waste
services. (Tourism Planning Toolkit for Local Government, TRREC, New
Zealand, 2006)
Heritage Conservation & Revitalization
Based on an unpublished document prepared by ADB TA as Consultant to
an earlier project viz. ―Implementation Guidelines‖ as Part of DPR for
Conservation and Revitalization of Rambagh Garden (2007-08), Amritsar,
Punjab, the following definitions for heritage conservation & revitalization
integrated with the visitor infrastructure & new developments, building use
& space usage, and museum management and special experiences are
given below:
Adaptation/Adaptive Re-use. Adaptive reuse means adapting a
historic place to requirements of a new sustainable compatible use,
while respecting its significance and historic fabric.
Alteration. Alteration is the work, the objective of which is to change or
improve the function of a place or to modify its appearance.
Authentic Interpretation: Organized information that reflects a region‘s
or local heritage through an accurate, objective, and culturally
sensitive portrayal of people, sites, services, or events. The presentation
of this information must not sacrifice historical accuracy for the sake of
entertainment or popularity. This information must be made easily
accessible to visitors through signage, printed materials or other media,
exhibits, or tours.
Authentic Resource: A site, service, or event which reflects a region‘s
heritage by retaining features which existed during its period of
significance, and by demonstrating an association with historic events,
persons, architecture, engineering, or technology. It is not necessary for
a site, service, or event to retain all of the features which it had during
its period of significance, but it must retain enough of these features to
present a clear picture of local heritage.
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Carrying Capacity. Carrying capacity means the physical or optimal
tolerance limit of an activity or a building which it can bear for minimal
impacts on the services and resources.
Collection: A set of artifacts or objects which are acquired and
preserved because of their value as examples, as reference material,
or as objects of aesthetic or educational importance.
Compatible Use. Compatible use means a use which involves no
change to the culturally significant fabric, changes which are
substantially reversible, or changes which require a minimal impact.
Conservation. Conservation is the action to secure the survival or
preservation of places, cultural artefacts, natural resources, energy or
any other entity of acknowledged value for the future. The process of
conservation includes documentation, research, and assessment of
significance, interpretation, intervention, management and monitoring
of historic places.
Conservation Management Plan. Conservation management plan is a
document which sets out the significance of a place and explains how
the significance will be retained in any future use, repair, alteration,
development or management. It defines a detailed programme of
work and recommends policies to ensure the value of the place is
maintained while allowing a variety of future uses. It also describes how
policies can be implemented and advises on maintenance and
management.
Heritage: A legacy passed down from preceding generations. This
legacy encompasses physical features and the cultural perspectives
which define them. Elements of this inheritance include natural
features, landscape, history, culture, art, architecture, religion, folklore,
and other social systems.
Historic Fabric. Historic fabric is the physical material of which a historic
place or artefact is made.
Historic Places. The term ‗historic places‘ encompasses historic
buildings, heritage sites, historic landscapes, natural sacred sites, historic
structures/objects, historic precincts, historic cities and cultural
landscapes. Historic places are valued because they are associated
with phases of history, or people/events of great importance, or are of
architectural/archaeological significance, or of spiritual/religious
importance. A historic place must be regarded as a document of
history and must be treated in a holistic manner. It refers to following:
o Heritage sites are the immovable physical remains that were
created during the history of humankind and that have historical,
associational or social significance attached.
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o Historic buildings possess authentic features and unique
construction techniques of a particular historic style or period of
construction. A building may be categorized historic owing to its
associational value with a significant event/person in history.
o Historic cities have layers of history existing, generally with
continued usage.
o Historic precincts comprise concentrations of heritage buildings of
intrinsic architectural, historic and streetscape value as also a strong
urban character.
o Historic structures and objects are movable elements of heritage
that are irreplaceable assets. Significance may be attributed to
them for reasons of historicity, association or unique techniques
from history.
o Landscapes include historic landscapes as well as areas of
environmental significance. Historic landscapes comprise the
designed landscaped sites of historic importance, such as ancient
gardens and landscaped complexes of historic buildings.
Environmentally significant areas include sites of scenic natural
beauty and ecologically important landscapes.
Cultural landscape is the sum of all the elements, linkages and
associations between people or culture groups, natural framework
and constraints of landform, geology, soils, climate, etc.
o Natural sacred sites are natural elements that may hold importance
by way of being associated with revered events, persons or periods
in history or mythology.
Intervention. Intervention is any action which has a physical effect on
the fabric of a building or artefact. The concept of minimum
intervention in conservation is well established.
Landscaping and Open Spaces. Landscaping and open spaces refers
to the all non-buildable spaces open to sky with proper access to
visitors. This refers to the kind of treatment to the open space that is
envisaged.
Maintenance. Maintenance means the continuous protective care of
the fabric, contents and setting of a place.
Museum: A gallery-based institution which maintains exhibits, displays,
or collections. A museum is a functional house of interpretation,
awareness and records of history, evolution and existence.
Nature/Type of Use. The nature or type of use refers to the kind of
building or land-use that is designated for the new activities proposed
within the buffer area.
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New Constructions. New construction means all below and above
grade structures, temporary or permanent, as well as ground surface
treatments built for facilitating certain activities. These might include
ancillary structures and services for the buildings.
New Proposals. New proposals in this document refer to projects that
are proposed for revitalization of certain parts of a historic place. They
may be additions to historic buildings or new structures in historic
places. All new proposals must conform to guidelines for designing in
context of historic places, as well as design controls.
Ownership/Occupancy/Tenancy. Ownership/ Occupancy and
Tenancy refer to the title holder of new proposed activity.
Parking and Access. Parking refers to the vehicular parking for
occupant and visitor cars and two wheelers and tourist buses. Access
means the planning for the visitor movement within the site.
Period of Significance: The span of time that has made the greatest
contribution to the historical importance of a resource. In most cases,
the physical features of a Heritage Site or Heritage Service should draw
attention to that era.
Regular, Established Hours: A schedule of appointed times when a
Heritage Resource is open to the public. Seasonal hours are
acceptable, as long as the resource is open at least once per week for
three months of the year. One-time events are excluded from this
requirement.
Repair. It is the work beyond the scope of regular maintenance to
remedy defects, considerable decay or damage caused deliberately
or by accident, neglect, normal weathering or wear and tear. The
objective of repair is to return the place to good order, without
alteration or restoration.
Research Facility: An institution whose primary purpose is to promote
scholarship about local heritage. These institutions often provide
archival information, historical documents, and research assistance.
Significance. Significance of a historic place represents its value for
past, present or future generations; the value may be historical,
architectural, archaeological, art / aesthetics related, associational /
social, religious / spiritual, and natural.
Site Interpretation and Visitor Experience. Site interpretation
encompasses the quality of visitor experience and the communication
methods adopted that broadcasts the significance of the site to the
visitors. Site interpretation is central to develop the identity of the place
and enhance the aesthetic quality of the existing environment in
compliance to the predominant character of the place. The following
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components which determine the quality of site interpretation broadly
are:
o Site Signage (historical description, site orientation, identity signage,
facility signage, etc.)
o Visual Improvement (existing signage control in and around the site,
removal & relocation of intrusive services)
o Street Furniture (benches, bollards, cloak stalls, waste bins, etc.)
o Lighting and Illumination (exterior lighting of monuments, public
places, landscaped areas, son et lumière, etc.)
Special Experience: A set of particular experiences observed by the
visitor which is based on particular theme or significance. The
experiences which bear an impressive and long-term impact on the
visitor memories are the referral points of interpretive observations.
Sustainability. Sustainability refers to the self-ability to sustain the fiscal,
physical, mechanical, economical and human resources for managing
and maintaining the site.
Technical „Expert Committee.‟ The Technical ‗Expert Committee‘ is a
technical heritage advisory committee. This committee must comprise
of qualified multidisciplinary specialists from the field of heritage
conservation and management. Other qualified experts must be taken
on as consultants to the committee for decisions specific to historic
places.
Theme: A recurrent, coordinated motif which intentionally creates an
atmosphere of a specific place, time, activity, or culture. This motif is
often expressed through a combination of cuisine, décor, and printed
materials.
Visitor Amenities. Visitor amenities encompass all the necessary civic
conveniences required for visitors. They include toilets, drinking water
facilities, garbage bins, etc.
Visitor Facilities. Visitor facilities encompass all the ancillary functions to
support visitor requirements. They include eateries, open amphitheatre,
rain shelters, first-aid facilities, refreshment kiosks, information kiosks and
space for belongings, etc.
Other related general definitions as per ―The Burra Charter, 1999: The
Australian ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance‖ are:
Places. Places means site, area, land, landscape, building or other
work, group of buildings or other works, and may include components,
contents, spaces and views.
Preservation. Preservation means maintaining the fabric of a place in its
existing state and retarding deterioration.
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Reconstruction. Reconstruction means returning a place to a known
earlier state and is distinguished from restoration by the introduction of
new material into the fabric.
Restoration. Restoration means returning the existing fabric of a place to a
known earlier state by removing accretions or by reassembling existing
components without the introduction of new material. However, certain
specific provisions of ―The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites
and Remains Act, 1958‖ vide Notification dated 28 August 1958, which was
amended as ―The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and
Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010‖ vide Notification dated
29 March 2010‖ would hold precedence with respect to the following
definitions in their use for heritage conservation context:
Construction. Construction means any erection of a structure or a
building, including any addition or extension there to either vertically or
horizontally, but does not include any re-construction, repair and
renovation of an existing structure, or, construction, maintenance and
cleansing of drains and drainage works and of public latrines, urinals
and similar conveniences, or, the construction and maintenance of
works meant for providing supply of water for public, or the
construction or maintenance, extension, management and supply and
distribution of electricity to the public or provision for similar facilities for
public.
Prohibited Area. Prohibited area means any area specified or declared
to be a prohibited area under Section 20A (of the said amended Act).
Protected Area. Protected area means archaeological site and
remains which is declared to be of national importance by or under this
Act.
Protected Monument. Protected monument means an ancient
monument which is declared to be of national importance by or under
this Act.
Re-construction. Re-construction means any erection of a structure or
building to its pre-existing structure, having the same horizontal or
vertical limits.
Regulated Area. Regulated area means any area specified or
declared under Section 20B (of the said amended Act).
Repair and Renovation. Repair and renovation means alterations to a
pre-existing structure or building, but shall not include construction or re-
construction.
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4.3 Strategic Framework
GoUK endeavours to achieve the above objectives and position
Uttarakhand as a visible global brand in tourism for visitors as well as
investors, by encouraging development of relevant infrastructure and
support mechanisms through partnerships between private sector,
Government and the community.
To realize the core objectives and achieve the larger vision outlined for the
sector, the GoUK has identified the following strategic intervention areas:
Facilitate improvement of infrastructure, tourism products and service.
Create institutional structures that harness and compliment such
initiatives.
Create streamlined processes for obtaining clearances.
Offer attractive incentives for various tourism products and services as
well as to the operators/entrepreneurs–whether private or government.
Prioritise Human Resource Development & Capacity Enhancement.
A set of actions have been identified for each of the strategic intervention
areas, which are elaborated in the following sections. Detailed guidelines
for undertaking activities in the identified areas are elaborated under
Section 5.
4.3.1 Improve Infrastructure, Tourism Products and Services
To achieve growth in visitor numbers and elongate duration of stay that
directly contributes to the local economy, the government shall pursue the
actions highlighted below, some of which are already being
implemented by the tourism department and other departments in the
state.
i. Assist and facilitate development & maintenance of basic tourism
infrastructure and facilities at destinations.
ii. Promote new and innovative tourism products and services.
iii. Improve connectivity infrastructure.
iv. Improve access and delivery of tourism information services.
v. Improve interpretational standards for nature- and culture-based
tourism products.
4.3.1.1 Basic Tourism Infrastructure facilities at Destinations
The planning and design of the facilities must be undertaken in a manner that it
provides barrier free space and environment to the physically handicapped.
Tourist Accommodation
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v. Promote quality accommodation through Hotels/Resorts/Eco-
lodges/Camping Sites (Regular Camping Tents as well as Swiss
Tents and Log Huts category), Tourist Rest Houses (TRHs)/Yatri
Niwas along with Dormitories, including other stay facilities like
home stays/B&Bs. The definition of home stays includes traditional
home stays developed at various locations (e.g. at Jageshwar,
Mukteshwar, Sakri Village, etc). The Home stays Policy /
Guidelines should be strengthened to encourage registered
home stays across the State. A mechanism for inspection,
certification and licensing of the home stays is also to be defined.
vi. Encourage adaptive reuse of non-notified or unprotected
heritage buildings for use as heritage hotels assuring minimal
impact and risks are mitigated therein.
vii. Facilitate development of accommodation for all customer
segments through serviced apartments, cottages, camping sites,
dormitories, youth hostels & Yatri Nivas at tourist destinations.
viii. Promote private sector participation in asset creation,
management and operation of commercial proponents of
tourism products.
At Destination and Wayside Amenities
i. Promote wayside amenities including universal access or barrier-
free friendly built-environment compliant toilets, cafeteria, mini-
store/pharmacy/ATMs/ information kiosks/souvenir booth at
appropriate intermittent intervals along connecting roads
leading to major tourist destinations.
ii. Where possible as per the land/space availability environment-
friendly pre-fabricated bio-toilet units/pre-engineered building
toilet complex with bio-digester system should be promoted.
Wayside amenities economically benefitting local communities
shall be encouraged. This specific intervention should be
proposed only after assurances that the viability and sustainability
of such proposals have been evaluated diligently.
iii. Retail for local produce, crafts, adult literacy programmes,
access to internet etc. should be encouraged, wherever
possible.
iv. Amenities including parking at the entrance of major tourist
destinations shall be promoted to regulate vehicular movement,
with special access for the physically challenged. Thrust should
be given to provide information centres/kiosks at all major tourist
destinations.
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v. Community kitchens, community-run tourist facilitation centre
and cluster of public conveniences at rural locations should be
encouraged, largely through Community-based Organisations,
Voluntary Community Organisations, Non-Governmental
Organisations, Micro-Initiatives, Self-Help Groups, etc.
4.3.1.2 New and innovative tourism products and services
Meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE)
MICE is a type of tourism in which large groups, usually planned well
in advance, are brought together for a particular purpose. Most
components of MICE are well understood, perhaps with the
exception of incentives. Incentive tourism is usually undertaken as a
type of employee reward by a company or institution for targets
met or exceeded, or a job well done.
i. World-class exhibition and convention complexes through
appropriate PPP framework should be promoted in Dehradun,
Nainital and other important cities in the state.
ii. Private enterprise, in collaboration with international exhibition
companies, will be encouraged to establish these exhibition
complexes backed by Government support and incentives.
Theme Parks
i. Theme and Entertainment parks owned and run by the private
entrepreneurs should be promoted in select places in
Uttarakhand post-assurance that those shall have adequate
infrastructure to meet the visitor demands as well as counter the
detrimental impacts (viz. traffic & transportation, waste
generation, environment, socio-cultural and economic) from
this activity.
ii. Placement and siting of such activities shall be in consultation
with the relevant planning authorities and compliant with their
existing land-use plans.
Heritage Zones and Clusters
i. Better utilization of existing market and research data will be
made to identify and develop the heritage zones and clusters
only for non-notified and/or unprotected areas. Such
delineated zones should be complimentary but not contrary to
the existing legal frameworks for heritage.
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ii. Heritage zones be earmarked around the sites and controlled
and adaptive tourism development should be promoted in
accordance with the existing master plans. Such delineations
intent should indicate alleviations in deprivations and should
help in social and economic regeneration, renewal and revival
of that place. For historic places, such delineations should
contribute towards the rejuvenation of cultural practices and
way of life.
iii. Strategic endeavours would be made to include more heritage
sites into UNESCO‘s World Heritage Sites list for bringing in
significant international recognition and tourist traffic through
preparation of integrated Site Management Plans, proposals to
Government of India etc. The GoUK shall pursue nominations for
significant heritage sites, zones and clusters that represents the
local unique cultural identity, vernacularism, archetypical styles,
traditional practices, etc.
iv. To improve the maintenance of existing tourist destinations,
adoption/management/sponsorship programs shall be
promoted to create ownership between government, host
community and private entrepreneurs for monuments, temples
and destinations.
v. To increase length of stay of visitors, development of tourist
villages near existing attractions, shall be encouraged.
Eco-Tourism
i. Eco-Tourism shall be promoted as a core tourism activity in close
collaboration with the Forest Department and Rural
Development Department (e.g. through ILSP under UGVS).
ii. An eco-tourism zone at important hill stations which are located
in middle Himalayas should be identified and a chain of nature
camps shall be encouraged and promoted as Jungle Trails in
the zone.
iii. The local community/Van Panchayats should be encouraged
to participate in the eco-tourism activities.
Health & Wellness
Thrust should be provided to promote Uttarakhand‘s traditional
systems of medicine and wellness like Yoga, Ayurveda, etc. and
efforts would be made to position the State as a unique destination
for spiritual healing and wellness tourism.
Adventure Tourism
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The Government shall promote adventure tourism activities in
Uttarakhand, like - White Water Rafting, Trekking (nature walks,
pilgrimage trails, National Park, etc.), paragliding & parasailing,
mountaineering, Skiing slopes, etc.
4.3.1.3 Connectivity Infrastructure
Transport and Aviation
i. The Government shall endeavour to increase entry points and
improve direct access to different destinations across the State
for international, interstate and intrastate visitors by encouraging
development of new routes, expanding existing airport
capacity, etc.
ii. Development of low-cost terminals, transport nodes/heads, use
of smaller and viable transport modes transit-oriented
development shall be encouraged for sites, destination and
regions of touristic significance.
Last-mile Connectivity
i. Improving last-mile road/rail connectivity to tourist destinations
will be a priority area and Government should co-ordinate with
other government agencies/departments in facilitating these
tourism development activities.
ii. Intermodal transport connectivity such as link from railway
stations and bus terminals to tourist destinations where required,
should be developed in collaboration with respective
government agencies/departments.
Zero Pollution Modes of Transport
Environment-friendly vehicles having a minimum impact on the
ecology of the destination shall be promoted.
4.3.1.4 Access and Delivery of Tourism Information and Other Services
The Government in context to the tourism infrastructure that it envisages
to create shall endeavour to provide a ‗Total Quality Experience‘ to the
visitors – before arrival till after departure, by promoting the following
initiatives:
Tourist Amenities
Amenities like information kiosks, trained guides/audio guides,
interpretation centres, tourist scouts, medical aid, and barrier free
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space and environment for the physically challenged/differently-
able will be promoted at all major tourist destinations.
Information, Communication & Technology (ICT)
iv. Initiatives should be encouraged to provide adequate and
reliable information about destinations, accommodations,
itinerary, events, online bookings and other offerings through
various modes such as online web portals, tourism offices,
booklets, flyers, brochures, maps etc.
v. Provision of audio guides, mobile technology, wi-fi at major
tourist destinations should be encouraged. Technology
interventions for social networking and data management shall
be supported by the GoUK.
vi. Apart from promoting a digital marketing and information
collateral, the Government shall support other initiatives for
branding and promotion such as development of information
and interpretation centres at tourist destinations.
Provision shall be made to have a dedicated fund for technology
development under the State Budget awarded for tourism projects.
Safety and Security of Visitors
iv. The ―tourist scouts‖ shall be deployed at key tourist destinations
for keeping a vigil on the gathering thus ensuring safety and
security of visitors.
v. Visitor monitoring and management plan should be developed
for rationalizing the flow of visitors. Registration of tourist and
vehicles arriving in the state from any of the gateways /
entrance should be done to manage overcrowding and traffic
congestion at tourist destinations. The wireless communication
based methods which provide real time information about the
tourist numbers and location at various tourist destinations
should also be studied and feasibility of introducing any of these
shall be looked into.
vi. A Disaster Management Plan, in collaboration with State
Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), should be developed
for major tourism destinations to enhance preparedness for any
eventuality. A dedicated helpline number will be launched
exclusively for the convenience of tourists. In addition, based on
the carrying capacity and tourism regulation studies (including
those undertaken as per UEAP loan covenant requirements)
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measures thereof for visitor numbers through registration (e.g.
bio-metric registration for important pilgrimages) & control of
visitation permitted from one registration control point at a lower
level to the respective destination enroute. This is expected to
facilitate disaster management during any eventuality and
would not unnecessarily invite the visitors at risk beyond the
carrying capacity of a travel route/destination.
4.4 Position Uttarakhand as a Preferred Tourism Destination at State, National
and International Levels
Prioritising activity in key markets (local, domestic and international) and
across market segments is critical to achieve the objectives set out in this
document. The Government shall undertake the following actions to
position Uttarakhand as a preferred tourism destination within the state,
and at national and international levels.
Increase branding, marketing and promotional activities across
different visitor groups.
Create a Calendar of Events to support marketing and promotional
activities.
Develop data/information repositories.
4.4.1 Marketing and Promotional Activities
An integrated marketing approach for the envisaged infrastructure and
asset development investments should be adopted to ensure that relevant
events are communicated to target markets and can be factored into
downstream product development and in-bound tour offerings.
Other promotional activities through conferences, road shows, craft
bazaars, fairs and festivals and other exchange programs will be
undertaken.
4.4.2 Branding
Uttarakhand offers a lot in Nature and Wildlife tourism, while offering
tremendous potential in Adventure tourism/sports. The challenge is to
mesh these different streams and strengths into a cohesive Uttarakhand
brand that promotes tourism.
Likeother successful tourism branding in the country, Uttarakhand needs to
rope in an internationally renowned personality to be its Brand Ambassador
to espouse the various tourism destinations of the State on Television, Radio,
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Print Media, Hoardings and Social Media to create greater awareness of
the availabilities here.
The properties that are valuable assets that could be branded to fruition
are three in number:
i. Brand Destinations (significant cities and towns that shall be the core of
developing tourism destinations and circuits)
ii. Heritage Uttarakhand
iii. Ecotourism.
Each of these has a dimension to offer that is distinctive, unique and
different. While Brand Destinations shall emerge to be a magnet city/town
that has an attraction quotient led by various trans-industry infrastructure
and supporting paraphernalia to tourism products and activities. Heritage
Uttarakhand remains an undersold story in brand names. The richness of
world renowned National Parks, Cultural Heritage Sites and other
destinations in Uttarakhand offers rich branding opportunities. The third
frontier of branding lies with Ecotourism. Ecotourism is slated to emerge as
most of the visitors worldwide prefer recluse, authentic experience and
getaways from their daily urbane routine as well as from the synthetic
environment and way of life they lead.
4.4.3 Calendar of Events
i. A Five-Year calendar of events across Uttarakhand shall be drawn up,
including 4-5 hallmark events that will be organized annually.
ii. Various regional and indigenous tourism products shall be offered as a
part of the Event Calendar to integrate business with leisure tourism.
iii. Major event zone processes shall be simplified on trading hours, liquor
licenses etc. to cater to visitor expectations.
4.4.4 Tourism Industry Profile & State Tourism Database Repository
i. The Department of Tourism shall endeavour to create a ‗Tourism
Industry Profile,‘ to aid in planning and decision-making for both
industry and Government. The profile will be created based on quality
research (quantitative & qualitative assessment) studies.
ii. The Department shall also strive to set up a State Tourism Database
Repository, publish an annual state of the industry report and organise
annual industry outlook conferences.
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4.5 Spatial/Site Planning Approach
For spatial planning at macro-level in the hilly terrain (i.e. the Himalayan
Region) of the Uttarakhand State for the purpose of tourism
development, considering the fact that the Himalayan mountain range
is young with unstable & weak geology and is ecologically sensitive
with availability of land for development being scarce (e.g.
Uttarakhand State is endowed with 64.76% of its area under forests),
capacity-based planning is a must for sustainable development
approach. Also, since this endowment supports rich biodiversity with a
variety of flora and fauna, which in turn attracts thousands of tourists, it
becomes imperative for the State to conserve its rich biodiversity while
at the same time promote ecologically-sustained tourism which not
only aims at providing livelihood for its people but also is based on the
carrying capacity of the tourism destinations.
The carrying capacity studies undertaken for the tourism destinations
prior to any future tourism development9 will facilitate in the following:
o Understanding of traffic capacities and subsequent needs for
strengthening/improvement of transportation infrastructure for
accessibility that provides a comfortable ride, results in travel time
savings and a safe travel in such a difficult terrain;
o As part of making the accessibility safer and to meet the ecological
conservation/protection needs, the requirements for circulation of
traffic/visitor movement flow and parking along with turnover time
studied in integration with the carrying capacity of the land/sites at
each destination with coverage of tourism development/tourism
activities & activity supporting resources–will facilitate the
understanding of regulating the visitor numbers, and subsequently
to plan the visitor regulation mechanism supported by integrated
appropriate technological means and management measures at
each tourism site/destination [refer on carrying capacity
―Guidelines for Ecotourism in and around Protected Areas (Draft)‖
introduced by MoEF dated 02 June 2011 or ―Comprehensive
Guidelines for Tiger Conservation and Tourism‖ as per Notification
dated 15th October 2012, NTCA]; and
o Understanding the spatial extent of planning/development areas
available in conjunction with the population (i.e. the resident
population and the floating population including the regulated
visitor numbers during the peak tourism season), will further facilitate
9 Special attention will be given to the aspect of carrying capacity while preparing tourism development
plans. (Tourism Policy of State of Uttarakhand, UTDB, 2007)
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in appropriate planning for infrastructure requirements
(accommodation* capacity, physical and social infrastructure
including disaster preparedness amenities like multipurpose
halls/shelters, apart from transportation) to be provisioned. [*The mix
would depend on the type of destination branding of or
marketing/promotions efforts for the tourism in the State is
envisaged. For example, there is no use in promoting Uttarakhand
as a high-class destination if the necessary hotels are not available.
At present accommodation on offer is predominantly low to mid-
range with a few luxury hotels as an exception.]
Also, signage, amenities, kiosks, interpretation centres are important
for tourism development. However, it is necessary that these
facilities are not planned without keeping the big picture in mind:
They must be embedded in a wider context and defined by the
Tourism Action Plans and subsequent area projects, with proper
support for their operation & maintenance/management control if
operated on contract. Mistakes such as the construction of
information centres at locations where no tourists pass by and
which cannot be maintained should be avoided. Also,
conveniences centres constructed at several locations for providing
tourism information as well as basic toilet and communication
facilities are reportedly not operational (e.g. Barsu in Uttarkashi
etc.). The reasons for such non-operations may be studied and
appropriately addressed. The Uttarakhand Tourism Development
Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008 already suggests the following:
o A possible method of making use of these buildings for the benefit
of the tourists is to hand them over to the respective village
communities. The educated unemployed women in each of the
villages in which the buildings are located may be organized into
Self Help groups (SHGs) and given training in behavioural skills,
hygiene, guiding, entrepreneurship and use of telephones and
internet. The group can take up the following activities in each of
the centres apart from providing toilet and wash facilities to tourists:
Sale of refreshments
Sale of souvenirs/ handicrafts
Sale of information brochures/maps
Telephone and internet facility
Booking of accommodation
Airline/ railway reservations through internet
Guide services for local sight-seeing.
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The specific activities to be undertaken can be decided on the
basis of the interests, educational background and skills of the
women in the SHG and an assessment of the needs of the tourists
and local community. If all the activities are undertaken ten women
can be employed on a part-time basis. The distribution can be as
follows:
Managing the toilet facility including its regular cleaning and
maintenance in top hygienic condition: 2 persons
Sale of refreshments: 2 persons
Sale of souvenirs, handicrafts, brochures, etc.: 2 persons
Booking of accommodation, transport, etc.: 2 persons
Guide services for local sightseeing: 2 persons.
To support the finalization of carrying capacities, reference is required
to necessary geological investigations (through Geological Survey of
India), and hydrological & river morphological studies (already existing
or if new studies to be conducted) of glacier melting/river flow
pattern/flood data etc. (undertaken by Irrigation Department in
consultation with/assistance of expert bodies and other expert research
institutes of Government of India on Himalayan Region like–Central
Water Commission, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology/G. B. Pant
Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development/Nehru Institute of
Mountaineering etc. or other such institutes of the Uttarakhand State).
For spatial planning at micro-level i.e. site planning for tourism
assets/infrastructure requirements based on the existing inventory of
resources and gap to be addressed based on the need/demand
assessment, the following must be undertaken prior to preparation of
any architectural and engineering designs:
o Topographical surveys (using Total Station Survey equipment) and
the topographical survey map/contour map output should cover
marking–contour lines (surveyed at an interval of maximum 0.30 m
for flat land parcels and maximum 0.50 m for parcels in hill slopes,
and levels identified with reference to a benchmark and
subsequently reduced level i.e. RL with respect to the MSL), physical
features including trees of girth 0.20 m & above, areas under utilities
& their distribution network laid at site, any structures & other built-
up areas, signage, etc. existing on the land parcel to be surveyed;
o Geo-technical/soil investigation studies with report covering the
(i) physical characteristics i.e. soil strata (soil classification with
depth of strata), depth at which bedrock available to provide
stable foundations, any ground water exposure causing humid
conditions for foundations, and CBR value (for pavement
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design) and rate of settlement & bearing capacity (for
foundation design), and
(ii) chemical characteristics/composition of soils that might affect
the choice of construction materials for foundation design;
o Based on the above-surveys and investigations, where necessary,
appropriate soil stabilization measures and climate change impact
mitigation measures required to be incorporated in the site
planning towards soil stabilization needs/retaining wall, breast wall
& toe wall planning needs as felt necessary should be duly
considered, and detailed designs with technical details & drawings,
and cost estimates be prepared as part of the tourism
assets/infrastructure development; and
o Based on the above-surveys and investigations, the site planning
should also explore considerations for the incorporation of
international/national best practices of green infrastructure
concepts to minimize the ecological footprint when preparing plans
& designs for:
(i) water supply & distribution systems with water consumption
reduction measures (like low-flow/aerated-flow faucets and
low-flush cisterns);
(ii) management of storm water drainage (through environment-
friendly designs like bio-swales, bio-retention ponds/trenches,
permeable pavements, green roofs, etc. integrated with rain
water harvesting systems);
(iii) waste water disposal (like artificial wetlands, Package STPs,
and recycling of waste water for flushing & landscaping
purposes for tourism assets premises); and
(iv) solid waste disposal (including concept of ―avoid & rethink–
reduce–reuse–recycle–treatment–disposal,‖ and energy
recovery through bio-digester systems where feasible based on
meeting the suitable temperature conditions).
o For micro-level accessibility to the tourism destinations/sites in
remote locations in the Himalayan Region of the Uttarakhand State,
depending on the need to protect the ecological sensitivity and
serenity of the sites, the balance between providing the approach
access through–bituminous road/concrete pavement & parking
surface or an environment-friendly permeable pavement etc. as
pedestrian pathway & parking needs to be maintained.
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4.6 Site Finalization/Subproject Selection Criteria
For site finalization/subproject selection post-spatial planning, consider
the following international/national best practice for–new projects or
those which require redevelopment/rehabilitation/restoration:
o The selection of sites as attractions/destinations along a priority
tourism circuit must be connected to at least one main gateway
centre that is, in turn, connected either by air, rail, road or water
transportation to one or more domestic or international
transportation hubs. The attractions/destinations should follow
criteria like:
(i) Be located along the identified state tourism circuits as defined
in the State Road Map/Tourism Master Plans (State-level like
Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan 2007 –
2022/Circuit or District-level Tourism Master Plans)and adhere to
the relevant Land-use Plan(s) and Zoning Regulation(s) as
applicable;
(ii) form part of a thematic attraction cluster to be justified by
current and projected segmented tourism patterns and market
demand based on surveys of existing and potential tourism
markets;
(iii) be so located that it contributes towards a emergence of clear
sub-circuits in the State;
(iv) qualifies for at least two of the following categories:
cultural heritage (pilgrimage heritage/tribal heritage/rural
tourism as applicable);
natural heritage with potential for leisure, recreation, and
adventure sports; and
theme parks like ski resorts, hot water sulphur spring/spa
resorts, etc., amusement parks, leisure resorts with/without
ropeway feature, etc.
(v) have the potential to draw a large number of tourists to the
tourist destinations;
(vi) contribute to offering a diverse set of tourist destination activities
that complement the tourist destination theme, build market
appeal, and increase each tourist‘s length of stay and
expenditure (with the exception of mass pilgrimage
destinations, wherein the need to regulate flow of visitors would
be applicable in the context of existence of such destinations in
remote location/accessible through treacherous terrain in the
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Himalayan Region of Uttarakhand State, such need more so
imperative post-disaster of June 2013); and
(vii) be able to contribute to the growth of the tourism value chain
and provide forward market linkages and benefits for
surrounding local communities.
Also, as specified in the ―Revised Guidelines of Scheme for
Product/Infrastructure Development for Destinations and Circuits‖
issued by Ministry of Tourism, GoI, after tourist sites/destinations are
carefully selected based on its tourism potential, the focus shall be
on the integrated infrastructure development of the tourist sites. The
aim will be to provide all infrastructure facilities required by the
tourists within such destinations and circuits. Master Planning of
these destinations and circuits will have to be undertaken so as to
develop them in an integrated/holistic manner. The aim would be
convergence of resources and expertise through coordinated
action with State Governments/UTs and Private Sectors. Tourist
Destinations and Circuits in each State would be identified in
consultation with the State Governments and would be taken up
for development. This would include activities ranging from
preparation of a master plan to implementation of the master plan.
Projects to be taken up under this scheme should follow an
integrated, project-wise, area development approach.
Comprehensive DPRs should be prepared for each project after
consultations with all the stakeholders.
The Scheme prescribes the following activities under the State/UT‘s
and Central component:
a) Activities/items under State/UT component: The State/UT
Governments will be fully responsible for the following
components of the project:
(i) Making the land available for development.
(ii) Implementation of rehabilitation package, where shifting
of dwellings or commercial units is required. However, the
Government of India would provide assistance for
construction of Tourist Reception Centres including
shopping complexes to house the displaced shops.
(iii) Operation, maintenance and management of the assets
created.
(iv) External infrastructure like Water Supply, Electricity and
Roads [not covered under para b) (iv) below].
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b) Activities/items under Central component: The assistance under
this Scheme will be focussed on development of public goods
instead of private goods. There should also be convergence
with other programmes of Government and duplication should
be avoided. The following works may be taken up under the
Scheme under the Central component:
(i) Improvement of the surroundings of the destination. This
would include activities like landscaping, development of
parks, fencing, compound wall etc.
(ii) Illumination of the Tourist destination and the area around,
and SEL Shows etc.
(iii) Providing for improvement in solid waste management and
sewerage management, Public Conveniences, etc.
(iv) Improvement of road connectivity leading to the tourist
sites, especially from the National Highways/State highways
and other entry points.
(v) Construction of Wayside Public Conveniences.
(vi) Construction of Budget Accommodation, Restaurant &
Wayside Amenities including one-time assistance for its air-
conditioning and furnishings. This component will be
supported only in selected places of Jammu & Kashmir and
all North Eastern States, and Eco-tourism projects where
private sector investment is not forthcoming or not possible.
(vii) Procurement of equipments directly related to tourism, like
Water Sports, Adventure Sports, Eco-friendly modes of
transport for moving within the Tourism Zone and
equipments for cleaning of the tourist destination will be
eligible for 25% grant.
(viii) Construction of public buildings which are required to be
demolished because of implementation of the Master Plan.
o The selection of tourist gateway centres for inclusion in subprojects
must be based on the following eligibility criteria:
(i) must connect the destination and attractions as a domestic or
international transportation hub that is either located in the
State or in an adjoining State within adequate distance to
ensure access and connectivity within a reasonable access
time; and
(ii) must contain significant concentrations of tourist
accommodation, restaurants, travel operations services with
room for expansion to support a increasing flow of tourists, and
tourist support services such as tourist information centres
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including tourism flow control centres especially for mass
pilgrimage destinations (like for registration & issuing visitor token
no., pilgrimage information update and accordingly as required
visitor number regulation by temporary diversion to other tourism
destinations nearby thus enhancing the coverage of other
tourism destinations as well and supporting their sustainability
needs).
o The selection of local communities for participation in the
subproject(s) must be based upon the following criteria:
(i) preferably comprise clusters of villages within or adjacent to, a
tourist attraction site;
(ii) must be accessible through an existing road including that
which has the potential to enhance access to other tourist
attraction(s), and gateway centre(s), through minimum
upgrading;
(iii) There is strong support and commitment from key stakeholders
(e.g., local community members, ULB/Panchayat, SHG, tourism
and related concerned agencies, private sector tour operators
and carriers, and development partners and NGOs); and
(iv) Cost recovery mechanisms for recurrent operating costs are in
place or there is a clear willingness to put them in place.
o There is a strong interest among the domestic and international
markets in community-based tourism (CBT) experiences and flow of
CBT through rural tourism/eco-tourism already exists, which could
be enhanced with modest interventions, resulting in substantial
additional economic activities. CBT development will, therefore,
create significant flow of benefits to primary and secondary
beneficiaries, which can contribute to significant poverty reduction,
a more sustainable environment, and enhanced protection of the
value of tourist attractions. Local community participation in the
tourism value chain may include CBT activities, such as
establishment of Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs)/Home Stays, as well as
direct or indirect participation in the broader tourism value chain,
such as employment in a hotel outside the village, and production
and sale of food and handicraft to tourism enterprises, guides &
interpretation activities, etc.
Similar perspective is observed in the ―Revised Guidelines of
Scheme for Product/Infrastructure Development for Destinations
and Circuits‖ issued by Ministry of Tourism, GoI, that ―… the stresses
of urban lifestyles have led to a "counter-urbanization" syndrome.
This has led to growing interest in the rural areas. At the same time
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this trend of urbanization has led to falling income levels, lesser job
opportunities in the rural areas leading to desertion of villages. Rural
Tourism is one of the few activities which can provide a solution to
these problems. Besides, there are other factors which are shifting
the trend towards rural tourism like increasing levels of awareness,
growing interest in heritage and culture and improved accessibility,
and environmental consciousness. In the developed countries, this
has resulted in a new style of tourism of visiting village settings to
experience and live a relaxed and healthy lifestyle. This concept
has taken the shape of a Rural Tourism Product. Under this Scheme,
thrust will be to promote village tourism as the primary tourism
product to spread tourism and its socio-economic benefits to rural
and new geographic regions. Key geographic regions would be
identified for development and promotion of Rural Tourism. The
implementation would be done through a Convergence
Committee headed by the District Collector. Activities like
improving the environment, hygiene, infrastructure etc. would be
eligible for assistance. Apart from providing financial assistance the
focus would be to tap the resources available under different
schemes of Ministry of Rural Development, State Govts and other
Ministries/Departments of the Govt. of India.‖ This Scheme also
provides a Definition of Rural Tourism as ―Any form of tourism that
showcases the rural life, art, culture and heritage at rural locations,
thereby benefiting the local community economically and socially
as well as enabling interaction between the tourists and the locals
for a more enriching tourism experience can be termed as rural
tourism. Rural tourism is essentially an activity which takes place in
the countryside. It is multi-faceted and may entail farm/agricultural
tourism, cultural tourism, nature tourism, adventure tourism, and
ecotourism. As against conventional tourism, rural tourism has
certain typical characteristics like: it is experience-oriented, the
locations are sparsely populated, it is predominantly in natural
environment, it meshes with seasonality and local events, and is
based on preservation of culture, heritage and traditions.‖ Also, with
regards to Permissible Activities under Rural Tourism, the said
Scheme prescribes the following:
(i) Improvement of the surroundings of the village. This would
include activities like landscaping, development of parks,
fencing, compound wall etc.
(ii) Improvements to roads within the Panchayat limits. This shall
not include any major road which connects the village.
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(iii) Illumination in the village.
(iv) Providing for improvement in solid waste management and
sewerage management.
(v) Construction of Wayside Amenities.
(vi) Procurement of equipments directly related to tourism, like
Water Sports, Adventure Sports, Eco-friendly modes of transport
for moving within the tourism zone.
(vii) Refurbishment of the Monuments.
(viii) Signage.
(ix) Reception Centres.
(x) Other work/activities directly related to tourism.
(xi) Tourist Accommodation.
The Scheme also prescribes that ―The sustainable maintenance
plan for the assets to be created must be built into the project
proposal for this purpose.‖
Also, earlier as per ―Introduction of Paying Guest Scheme for
Development of Tourism in the State‖ issued by Tourism Department,
the then State of Uttar Pradesh vide No. 2187/41-94-41/86 dated 08
August 1994, after the directions of Government of India, had
identified several locations for introducing Paying Guest Scheme.
The tourism-strength areas identified in the hill region that are now
part of Uttarakhand were: adventure sports areas, and Pithoragarh
& other tourist areas-Ranikhet, Kaudiyala, Auli, Chamba, etc.; and
Traditional Hill Yatra Trek Routes, including Gangotri, Yamunotri,
Badrinath, and Kedarnath. The scheme was kept non-commercial.
The scheme would provide the tourists at appropriate rates with a
good-opportunity to stay and be aware of/interact with hill culture,
with the families of hill areas in the Uttar Pradesh State. The purpose
of the Scheme at tourist destinations in the identified tourism-
strength areas of the Uttar Pradesh State is to increase the
necessary accommodation facilities for tourists, as well as to
provide such building owners those who have extra rooms available
for stay of tourists, an additional source of income. This will enhance
self-employment. The implementation of this Scheme would also
provide an opportunity in existing tourist destinations that presently
do not have any type of accommodation facilities, to provide stay
facilities to domestic/foreign tourists. This would create other
direct/indirect employment as well.
The existing 36 Nos. of Home Stays (created under ULIPH Program,
under UGVS, RDD with the assistance of IFAD grants–1 No. in Almora
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district, 5 Nos. in Bageshwar district, 17 Nos. in Chamoli district, 11
Nos. in Tehri Garhwal district, and 2 Nos. in Uttarkashi district) are
presently not registered under any regulation. The Uttarakhand
Home Stay Rules 2015 have been notified by UTDB and therefore
these existing Home Stays should be integrated with these
registration requirements. So, would be the other Home Stay(s) in
operation at Village Bhakrakot in Almora district and 10 Home Stays
at Agora Village in Uttarkashi district [―Experience village life:
Community-based Tourism (CBT)‖ issued by Ecotourism Division,
under Ecotourism Menu on Forest Department‘s website].
o The subproject shall be technically sound, meeting design
standards of the Government of India or other equivalent technical
authorities, and a conceptual/preliminary design should be
prepared prior to finalization of subproject by the State
Government departments.
o The subproject should be designed and executed as seismic
resistant structure in accordance with relevant national standards,
as applicable.
o The subproject shall be cost-effective at the same time
environment-friendly in nature based on a review of technical
options available to address the identified problems/climate-
resilient intervention needs.
o The subproject should be avoided in core zones of national parks,
wildlife sanctuaries and biospheres and the critical habitats. If
unavoidable, such subprojects should be strictly confined to minor
rehabilitation of existing infrastructure.
o The design and construction standards shall be raised to
appropriate level. The revised high flood levels of the rivers or the
natural streams or drainage channels shall be considered, while
designing facilities, as applicable. Geo-technical studies shall be
undertaken and slope stabilization measures considered for slide
zones, wherever applicable.
o The subproject shall be in compliance with all applicable local rules
and regulations. All required central and state government
approvals/clearances will be in place including those from state
disaster management authority/high powered committee.
Additionally, necessary statutory clearances should be in place
before contract award/commencement of works.
o An economic analysis of projects should be undertaken addressing
particular the following aspects:
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(i) the analysis should ensure that there is sufficient demand for the
critical public and social infrastructure;
(ii) the analysis is undertaken for the various alternatives; and
(iii) the subproject demonstrates an EIRR of at least 12%, is not overly
sensitive to changes in key cost and benefit parameters and will
likely be sustainable with due provision for O&M, or the chosen
technical option is the least cost option for providing the
particular service. If there is a justification that the economic
benefits cannot be entirely quantified, the economic rate of
return of 10% instead of 12% can be acceptable.
o The subproject selection criteria should ensure that safeguards
impacts (both environmental and social) will be avoided or
minimized. The subproject shall adopt the following systems &
procedures:
(i) As per the applicable environment categories notified in the
MoEF, GoI issued EIA Notification dated 14 September 2006, and
its Amendment SO 3067E dated 01 December 2009, the
safeguards assessments like Rapid Environment Assessment
(REA) at the time of subproject selection/Initial Environmental
Examination (IEE) or Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as
applicable including an Environmental Management and
Monitoring Plan (EMMP) prior to any project execution shall be
duly undertaken, and be included as part of bid & contract
documents for effective implementation of such safeguard
requirements.
(ii) The subproject will, to the extent possible, not require land
acquisition or involuntary resettlement (including the
displacement of squatters or encroachers from the rights of way.
Involuntary Resettlement (IR) Impact and Indigenous Peoples (IP)
Impact Categorization & Checklist screening (a best practice of
ADB) may be adopted from social safeguards perspective when
finalising the site/subproject. The IR and IPs impacts due to these
subprojects should be verified by the Social/Resettlement Expert
of the State (e.g. under SDMA etc.). In case of any such impact
duly filled-in checklists (IR and/or IPs) should be submitted to State
(e.g. under SDMA etc.) for any re-categorization. If land
acquisition or involuntary resettlement is required for a
subproject, a Resettlement Plan (RP) shall be prepared in
accordance with applicable laws and regulations of the
National and State Government. Similarly. if any indigenous
peoples/scheduled tribes are likely to be affected significantly by
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a subproject, an Indigenous Peoples Plan (IPP) shall be prepared
in accordance with applicable laws and regulations of the
National and State Government. The RP and IPP then shall be
submitted for State‘s approval (e.g. under SDMA etc.) prior to
awarding contract for the civil works for project execution.
Also, the concerned Department will translate the resettlement
plan in the local language and disclose it to the affected people
and incorporate the results of the consultation, before State‘s
approval. The final RP will also be disclosed on the State
Government‘s website and the website of the concerned
Department.
Advisory Note: In addition to compliance with applicable laws
and regulations of the National and State Government, for any
current/future subprojects under the funding assistance of Multi-
lateral Funding Institutions (MFI) like The World Bank, ADB, etc.,
the respective MFI‘s latest applicable safeguards policy
statement/guidelines will have to be adopted for compliance of
above-mentioned safeguard documents, and approvals on
these documents will have to be taken from such MFIs.
4.7 Technical Criteria for Development of Sites/Subprojects
General
o General technical requirements that must be followed in selecting,
undertaking and developing the sites/subprojects for tourism
infrastructure are set out below:
(viii) Proposed works under the subprojects shall conform to each of
the safeguard frameworks (i.e. both environment and social);
(ix) Proposed works should give preference to the use of local
materials and labour;
(x) Building/streetscape/community market‘s designs, materials
and scale must be compatible to the local vernacular
architecture, and physical and cultural heritage landscape;
(xi) Proposed works should result in significant improvements to the
quality of the site environment and enable it to host tourists in a
safe, healthy/comfortable, and secure manner;
(xii) Design of environmental infrastructure and last-mile road
connectivity should comply to nationally-accepted
benchmarks and standards including the international best
practice of ―complete streets‖ concept which adopt green
infrastructure principles, have proper road-side drainage &
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cross-drainage works and are protected with crash barriers (as
per actual requirements for the whole alignment), are inclusive
in nature for pedestrian use with appropriate spaces & surface
markings, are barrier-free built-environment compliant, and
have signage (regulatory, warning, directional, and information-
related) etc. and practice should be made preferably
complete the road in all respects prior to the road being
opened for public use (especially–presence of temporary
warning signage when partially under maintenance shall be
ensured; and immediately after any clearing of road
blocks/repair work is over, all the affected signage must be
restored at the earliest);
(xiii) Environmental infrastructure including water supply, drainage
and flood control, sanitation, and solid waste management
shall be provided where existing provisions are assessed to be
insufficient for both community and projected tourism use, and
should explore the options of adopting green infrastructure
practices; and
(xiv) Responsible organization exists or can be established to
maintain and operate the tourism assets/tourism infrastructure to
be created.
Utilities/Infrastructure Services
o The type of environmental-friendly utilities/infrastructure services
eligible at tourist attractions/destinations, gateway centres and CBT
village sites, and on main access roads between these (where
wayside facilities are proposed) include: water supply, sanitation,
solid waste management, drainage and flood control, and use of
renewable energy applications. Description of each type of
infrastructure and services, and the guidelines that should be
followed in selecting, undertaking and operating these subprojects
are set out below:
(i) Water Supply works will generally involve provision, upgrade,
rehabilitation and expansion of existing water sources, storage
facilities, pumping facilities, treatment systems, reticulation pipes
and metering, or the provision of new water supply systems. The
proposed works must not result in excessive abstraction of
ground water impairing ground water quality. The water supply
& distribution systems should incorporate water consumption
reduction measures (like low-flow/aerated-flow faucets and
low-flush cisterns), and be integrated with rain-water harvesting
system. Also, if any separate water supply subproject is
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undertaken, the subproject should ensure availability of potable
water as per service level standards to the beneficiaries, with
medium-term planning horizon in any post-disaster case, and
long-term planning horizon in case of regular upgradation
cycle;
(ii) Drainage and flood control works and improvements will
include upgrading and maintenance of existing drainage,
provision and maintenance of solid waste traps, and primary
treatment of grey water where required, prior to release into
streams and rivers. The proposed works must cater to a
watershed or drainage zones and not individual drains, ensure
effective drainage of the tourist attraction and avoid any
impacts associated with flooding in downstream areas, or areas
not covered. Also, explore best practices for management of
storm water drainage through environment-friendly designs like
bio-swales, bio-retention ponds/trenches, permeable
pavements, green roofs, etc. including provision of rain water
harvesting systems.
(iii) Sanitation facilities and waste water management works
comprise provision, upgrade and expansion of public toilets,
septic tanks, septage de-sludging and disposal facilities, waste
water disposal and treatment systems or package sewage
treatment plants (in the case of large tourist attractions or
destinations). The proposed works must not result in pollution of
surface and ground water or cause overflows to and flooding of
surroundings, especially the tourist attraction. Also, best
practices like artificial wetlands may be explored, and recycling
of waste water for flushing & landscaping purposes for tourism
assets premises may be undertaken; and
(iv) Solid waste management will include waster segregation at
source, waste collection, sorting and treatment, recycling and
sanitary disposal as well as awareness programs and initiatives
designed to reduce waste at source and engage local
communities in livelihood based on waste recycling. The
proposed works must not result in nuisance due to noise, odour,
and influx of insects, rodents, etc., degradation of aesthetics in
the vicinity of the tourist attraction or impair downstream water
quality from release of leachate. Best practices like, energy
recovery through bio-digester systems where feasible based on
meeting the suitable temperature conditions should be
explored.
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Tourist Support Infrastructure and Services
o Tourist support infrastructure and services are a key element in
ensuring that tourists are able to fully appreciate and enjoy tourist
destinations and attractions in a safe, convenient/comfortable and
healthy manner, thus helping to increase the attractiveness of the
tourist destinations, and thus length of stay and expenditure by the
tourists. Such infrastructure and services include: visitor information
and interpretation facilities; public toilets; signage, lighting and
landscaping; community markets; and CBT facilities and services at
tourist attractions/ destinations and gateway centres. Description of
each type of infrastructure and services, and the guidelines that
must be followed in selecting, undertaking and operating these
subprojects are set out below:
(i) Visitor information and interpretation facilities can range from
small-scale facilities like kiosks and booths located in public
transportation facilities such as airports/railway stations/bust
terminals, to information bays along roads connecting tourist
attractions, and tourist information rooms in mixed-use buildings,
medium-scale full-fledged stand-alone information and
interpretation centres (best practice of Visitor Center* concept)
located in gateway centres and at tourist attractions. Any larger
centres must be close to a public transportation facility, such as
airport, railway station and bus terminal linking multiple modes
of transportation, with adequate parking facility;
[* As per Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan,
UNWTO, 2008 with regards to visitor centres it is mentioned that
―The Central Department of Tourism has developed the design
of a generic visitor centre model. The core area of the model is
about 100 sqm consisting of a hall of about 70 sqm with a
waiting area, refreshment centre, reception, and touch screen
display area; a caretaker‘s room and toilets. In addition, there is
a passage of 2 m wide around the core area with pillars all
around. The total area of the passage is about 96 sqm. The total
area of the visitor centre thus comes to196 sqm. the model will
work only if adequate revenue earning activities are integrated
with the centre so as to make it self-sustaining.
Visitor centres at the lowest level take the shape of a
computerized kiosk, placed in a traffic node or waiting hall for
providing information about tourist facilities available at
different tourist centres in the state. At the next higher level, a
visitor centre can take the shape of a way side amenity with
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facilities for refreshments, information, purchase of souvenirs,
toilets, etc. At a still higher level, in major city centres and tourist
places visited by a large number of tourists, a visitor centre can
take the shape of a full complex covering various activities like
restaurants, museums, interpretation centres, souvenir shops,
booking counters for tourist facilities, bus/car parking, toilets etc.
The revenue earning activities to be included in each centre
will, however, depend on the specific characteristics of the area
and the aptitude of the persons managing the centres.]
(ii) Public toilets may range from simple pit latrines/waterless urinals
(assembled in pre-fabricated FRP booths) situated in remote
trekking areas to large stand-alone toilet blocks designed to
service the needs of a large number of tourists in gateway
centres, at wayside facilities, and at tourist attractions, and shall
be located in areas where most tourists transit. Public toilets must
not be located near water intakes or other water usage points,
or areas prone to flooding or water logging or on steep slopes.
Public toilets must be provided along with appropriate human
waste treatment arrangements, including connection to septic
tanks or sewage treatment systems as appropriate, to avoid
release of untreated sewage to the surroundings, especially the
tourist attraction, and pollution of ground water. The functional
design of public toilets and quality of fixtures/fittings should
ensure proper operation, low-maintenance requirements, and
hygiene. Like other tourism assets/infrastructure, the built-
environment of public toilets should also adopt vernacular
architecture and aesthetics;
(iii) Street Signage, lighting and landscaping are a key element in
ensuring that the environments of tourist attractions, destinations
and gateway centres are attractive, easy to navigate, safe and
secure. Their locations must be based upon a tourist circulation
development and management plan. The lighting can be
explored through use of renewable energy sources like solar
energy or through energy recovery integration if a bio-digester
system meeting suitable temperature conditions is used;
(iv) Community market is a key element in improving the linkage
between local communities and tourism, especially where
communities are unable to undertake CBT activities due to lack
of tourist attractions. Community markets are created in tourist
destinations and gateway centres so that locally-produced
handicraft and food can be sold there. The locations of these
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markets must be adjacent to and/or within walking distance
from tourist information and interpretation centre in tourist
attraction, destination or gateway centre; and
(v) CBT facilities and services provide key opportunities to promote
CBT activities at the selected CBT sites in tourist destinations and
may include parking at trail heads, trails for trekking, campsites
and tourist rest houses, as well as equipment for adventure
activities such as boating, rafting, trekking, fishing and other
adventure sports, and participation in services like guides,
interpretation services, etc. The types of CBT facilities and
services to be provided must have a strong market support and
shall be based upon a CBT tourism development and
management plan prepared in close consultation with the local
community. Engagement of private sector partners who can
provide technical operational support and marketing inputs is
encouraged.
Tourist Destination Connectivity Infrastructure
o Connectivity is a key element in effectively linking tourist attraction
site(s) within a tourist destination and linking tourist destinations and
gateway centre(s) along a tourism circuit/sub-circuit. Eligible
infrastructure and services include helipad/heliports/helidromes
(which also provide capacity development for disaster
preparedness when integrated with multi-purpose halls/shelters for
facilitating any disaster-based/emergency evacuation, rescue and
relief services), last-mile connectivity improvements (by
roads/pedestrian paths), wayside facilities, and traffic management
infrastructure (circulation and parking). Description of each type of
infrastructure and services, and the guidelines that must be
followed in selecting, undertaking and operating these subprojects
are set out below:
(v) Helipads/heliports provide the opportunity to bring tourists to
more remote locations as well as provide emergency medical
evacuation services to enhance tourists‘ safety and security.
Post-disaster of June 2013, helidromes may be developed near
selective large tourism destination/urban centers as felt
necessary for disaster preparedness coverage needs, and those
already existing may be upgraded as felt required. The site shall
be finalized based on required land area availability,
obstruction analysis report for FATO alignment, and safeguard
screening (both environment and social) completed. Land
required for helipad/heliport/helidrome development, and
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passenger and freight services should be made available by the
State. Willingness to operate regular services between the site
and main gateway centre(s) must be confirmed and
guaranteed with one or more private helicopter service
operators. These facilities should be developed as per
applicable norms & standards/regulations viz. DGCA CAR, ICAO
Heliport Manual, etc. Also, associated facilities with each
helipad/heliport/helidrome category as applicable like apron,
helicopter parking, taxiway, any hangar/terminal building,
approach road access & vehicle parking, surface markings,
fencing, and equipments like–windsock/lighting & any
navigational aid/fire-fighting and rescue & relief mechanism,
etc., should be provided; and an integrated amenity of
multipurpose hall/shelter within 500 m distance (as per land
availability) should also be thought off to strengthen disaster
preparedness capacity;
(vi) Last-Mile Connectivity Improvements include improvements to
last-mile road access to tourist attraction sites and provision of
road signage. Road upgrading must follow existing alignments
as far as practicable and must not lead to alteration of surface
water hydrology of rivers/streams/waterways. Where required to
protect the ecological sensitivity and to maintain the serenity of
the tourism site, last-mile connectivity may also be explored
through the provision of environment-friendly constructed
pedestrian pathways/trails;
(vii) Wayside facilities/amenities are essential where travel distance
between tourist gateway centre and destination, or between
two tourist destinations, is significant. Wayside facilities include
off and on-highway ramps, parking for cars and buses, public
toilets and restrooms with lockers, refreshment centre offering
food and beverage, information, fuel and vehicle
maintenance, etc. The location of wayside facilities must be
determined by the length of vehicle travel times between tourist
gateway centre and destination, or between two tourist
destinations (typically one for a vehicle travel interval of
between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours) as well as by ―through
traffic‖ requirements, if any, based on traffic flow studies. Land
required for the wayside facilities should be made available by
the State (if land transfer is required between two state
departments, the same should be done in a well-coordinated
and timely manner to achieve the purpose of tourism
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asset/infrastructure creation in time). In principle, wayside
facilities should be operated on a PPP basis by the private
sector; and
(viii) Traffic management and transportation infrastructure,
especially circulation and parking, is essential for ensuring
attractive environment and quality experience for visiting
tourists. As a long-term measure integrated traffic management
plan and/or comprehensive mobility plan (CMP) should be
prepared for tourist attractions/destinations and gateway
centres to provide a framework for investments in traffic
management infrastructure. Traffic management infrastructure
such as multi-storey parking, which is well suited for PPP or
private sector investment, should be encouraged. Such parking
structure may also be integrated with one tourism information
kiosk/booth, one small cafeteria, and where felt required one
PCO booth as well (as access to all mobile networks may not be
available at all sites, especially in the upper reaches of the
Himalayan Region in Uttarakhand State).
Thus, it can be summarised that generally tourism cannot be promoted
without basic infrastructure especially, transportation and water supply.
Whilst, transport is key for travel, water supply is generally most essential for
any tourist service facilities. Accommodation establishments and
restaurants cannot exist without water. Other utilities and services are
important not only for visitors, but also for tourism service industries. Future
tourism development should be coordinated with existing infrastructure
capacities, and future infrastructure development plans. Types of tourism
development largely depend on the service level of these infrastructures.
4.8 Infrastructure Design Norms & Standards
4.8.1 Technical Standards and Regulations
Except where otherwise specified, materials and workmanship shall comply
with the requirements of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD)
Specifications, relevant Indian Standards (hereinafter referred to as IS)
issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), safety manuals and National
Building Code (NBC). Also, GRIHA, an acronym for Green Rating for
Integrated Habitat Assessment, is the national rating system for green
building in India [GRIHA has been conceived by TERI and developed jointly
with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India. It is
a green building 'design evaluation system', and is suitable for all kinds of
buildings in different climatic zones of the country].
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In the absence of any IS or specifications, equivalent International
Standard Specifications such as those issued by the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO) or British Standards (BS) or the
International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) or American Society for
Testing and materials (ASTM) or American National Standards Institute
(ANSI) or Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) any other international
standard, specifications or Manual may be followed or proposed by the
developer at the sole discretion of the Executing Authority or as may have
been agreed in the Contract.
All standards and specifications, whether national or international, applied
and used shall be with latest amendments / correction slips. In the event of
conflict between any of these Specifications and the Codes referred, such
specifications shall be defined, prepared by the Developer and submitted
to the Executing/Implementing Authority for approval. The decision of
Executing/Implementing Authority in such case shall be final and binding
on the Developer.
In referring to the Standards, Specifications, Manuals, Guidelines, etc. the
following abbreviations are used but not limited to these only:
ANSI : American National Standards Institute
APA : American Planning Association
AWS : American Welding Society
AGMA : American Gear Manufacturer’s Association
AS : Australian Standards
ASME : American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASTM : American Society of Testing and Materials
AWWA : American Water Works Association
BIS : Bureau of Indian Standards
BS : British Standard
CEN : Comité Européen de Normalisation or European Committee for Standardization
CPHEEO : Central Public Health Environmental and Engineering Organization.
CPWD : Central Public works Department
DIN : Deutsches Institute fur Normung
EN : European Standards
GRIHA : Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment
ICOMOS : International Council on Monuments and Sites
IEC : International Electrotechnical Commission
IEE : Institution of Electrical Engineers
IEEE : Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
ISO : International Organisation for Standardisation
IP Ratings/IP code : Ingress Protection Ratings
IRC : Indian Road Congress
IS : Indian Standard
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JIS : Japanese Industrial Standards
MORTH : Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways
NBC : National Building Code
NEMA : National Electrical Manufacturers Association
NZS : New Zealand Standards
All materials, plant and equipment shall be new and all materials and
workmanship not fully specified herein or covered by an approved
standard shall be of such kind as is used in first class work and suitable to
the environment and climate in the project area. All details, materials and
equipment supplied and workmanship performed shall comply with these
Standards.
4.8.2Design Guidelines - Recommendations
Based on an unpublished document prepared by ADB TA as Consultant to
an earlier project viz. ―Implementation Guidelines‖ as Part of DPR for
Conservation and Revitalization of Rambagh Garden (2007-08), Amritsar,
Punjab, which integrates the aspects of visitor infrastructure & new
developments, and building use & space usage, certain design guidelines
related recommendations/suggestions are given below:
Design Objectives
o New Constructions
Control the type and character of development
Maintain hierarchy of space and usage sensitive to the heritage
environment
Contain the cultural spirit & historical aspects
Determine building guidelines (F.A.R., F.S.I., height regulations,
ground coverage, setbacks) sensitive to the historical character
of the place
Ensure quality visitor experience
o Visitor Amenities
To improve site environment conditions
To discourage public nuisance
o Visitor Facilities
To facilitate the by-functional activities of information, rest &
recreation etc.
To create a complete experience of visit
To create secondary activity support to the proposed facilities
o Parking and Access
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The following design guidelines are intended as a reference to assist
the designer in understanding the project goals and objectives for
parking and loading design. These guidelines complement the
mandatory parking and loading regulations contained in the legal
provision by the local government. The design guidelines are
generally recommended and may be interpreted with some
flexibility in their application to specific projects. The specific
objectives are as follows:
to facilitate visitors on parking their vehicles and taking
pedestrian routes
to limit traffic to the edges of the historic site
to establish an overall movement structure within the site
to establish physical linkages with the significant parts of the site.
o Site Interpretation and Visitor Experience
The principal objective of site interpretation is to communicate the
significance of the site in clarity to the visitor and to enhance the
visitor experience in terms of comprehensive understanding of the
site, security within the site, take-back memory qualities, quality of
oral propagation, and identity of the site and clarity of actions. The
specific objectives are as follows:
to facilitate visitors to interpret the site easily
to integrate the fragmented components in the site
to provide clarity of services and location
to facilitate organized movements within the site
to harmonize and retain the basic character of the site
to minimize visual hazards to the visitors
to determine and establish the structure and purpose of visits to
the site
to design visitor-friendly environment
to provide readily accessible communicative information
to control the other factors like commodification issues,
branding issues, etc.
o Nature/Type of Use
To adhere to the broader objectives of the zoning plan which
delineates the kind of supporting activities
To enhance the existing use character of the place
To control commodification and commercialization
o Ownership/Occupancy/Tenancy
To see that the activity contributes to the larger social good
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To control market speculation and provide equal opportunity
To adhere to the basic principles of site management and
control
o Sustainaibility
To overview that the quality condition of the site does not
deteriorate
To verify the long term investment
o Carrying Capacity
To restrict overburdened activities within the site
To ensure the safety of the visitors and minimize risks in disasters
To minimize wear and tear of the existing site fabric
o Landscaping and Open Spaces
To integrate the fragments of the built-environment to the visitor
experience
To enhance the foreground, background and viewing corridor
within the site
Design Principles
o New Constructions
The principle that must be followed while undertaking design of
any new building/feature in context of a historic setting would
be: to respect the past and embrace the present without
creating a false sense of history.
The setting and significant views of historic places must not be
compromised or obstructed by any new development or
construction.
Any new construction must not undermine the character of the
development/heritage zone.
Proposals for new development in the buffer zone of heritage
areas must respect the context of the historic place in
mass/volume, size, scale, form, materials, quality, grain, typology
and general character.
A new building in a historic area should be in harmony with, or
complementary to, adjacent historic buildings in terms of
pattern, rhythm, detail, style, scale, continuity and composition.
This does not indicate that new building designs should merely
imitate the features of historic buildings.
All new construction should conform to the prerequisite of
verification of archaeological remains prior to execution.
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It is recommended that traditional building materials be used in
the construction of the new buildings.
Any new construction should not create problems of traffic,
parking, noise or environmental degradation in the historic area.
o Visitor Amenities
Visitor amenities should be planned at convenient intervals from
each-other and from the built resources.
The amenities should be planned keeping in mind the
anticipated number of visitor to the proposed functions.
The amenities should be appropriately located near access
points (such as parking lots, etc.).
The size of the structures for amenities should not be
overpowering.
The proposed amenities must be easily serviceable and should
follow the standards of operation.
o Visitor Facilities
The design and location of facilities must respect the cultural
value and aesthetics of the historic places.
Improving the overall visitor experience.
o Parking and Access
A well designed parking facility depends on a variety of
desirable elements, including:
Ease and convenience to all parkers;
The best utilization of available space;
Ease of access;
Good internal circulation;
Easy parking manoeuvres;
Public transit;
Safety; and
Aesthetics.
Vehicular access and approach roads must be supported with
sufficient parking areas that do not hinder views or interfere with
significant spaces of the historic places.
Spaces that have been demarcated for proposed public uses in
the historic places must be accessible to the general public at
designated timings.
The planning must cater to easy movement of the visitors to the
various cultural edifices of the places.
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Universal access to handicapped persons, children and older
citizens.
o Site Interpretation and Visitor Experience
Aesthetically harmonized information points must be provided
within the historic places to facilitate a visitor-friendly
environment and to link the individual site to the other historic
places and the entire circuit. The interpretative material about
the place must not impact the features of significant value in
the historic place.
Respond to the cultural calendar and events linked to the site
and disseminate this information to the visitors.
The visual interpretation of the site should be responsive to the
chronology and itinerary of the visitor plans.
Site interpretation components should be compatible with the
character and architecture of the individual building as well as,
to the extent appropriate, with other historical edifices in the
place. This principle is particularly important for historic buildings
and places. The addition or replacement of visual interpretation
for buildings not having notably historic or architectural features
should still be carefully considered and be seen as an
opportunity to significantly enhance the appearance of the
buildings and their visualscapes.
To design a visitor environment, it is mandatory that the briefs of
design should necessarily attend to the upfront needs and
should not conflict to the visitor mandates.
Site Signage Guidelines
The manual prepared by UTDB regarding signage types, suitable
locations for their installation, etc shall be followed and other
departments are also encouraged to adopt the same.
The types of permissible signage within the zone are:
Historical Description Interpretive Signage: A sign
permanently attached to the ground on its own supportive
structure independent of any building or backing support.
This should describe the historical narrative of the significant
building or structure supported by plans, pictures, text on
history, event & personalities, narrative & notional linkages,
artwork conveying significance, project logo & title, tourist
circuit information, etc. This signage should be located near
the important building or site. The signage should
accommodate the logo & title of the public agencies and
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sponsor logo & title of private entrepreneurs (if any selected
for maintenance). The signage should be in bi-lingual script
(Roman and Devanagri).
Integrated Site Facility Interpretive Signage: A sign
permanently attached to the ground on its own supportive
structure independent of any building or backing support.
This should describe the location of the visitor in the plan of
the entire site, highlight important places, locate visitor
services & amenities, features and facilities and businesses
and indicate the project title and logo. This signage should
be located near the important nodal points, entrance and
vantage points within the site. The signage should only
locate the public services and should not indicate any
private facilities. The signage should accommodate the
logo & title of the public agencies and sponsor logo & title of
private entrepreneurs (if any selected for maintenance). The
signage should be in bi-lingual script (Roman and
Devanagri).
Visitor Directional Signage: A sign erected on a pole, or a
pylon independent of any building, provided it is not
designed or used as a poster panel (billboard). This signage
should indicate the direction of the visitor movements
towards the important facilities and places of interest. The
signage should contain only textual information with
directions sign. This signage should be located at crossroads
of facilities, bifurcating points, parking and pedestrian
intersections within the site. The signage should be in bi-
lingual script (Roman and Devanagri).
Way-Finding Signage: A sign mounted on built structures or
freestanding on low-single post (below the eye level of
visitor). The signage should display the name and direction
of the particular facility located near to its installation place.
The signage should be placed at a point where the visitor
might end up in multiple facility zone and they should be
able to identify the further route to the specific service. The
signage should be in bi-lingual script (Roman and
Devanagri).
Historic Building Identity Signage: A sign painted on or
attached parallel to the wall or window of a historical
building or structure or horizontally projected from the wall of
the building supported by a bracket indicating the name of
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the building. The authenticity of the name should be
determined from the Historic Property Inventory. The signage
apart from the name text should indicate the ownership &
maintenance agency logo and title. The signage should be
in bi-lingual script (Roman and Devanagri).
Visitor Amenities Signage: A sign painted on or attached
parallel to the wall or window of a building indicating the
name of the service or amenities like toilets, drinking water
fountains, rest rooms, handicap information, first aid facility,
rain shelter, phone charging deck, ramps, lifts, staircase, etc.
The signage should be in bi-lingual script (Roman and
Devanagri).
Community/Public Facility Signage: A sign painted on or
attached parallel to the wall or window of a building
indicating the name of the community service swimming
pool, lawns, gardens, open air theaters, skating rink, milk
booth, information kiosk, son et lumière, etc. The signage
should be in bi-lingual script (Roman and Devanagri).
Notification Signage: A sign permanently attached to the
ground on its own supportive structure independent of any
building or backing support. The signage indicates the
statutory act under which the building or the property is
notified by the government agency and statutory warnings
to the visitors and commoner about the banned action
which shall be prosecutable. The sign should be in
accordance to the government norms and code and the
language should be officially approved. The background
colour and content should as per the norms. The signage
should be placed immediately to the protected monument
or building and if it encompasses the particular expanse of
site than the location should be at the principal entrances.
The signage should be in bi-lingual script (Roman and
Devanagri).
Statutory Signage: A sign required or specified by statute;
and a sign relating to safety of pedestrians, traffic, warning
signs, prohibition information, refraining activities, etc. The
sign should usually carry visual graphics according to the
conventions and should carry text information if only
required.
Business Directory Signage: A sign for a building in multiple
tenancies which identifies the name of the business and its
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location within the building and does not contain any
product or other advertising. The signage should be in bi-
lingual script (Roman and Devanagri).
Cultural Event and Public Function Identification Signage: A
structure permanently attached to the ground, designed to
accommodate small bill directory signage posters and
public notices, the messages of which may be changeable
and variable. This type of signage may also fulfill the dual
function of an item of public artwork. This signage should be
located near to the place where the event is organized. The
use of scripts is liberal for such signage because of the
diversity of information it is supposed to disseminate.
Wall Mural Signage: A graphical or pictorial painted design
which does not convey a defined advertising message but
the artwork of significant activity or history of the place. The
use of text materials should be refrained.
Arcade Signage: A sign suspended from or attached to the
ceiling of an internal pedestrian area of public building or
museums or historic buildings. This signage should indicate
facilities, conveniences and attractions housed within the
building. The signage should contain name of the facility
with direction sign. The signage should be in bi-lingual script
(Roman and Devanagri).
Internal Display Signage: Generally display of goods,
services, or produce within a building or structure. The size of
such signage should not overawe objects or display. The
signage should carry catalogue no. if displayed in museum.
The signage should be in bi-lingual script (Roman and
Devanagri).
Screen Signage: Messages, product or proprietary logos, or
other graphics printed or displayed on screens used in
association with outdoor seating or on service fronts private
or public such as vendor identity, shop identity, etc. The
design of the signage should be sensitive to the character of
the site and should not carry contrasting colours,
exaggerated brand logos or slogans. The information should
be in at least bi-lingual script either of the any two from the
above-mentioned list of compulsory script.
Temporary Sign: A sign displayed for a total of more than
five days but less than four months in any given year. This
signage is for caution or notice to the visitor for maintenance
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and repair works carried out in the site. It should be portable
and non-descriptive and small in size. The signage should be
in at least bi-lingual script, Roman being compulsory.
Route/Trail Marker Sign: A sign a mainly used for tourist and
themed tourist routes. The signs are generally placed before
and after a major intersection and reinforced by route
numbering shields at intervals to reassure the visitor that they
are still traveling along the designated route/trail.
The types of signage non-permissible in the site are as following:
Awning fascia Signs: A sign on the fascia or return ends of
suspended awnings.
Above Awning Sign: A sign attached to and supported
above an awning.
Below Awning Sign: A sign attached to and suspended
below an awning.
Banner Sign: A vertical or horizontal fabric sign attached at
one or both ends.
Bunting: A string of small flags, or streamers strung in a line
from or otherwise attached to a building or other structure.
Cabinet Sign: A cabinet with a transparent face attached to
the wall of a building or structure for the display of
information within (e.g. Menus).
Portable Sign: A sign not on a public reservation and not
permanently attached to the ground or to a (sandwich
board) building or other structure.
Poster Panel (Bill Board): A structure either freestanding or
attached to a building designed to accommodate
standard Poster Panels, the message of which may be
changeable and variable.
Roof Sign: A sign erected on the roof or parapet of a
building with the highest point of its base not exceeding a
vertical distance of 300 mm above the roof or parapet.
Sun Blind Sign: A sign incorporated into the fabric or
structure of a sun blind or canopy situated over a door or
window.
Vertical Projecting Wall Sign: A sign projecting from the wall
of a building with a vertical dimension greater than or equal
to its horizontal dimension.
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Outdoor Portable Sign: A freestanding sign indicating the
information of any activities and propagating ambush
marketing.
Non-permissible conditions for erection or installation of signage
are as follows:
If it obstructs the view, from a street or public place, traffic in
the same street or public place;
If it is likely to be confused with, or mistaken for, an official
traffic light or sign, or so as to contravene the Traffic Act, or
the Traffic Regulations;
On any building of which the stability is, likely to be effected
by the sign, as determined by the relevant authority; and
In any position wherein it unreasonably obstructs or obscures
the existing view from a place of a significant visual feature
such as manmade or natural.
While designing the permissible signage following criteria have
to be considered:
The aggregate number of signs on the building to be
minimized
Compliance with required objectives of this design guideline
Consideration of existing signs, including signs on buildings
and outdoor uses that constitute a sign
The dimensions and location of the sign
The content and style of the sign
The historic cultural values of the building
The impact of the sign on pedestrian and traffic safety
Compatibility with surroundings.
While designing a signage the designer has to follow the
conventions or standards of graphic design for the following
components:
Signage Design Process in consultation with the Client and
within the brief
Appropriate Signage Orientation
The type of Location & Mounting Considerations demanded
by the viewer
Viewing Distances in fore ground of the signage
Determining the Number of Sign permissible for business
Signage Legibility and viewing clarity for better
interpretation
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Following standards of Layout & Minimum Clear Space
Standards for Reserved Layout of Design for handicapped
Preferred Colour selection for aesthetic purposes
The permissible and mandatory Script Type
Range of Wording and Typeface permissible in the layout
Defined Arrow Styles
Size of the signage that is not overwhelming
Shape of the signage whose design should not be out of
local context
Construction Material used in the signage should be
vernacular
Provisions for Authority or Endorsement within the layout
space
There should not be any distortion in the original style and
type of the significant Symbol or Logo
Standard Pictograms adhering to the international styles
should be used for conveying messages to the visitor
The Finish of the signage should consider the local
weathering conditions, ease of assembly and installation
and chances of vandalism.
Visual Improvement Guidelines
Visual improvements can be achieved through removal or
relocation of negative factors that affect the historic visual
character of the place, such as obtrusive hoardings,
unsightly poles, banners and overhead wires.
Any services that are above the grade such as overhead
water tanks, air conditioning units, plumbing lines, etc.
should screened within the parapet height of the proposed
building.
The advertisement billboards should not exceed the
allowable building heights and should comply to the
signage design guidelines.
No services should be visible on the face of the buildings
(proposed and existing).
The historic views and vistas should be clear of any service,
advertisement or any other obtrusive visual elements.
In a long-term measure, urban design guidelines should be
framed for the immediate neighbourhood of the historic site
devising control on signage, heights, usage and typology.
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The outer and inner public areas in and around the historic
site should be designed in context to the cultural value of
the place.
No private brand promotion or campaigns should be
allowed in vicinity of the site.
Street Furniture Design Guidelines
The street furniture like garden benches, fountains, bollards,
children play equipments, waste bins, etc. should be placed
necessarily wherever required by the proposed function.
Necessary provisions should be made to accommodate
temporary structures (during festivals and special occasions)
in the ground surface so that the built environment is not
damaged or desecrated.
The street furniture should adhere to the anthropometrics
and ergonomic standards as prescribed internationally.
The design of the street furniture should have local design
influences and should not superimpose contemporary out of
context identity.
The street furniture should have 10% of its visual surface
reserved for advertisement for the entrepreneurs
maintaining and managing it.
The street furniture should be strong and non-portable but
should be modular or knock-down in assembly.
The furniture should be able to resist vandalism and
weathering conditions.
The materials used in the furniture should be vernacular and
non-contrasting to the historic character of the place.
Lighting and Illumination Guidelines
A coordinated and comprehensive lighting strategy is
recommended on a site-wide basis both to achieve a
hierarchy of lighting that makes the site more legible and
attractive at night, and to identify a palette of lighting
fixtures for all categories of appropriate lighting needs. This
lighting study should address energy efficiency to achieve
sustainability and power-smart objectives in a balanced
approach with heritage conservation standards.
Lighting should contain consistent, unifying elements
throughout the entire area. In specific areas, lighting can be
specialized to create a sense of identity as long as they
contain the unifying elements.
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Lighting should be designed to accommodate the scale of
the user. Thus, there should be taller lighting fixtures for
vehicular traffic and shorter lighting fixtures for pedestrian
movement. For places with both types of movement,
multiple types of lighting should be used concurrently.
Wherever required the old lighting fixtures should be
retained and preserved that contribute to the overall historic
character of a building, site, or streetscape.
The maintenance and repair of lighting should be easy and
mechanical.
If replacement of a missing or deteriorated historic exterior
lighting fixture is necessary, replace it with a fixture that is
similar in appearance, material, and scale to the original, or
with a fixture that is compatible in scale, design, materials,
colour, finish, and historic character with the building and
the streetscape.
Introduce new site and street lighting that is compatible with
the human scale and the historic character of the district.
Consider the location, design, material, size, colour, finish,
scale, and brightness of a proposed fixture in determining its
compatibility.
Locate low-level or directional site lighting and motion
detectors with care to ensure that the light does not invade
adjacent properties.
It is not appropriate to introduce indiscriminate area lighting
in the historical areas.
It is not appropriate to introduce or eliminate exterior lighting
fixtures if doing so will detract from the overall historic
character of the building, site, or streetscape.
It is not appropriate to introduce period lighting fixtures from
an era that predates the structure in the historic district in an
attempt to create a false historical appearance, or that are
stylistically inappropriate or anachronistic.
It is not appropriate to diminish the historic character of a
site by introducing incongruous lighting, such as creating a
runway effect with multiple footlights along front walks.
o Nature/Type of Use
The proposed building or land-use must be an unifying
experience to the historic site and should enhance the overall
visitor experience.
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The use character should contribute to the overall vision for the
place.
o Ownership/Occupancy/Tenancy
While deciding the ownership/occupancy or tenancy it should
be mandatory evaluate the risks and responsibilities in
management of the entire site.
The credentials and public standings of the potential title
holders(s) should be verified in terms of an institutional set-up.
The potential title holder should be a nodal agency widely
representing it in the field of operation.
o Sustainability
The institution which shall be the potential owner should design
its resources optimally, neither undermining nor overburdening
the resources required for the specific activity.
The institution should have a hierarchical set-up to coordinate
efficiently with the other nodal agencies.
o Carrying Capacity
The carrying capacity of the activity or the site should be
calculated on basis of the peak visiting hours in ratio to the
available services within the site.
The optimal carrying capacity should define the optimal and
maximum intake of services and visitors to the site.
o Landscaping and Open Spaces
The landscaping should be done determining the character of
the buffer zone and the edge of the historic core zone.
The landscape should be fluid and permeable in nature and
should follow the principles of the historic layout.
Landscaping should be used as a buffering technique to soften
the impact of adjacent land-uses which may be different in
scale, use, or design.
Within the parameters of the unifying desert landscaping design
theme, distinctive landscaping for specialized sub-areas of the
cultural landscape is encouraged.
Landscaped areas should be designed with the objective of
minimizing long term water use. The use of native and drought
tolerant plant materials and water efficient irrigation practices is
recommended.
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Signature vernacular plants and distinctive tree selection should
be used to enhance the special identity of the buffer area.
The other general design principles that could be considered are:
o As the vital means of presenting Uttarakhand‘s living heritage, a
number of amphitheatres should be constructed as the piece de
resistance of socio-cultural initiatives aimed at urban and cultural
renewal in towns of significant tourist interest. The design of
amphitheatres should be simple and the emphasis should be on
architecture in a vernacular idiom. Such initiatives can catalyse a
renewed effort at urban renewal centered on socio-cultural
occupational communities willing to give of their best to cultural
and tourism development in the state. (Uttarakhand Tourism
Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008)
o Mobile phone companies should be instructed to share masts rather
than building one for each operator. The visual impact of each one
these antennae must be considered before a construction permit is
issued. Masts can be camouflaged quite well and even if one or
two additional repeaters have to be provided, the cost is negligible
if compared to potential losses from tourists staying away.
(Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008)
o For specific signage design & placement standards in the
tourism/recreational and cultural interest areas the provisions in
―Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 2009, USA
under Chapter 2M, Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Signs,‖
and as per ―Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier-Free Built-
Environment for Disabled and Elderly Persons, 1998,‖ CPWD, GoI
can be followed as an international/national best practice
references.
Building Controls/Planning Directives or Guidelines, Placement, Design
Controls and Standards
o New Constructions
Location: The location of a building should respect the following:
Zoning Plan
Site conditions (topography, geology, vegetation,
archaeology)
Access to proposed activities.
Ground Coverage: The maximum ground coverage should not
exceed provisions in municipal/ local building bye-laws. It should
be calculated on area basis of the parcel of land designated to
specific functions.
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F.A.R.: The FAR should be as per the local Municipal/State bye-
law for applicable land-use zone. The FAR should not exceed
the ratio as mentioned in the bye-laws.
Height: The height of a new building must not exceed the
mentioned bye-laws.
Setback: The minimum setback of the proposed building from
the outer extent of the historic structure or site should be 50 mts
and the front setback (from the main road) should not be less
than 10 mts. The side setbacks will be determined in
accordance to the existing bye-laws.
Provision of Basements: The minimum height of the habitable
(for non-residential and non-commercial use) basement should
be in accordance to the building bye-laws.
Projections: The maximum allowable projection including the
chajjas and balconies whether covered or non-covered should
not exceed the permissible bye-laws.
Typology: The character of the historical built within the site
determines the typology for the proposed building. Courtyard
type built (enclosed from all four sides), entrances from sides to
the built, any non-vernacular architectural features, overstated
architectural design, etc. will be considered detrimental to the
historic environment and hence might not be permissible.
Orientation: The orientation of the buildings should respect the
historic and contemporary cardinals of the site such as the axis
of site, the extents of site, the outer boundary edges, etc.
Construction Material: The construction material should be in
compliance to the traditional materials prevalent in the region
and should not place the aesthetic value of the built to be out
of place.
Colour & Texture: The finishes on the newly built structures should
be in compliance to the existing finishes used in the historic
structures. No contrast and deconstructive form of finishes will
be permissible
Grain Size of the Building: The grain size is inferred as the sizes of
the single footprint (maybe the part of the building proposed for
the activity) of the building. The maximum continuous elevation
length of the building should not exceed more than minimum
dimensions of any existing historical structure. The minimum
length will be determined by the standard requirements of the
functions.
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Openings: All openings designed for the built should be
harmonious to the existing character. The maximum allowable
openings (door and windows) should be less than 25% of the
total elevation area (excluding the vendor fronts, shop fronts,
gateways and non-secured openings). There should be
minimum use of glazing in doors and windows, refraining the use
of aluminium or steel sections.
Circulation areas: The internal circulation of the proposed
building should not be less than 15% of the ground coverage
with clear access to every part of the building. The proposed
internal corridors should not be less than 2.10 meters. The outer
circulation area should be calculated on the following formula
and should not be less than the area calculated:
TCA = O1+O2+O3+O4…. + DOX x 2.10 (meters)
Wherein, TCA denotes the total area required for external
circulation, O1+O2+O3+O4…. denotes the summation of
shortest distance of main opening from the main entrance and
the shortest distance from the previous ones respectively. DOX
denotes the shortest distance of the exit from the building to the
exit from the site.
Controls on Ground Surface Treatments
Planning of Walkways & Pavements: While planning the
pavement and hard landscaped areas within the historic
site, the planning must address to the following needs:
The proposed walkways and pavements should preserve
the natural topology of the place.
The location of the pavement will be determined by the
kind of use and should be sensitive when planned in
proximity to the historical building.
The new planning should maintain the continuity of
historical context.
All walkways & pavements should be designed
accordingly for the handicapped persons‘ access.
Paving Material: The paving material should be impervious in
nature and should not be glazed. The material should be
vernacular to the site context and should not be in contrast
to the existing range of materials historically used in the site.
The appropriate materials used for paving can be stone,
marble, gravel and granite and the paving materials like
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asphalt, PCC and glazed tiles should be refrained from
being used.
Paving Texture and Colour: The texture of the paved
material in a heavy pedestrian traffic zone should be
dressed and should have minimal vertical offsets or height
differences. Though at slow movements areas the textures of
the paving can be undressed but only if maintenance is
considered as the design parameters. No paving should be
glazed or polished in finish. The colours of the paving should
be from the available colour family of the historic built in the
heritage area.
Paving Patterns & Design: The pattern, configuration,
dimension and spacing of the paved areas should
contribute to the overall historic character of the place. The
design of the paving should highlight the important features
in the proposed design, should be in harmony with the scale
of the existing historical built and proposed built. The paving
should have appropriate kerbs and drainage facilities.
Maintenance and Repair: The material, design and layout of
the paving should be serviceable, easy to maintain and
carry out repair works. Paving in event areas of the site
should have provisions for crowd management equipments
such as pole holes, soft uncovered patches, hooks, u-
anchors, etc. wherever as demanded by the design.
Minimum Height Control: The minimum permissible height
from the immediate level of paving or ground surface should
not exceed 15 cm (excluding the substructure which should
not exceed 9‖ depth below the ground level). In case of
open amphitheatre the paving of the highest point should
not exceed 1/3rd of the total height of the proposed built.
All paving in vicinity to the historic structure should flush to
the original ground level of the building.
o Visitor Amenities
The placement interval of the public toilets and drinking water
fountains should not be less than 100 mtrs in the walkable area
in the plains, and not less than 10 mtrs in the walkable area
considering the hilly area context. The toilets and drinking water
facility should be appropriately placed near the transit zones,
alighting points, etc. The placement of garbage bins should be
maximum 125 feet c/c along walkways.
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The toilet area should be determined by the number of visitors
to the activity area and separate provisions for men and
women (including the barrier-free friendly built-environment
compliant toilet) should be considered in the same toilet
complex/unit. The overall look and architectural character
should comply with the building controls mentioned earlier. The
toilets should have the urinals (including low-height ones), WCs,
bidets, Bathroom (as required), wash basins (including at low-
height), baby changing station, janitors, lockers, etc.
adequately provided in anticipation to the crowd numbers. The
drinking water fountain design should be sleek and avoid using
tank connections. The container size of the waste bin will be
determined according to the ergonomics and the volume of
waste collections.
For standards of design refer to the national/international
standards as practised by Municipal Authorities [e.g. ―Guidelines
and Space Standards for Barrier-Free Built-Environment for
Disabled and Elderly Persons, 1998,‖ CPWD, MoUAE, GoI as
national best practice, or one of the international best practices
being ―2010 ADA (American Disability Act) Standards for
Accessible Design‖ issued by Department of Justice, USA].
For waste bins the following directions should be considered:
Meant for waste collection at the important sites
Height and size as per the operational standards
The material assigned for the construction should be durable
and maintenance friendly
Its design and installation should be preventive to vandalism,
acute weathering, fire disaster, etc.
Should have provisions plaque for advertisements on two
sides
Easy to handle.
o Visitor Facilities
Except outdoor activities all other visitor facilities if not housed in the
proposed building design should be considered as standard and
isolated modular temporary structures in the form of kiosks to serve
the purpose (for open amphitheatre, refer New Constructions
clause as mentioned earlier). These can be planned as below:
The kiosks should be considered as the front office to the
proposed facility.
The kiosk shall have space capacities for information stationary
(brochures, promotion magazines, etc.).
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It should have working space for two people.
It should be modular in design so that it can be installed at any
site facing any direction.
It shall have provisions for hoardings, advertisements, brand
image, etc.
The aesthetic appearance should be universally defined.
The services (like electricity supply, electrical and illumination
fittings, etc.) should be considered while designing.
The size of the kiosk should not be more than 3 x 3 meters.
The maximum permissible height shall be 2.5 m.
It structure should be of light-weight material with minimal use of
masonry.
The material assigned for the construction should be durable
and maintenance friendly.
Its design and installation should be preventive to vandalism,
acute weathering, fire disaster, etc.
It should be easy to assemble/disassemble for any relocation.
o Parking and Access
Number of Parking Bays: this should be determined from by
calculating the maximum traffic generated during the normal
and peak days by a particular activity.
While designing the parking, the Occupant Car Ratio (OCR)
and Visitor Car Ratio (VCR) have to be calculated and the total
area of the parking will be determined by the volume of visitors
and occupants to the site.
The paving material used for the parking should be impervious in
character. Paver‘s performance will depend on site conditions.
Soils should allow 0.5 inches per hour of percolation. Extremely
pervious soils, like sandy soil, may not provide adequate
treatment (depending on groundwater depth). Augment soil
that is too sandy with a peat liner.
While designing the parking the accessible parking spaces for
barrier-free friendly built-environment compliance should be
duly incorporated as per earlier mentioned
national/international best practice standards.
The parking design should be in accordance to the
performance required for storm water treatment keeping in
mind the installation and maintenance. Where feasible based
on land availability adopt green infrastructure principles for
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storm water management using permeable pavements, bio-
swales to manage site overflows, etc.
The economics of parking design should be determined by the
optimal usage of kerb, gutter and storm water system which
adds to the cost of maintenance.
The specific design controls which should help the designer to
design the parking in context to the existing conditions in and
around the site are as follows:
Access to parking
Locate driveways with left-turn movements with special
attention to spacing driveways relative to the nearest
point of street traffic control, especially a signal.
Locate driveways with right-turn entry movements with
special attention to their location relative to street traffic
control. Such movements may impede through traffic.
Driveway design shall be directly related to the layout of
the parking area, amount of reservoir space (e.g. drive-
in service facilities), type of loading facility, circulation
pattern, building placement, and relation to the design
of the public street, traffic control devices, traffic
volumes and placement of other driveways.
Avoid locating entry and exit points where vehicles
entering or leaving the site would conflict with large
numbers of pedestrians.
The number of access points should be limited to only
those absolutely necessary to serve the property and to
minimize the number of potential conflict points with
public streets.
Driveway throat distance should be sufficient to minimize
any effect on traffic movements on adjacent streets.
Driveway distance shall be sufficient to prevent vehicles
from backing into the public street.
Access roads and aisles for parking should be kept at the
maximum distance possible from residential units.
Parking Lot Layout
When possible, segregate employee parking from visitor
parking. Employees will generally walk further from
parking to their work destinations than visitors will walk
from parking to the site. Reduced size parking spaces
may be allowed for long term employee parking. The
nearest parking bays/stalls (as per number of accessible
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parking spaces derived as mentioned eralier) from the
entrance of the building should be earmarked for
barrier-free friendly built-environment compliance.
Larger parking lots should be broken into smaller parking
modules to reduce the size and visual impact of
expansive parking areas.
Minimize the number of continuous parking spaces
without interruption.
Consolidated parking lots for multiple uses are
encouraged where practical.
Parking shall be designed so that backing and turning
movements associated with parking layout will not
obstruct or conflict with traffic, either on- or off- site.
Parking lots shall be designed with adequate room to
allow vehicles to turn around within the parking lot and
enter an adjoining street in a forward direction.
Parking shall be provided with kerbs, wheel stops or other
barriers to prevent vehicles from extending beyond the
perimeter of the parking lot and to prevent vehicles from
contacting a wall, a fence or a sidewalk.
Access aisles should be designed to allow the user to
walk directly toward, rather than parallel to, the building
front.
End islands should be used to enhance the functional
and aesthetic qualities of a parking lot in the following
ways:
- Delineating on-site circulation roadways;
- Ensuring adequate sight distance at the intersections
of the parking aisles and driveways;
- Defining the area and geometry of intersections of
parking aisles and driveways;
- Protecting the vehicle at the end of a parking bay;
and
- Providing aesthetic enhancement of the site design.
Designing Parking Stalls
In cultural site parking lots, parking stalls should be
located to ensure the sanctity of the place by providing
buffers, e.g. fences, walls or landscaping, from the
effects of engine noise, automobile headlights and
vehicle fumes.
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Whenever possible all parking stalls should be aligned
with the same orientation. Having one section at right
angles to another tends to create confusion and can
produce accident-prone intersections.
Loading in Parking Area
Loading and unloading facilities shall take place on site
and not on public right-of-way. There shall be no
backing of vehicles onto the public right-of-way from
loading areas.
Loading areas should be screened from entrances and
other highly visible areas of the site. Adequate turn
around and backing areas shall be provided without
disruption of circulation or parking facilities.
Lighting in Parking Area
All parking lots and loading facilities shall be shielded so
that substantially all the directly-emitted light falls within
the property line.
No illumination is to be designed or used which produces
direct, incident or reflected light that interferes with the
safe movement of motor vehicles on public streets,
including:
- Any light fixture not designed for street illumination
that produces light that could interfere with the
operation of a motor vehicle;
- Any light that may be confused with or construed as
a traffic control device; or
- Any animated, flashing or changing intensity lights,
except for temporary holiday displays.
Pedestrian System in Parking
A system of interior pedestrian paths or sidewalks
integrated with the parking lot should link the different
parts of the site with one another and with transit stops.
Provide clearly discernible pedestrian walkways where
there is adequate vehicular sight distance. The use of
textured or coloured pavement and signage should be
used.
Transit Integration
Large scale institutional usage should provide transit
access as near as possible to the main entrance to the
facility.
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Transit stops should be designed as an integrated
component of the site and feature pedestrian amenities
and shelter. Secured transit information centers or kiosks
with bus routes and schedule information should be
provided.
When parking areas separate the front or main entrance
to the facility from the transit facility a separate
pedestrian walkway or sidewalk should be provided.
Bicycles and Two-Wheeler Facilities
Bicycle and two-wheeler parking facilities should be
located outside of a vehicular or pedestrian way and be
protected and separated from motor vehicle traffic and
parking lots by either a five-foot separation distance or a
curb or other physical barrier.
Bicycle and two-wheeler parking facilities should be
made out of a durable and strong material, be
permanently anchored to the ground and be designed
so as to allow bikes to be locked to it.
Bicycle and two-wheeler parking facilities should be
sufficiently illuminated.
Landscaping
Precast and other masonry planters may be used to
provide for some buffering for existing parking areas.
Landscaping should be used to enhance the safety of
parking lots by guiding the circulation of cars and
people and by ensuring that the driver's vision is
unobstructed.
Use landscaping to control access to parking lots, to
make traffic diverters prominent and to direct the flow of
traffic within the lot.
Parking lots should be screened from surrounding public
streets, sidewalks, parks and other public properties.
Berms, walls, fences, plants, planters or similar means
should be used to create the parking lot screen.
Whenever structures such as walls or fences are used to
create a screen, plants should be located on the sides of
the structure which can be seen from surrounding streets,
sidewalks, parks and other public properties.
All areas within the perimeter of parking lots not used for
parking, loading, circulation, transit or pedestrian
facilities should be landscaped to minimize the feeling of
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expansive hard surfaced areas, to improve the parking
lot appearance. Landscape design shall provide for
adequate plant aeration and traffic safety.
Plant materials should be placed on islands, entry drives,
and pedestrian walks, and along end islands which
separate parking from driveways.
Two feet at the end of landscape islands should be left
unplanted. The end points of islands are often run over
by cars. The use of cobbled stone, patterned concrete,
or brick pavers should be considered in these end areas,
considering the surroundings context.
Protect the root zones of trees at maturity by retaining a
planted area encompassing the drip line.
o Nature/Type of Use
The proposed use character should be homogenous to the
historic character of the place or to the existing predominant
non-detrimental activities within the site.
The proposed use character should adhere to the minimal
change in current activity structure of the site.
Planning for pure commercial or private purpose should be
discouraged.
Should comply with the public and universal character of the
place.
Should be theme based cultural, social, recreational or
educational activity with complementary usages for the visitor
purpose.
Should be a public attraction or magnet or gateway to the
historical precinct.
The proposed usage should act as a transition activity between
the existing urban structure and the historical precinct parting
memorable experiences to the visitors.
The usage should create a sense of place and strengthen its
linkages to the other cultural edifices of the city.
Should have lively, walkable areas, pedestrian-friendly
environment and dynamic use.
o Ownership/Occupancy/Tenancy
The space should be leased and not awarded freehold titles.
The potential owner should be a public institution, semi-
government, quasi government, community-based organisation
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or any other state level initiative (such as arts and crafts
organisation, cultural forums, trust, etc.)
The potential owner should not be allowed to sub-lease the
space or hand it to a tenant for a period.
The potential owner should adhere to the legal framework of
the custodian of the site and not to its own memorandum.
The owner should be allowed to promote the institutional cause
and should not be allowed to physically expand the
infrastructure.
The owner should not use the space as their administrative
centre and should limit to tangible activities of common interest.
o Sustainability
The space or building or activity planning or design should
address the optimal resource usage and should refrain from
over employment of mechanical and human resource.
The revenue generated by the activities should be sufficient
enough for disbursing salaries to employees, incur recurring
expenditures, pay for maintenance and management of the
site, and invest in further planning for the activity.
o Carrying Capacity
For visitors the parking, circulation and access should be
calculated as per the guidelines mentioned earlier.
For equipments, machines, installation, etc. the time span of
pauses to the services should be calculated accordingly.
For public amenities the adequate stalling facilities should be
calculated.
For rush hours the crowd management method should be
devised.
The number of visitors to each historic place should be
managed keeping in mind the mechanical wear and tear,
structural stability and impact on the micro-environment within
the buildings. The environmental impact of visitors should be
continuously monitored.
[For site carrying capacity calculations method, a reference could
be made to the “Guidelines for Ecotourism in and around
Protected Areas (Draft)” introduced by MoEF dated 02 June 2011.]
o Landscaping and Open Spaces
For roads and pathways asphalt should not be used and local
stone paving be used as the surfacing for all roads within the
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entry and historic core zones and for major roads within the
buffer zone. Stabilized gravel or light stone paving should be the
surfacing of all minor roads providing access. Unit pavers or
other special paving treatments should not be used within
roadways to ensure that the current simple, consistent
treatment is maintained.
For kerbs, new curbing should be minimized within the site.
Where curbing is used it should be the traditional, low barrier
form in plain concrete rather than rolled to minimize its surface
area. When roadway work is undertaken, consideration should
be given to the feasibility of removing curbing in lower traffic
areas and to removal of related catch basins and associated
sub-surface piped drainage in favour of directing surface water
into ditches or swales.
For paths, continued use of gravel or local stone surfaces for
most pedestrian pathways is recommended. Crushed local
aggregates with stabilizer to provide good binding and
reasonably smooth surfaces, particularly in consideration of
universal access, should be used.
For plazas, while recognizing that plazas and courtyards should
relate to the design and materials of the building with which
they are associated, a consistent overall palette of paving
materials is desirable to bring cohesiveness to the site. Preferred
paving materials for plazas and courtyards include well detailed
concrete and stone, preferably in large modules.
For parking lots, generally parking areas on the site should be
dispersed into small discreet pockets wherever possible and
sited to the side or rear of the front façade of buildings. Where
large parking lots occur, their visual impact should be mitigated
with extensive plantings of trees. One appropriate design
expression is a regular planting on a grid that references the
orchards that once grew as demonstrations within the core
area of the Farm that would give visitors a sense of parking
within an orchard. Care should be given to minimizing the
extent of impermeable paving, including consideration of
permeable pavers and grass-pave systems, and to the removal
of any parking lots that are not needed due to building
demolition or changes in use. Surface drainage from parking lots
should be managed with reference to sustainable best
practices.
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For drainage, wherever possible, runoff from hard surfaces
should be directed into areas of soft landscaping to achieve
sustainability objectives and avoid curbs and drains.
For walls, should be used only within the entry and core portions
of the Buffer and should be made of limestone, keeping with
the existing walls within the landscape. Low walls may be suited
to seating and signage applications.
For fences, a fence detail should be refined that references
historical architectural forms and uses lightweight iron grills but
with a more accurately detailed post. This type of fencing is
cost-effective and appropriate to the cultural landscape,
particularly within the buffer zone and at the interface between
the support zone and the core zone. Fences should not be
introduced in the entry zone and the interface between the
entry zone and the core zone, where they were not present
historically. The only exception would be immediately adjacent
to some of the buildings, where there were some board fences
designed to a higher level of finish and detail. These historic
precedents could be used for small areas of fencing adjacent
to buildings in the core.
For type and location of street trees, all trees located on the
edge shall be of deciduous species. The minimum caliper size
allowed to be planted shall be 4" and shall have a decorative
steel fence installed around the tree for protection. The
decorative fence shall have a powder coated finish and shall
be at least 42" above finished grade in height. Trees must be
placed a minimum of 30‘-0" and a maximum of 45‘-0" apart. This
will allow for the proper maturation of the tree. Trees should not
conflict with the street lighting.
For landscape trees, landscape buffer trees may be a
combination of different varieties. If deciduous trees are used,
at least 50% of the deciduous trees must be ornamental
flowering trees. The remainder of the deciduous trees may be a
non-flowering over story species. No conifers will be allowed in
the buffer zone area
For sidewalk and cross walk width, paver sidewalks should be
12‘-0" minimum width from the face of the building to the back
of the existing curb. Paver crosswalks shall be 8‘-0" in width and
have a 1‘-0" wide band of concrete on either side. Total width
of crosswalk shall be 10‘-0". Where possible, widen sidewalks to
create small plazas for seating and fountains.
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For pedestrian cueing areas, to encourage safety for pedestrian
traffic across Main Street, there should be control to crosswalks
with the addition of cueing areas. Cueing areas bring the curb
and sidewalk out from behind the parking lanes to the drive
lanes. This provides a better view for pedestrians to see the
vehicular traffic. In addition to the cueing areas, a crosswalk
made of pavers adds a definable area for pedestrians to cross
Main Street. Both the cueing areas and crosswalk will also add a
traffic calming affect to vehicles.
For plant beds and plantings locate plantings in traditional areas
of the site.
For fencing, maintain traditional fence lines where they existed
and preserve historic fences in their original location.
o Environmental Engineering/Utility Serivices
Drainage and Rain Water Harvesting
The design of the new proposal should analyse the existing
natural conservation areas within the site, determine
ecological boundaries, and follow principles of site planning.
The proposed built-enviornment and new development
should complement the existing natural drainage and
watershed areas within the site. It shall duly integrate the
green infrastructure principles of international best practices.
Under no circumstances areas long primary drains be
encroached-upon for any construction.
All new buildings should have appropriate rainwater slopes
in the terraces, gutters, and collection chamber and
settlement tanks within the area of the site boundary.
The proposed built-environment activity should not cut
across the natural slopes and contours of the site.
All ground surface treatments should have adequate slopes
and gutters at the edges. Even landscaped areas and
pedestrian pathways shall be designed for proper storm
water drainage management.
Sewage Disposal
The proposed activity should have appropriate sewage
disposal scheme and should connect to the city level
feeder. While in the hilly area context, utilising the sloped
terrain conditions the gravity-flow based environment-
friendly intervention of bio-digester systems (with/without
energy recovery as felt required) may be considered for
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installation. Also, in plains/urban areas wherein if sloped
terrain is not available, then pumping-station based bio-
digester systems with energy recovery may be installed for
cluster-based developments (viz. tourist accommodation,
staff accommodation, tourism office, tourist information
center or tourist convenience center, etc.).
The sewage disposal system should have intermediate
maintenance points accessible to man force or suction
pumps, wherever fest required.
The waste water should be separated from the sludge and
the waste water should be treated for irrigation purposes
only.
No sewage lines or pipes should be visible above the
average grade (ground level) of the site.
No sewage connections should pass through and through
beneath the proposed development.
No sewage collection chamber should be left uncovered.
The sewage disposal system planning should follow the invert
levels of the site.
Electrical Safety and Network Design
The proposed activity should appraise the current electrical
supply system and network in the site.
The proposed activity should calculate the existing and
peak loads and plan for the same. Wherever feasible, use of
renewable energy resources should be resorted to (e.g. solar
photovoltaic panels, energy recovery from bio-digester
systems, etc.)
The proposed electrical network should not be visible above
grade.
No electric poles should hinder or obstruct view of the
proposed or existing building.
No cable should hang or be fitted to the elevation of the
building.
The proposed network should be risk and hazard free.
Fire Safety
Fire safety and emergency vehicular access (EVA)
requirements must be adhered to in a sensitive manner,
without causing any impact to the significant values of the
place. Requirements of National Building Code (NBC) should
be strictly followed in this regard.
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The certain specific building materials/controls already being adopted
for construction/reconstruction works of tourism sector, under UEAP, are:
o Foundation Concrete
For the purpose of concrete work, the provisions of IS 456:2000 with
respect to Table 5 for Minimum Grade of Plain Concrete and
Reinforced Concrete read in conjunction with Table 3 for
Environmental Exposure Conditions, must be strictly followed at the
minimum, when planning for concrete design at a site. The found
structure design upto the plinth level shall duly meet the site
condition requirements as per the outputs of topographical survey
and go-technical investigation report.
In case the foundation is exposed to water and the superstructure is
light-weight (e.g. jetty, watch-tower etc. sited in environmentally
sensitive areas), alternative materials that are environment-friendly
may be used (e.g. seasoned wood in foundation and bamboo-
based products in wall/roof panels of superstructure).
o Superstructure Materials
The Himalayan Area of Uttarakhand State is prone to floods, cloud
bursts and other natural calamities. The area is also subject to cold
climatic conditions and for many places there is no road
connecting the site. The conventional structures for shelters etc.
need time, water, labour, regular supply of raw material etc. Thus,
light-weight pre-engineered buildings (PEB)/pre-fabricated (Pre-
Fab) building construction using FRP Panel / Hybrid (PUF Panel) with
steel frame / LGFS Structures & Panels, etc. are proposed through
these infrastructure development guidelines, and also use of such
structures is already have been recommended & approved
through Sub-Project Appraisal Reports (SARs) under UEAP.
A comparative table of characteristics of FRP & Hybrid panel with
conventional structure is listed below:
Characteristics Conventional
Structure FRP Panel Hybrid (PUF Panel)
Movability None Truck carries 1300
Sq.ft
Truck carries 1100
Sq.ft
Insulation Required Not required (28+
R factor) Semi required
Earthquake
Proof None
Flexible due to
light Panels None
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Characteristics Conventional
Structure FRP Panel Hybrid (PUF Panel)
High Altitude
Erection Difficult
Ideal Ready home
and quick Easy
Maintenance 10% Annual 0% Approx. 10% Annual
Erection Time 2-3 months 4-6 hours 15-30 days
Dismantling None 3-4 hours None
Repair if
damaged Difficult
Ready home
fiberglass repair Yes
Energy
Efficiency Low
30% more due to
shape & insulation Low
Corrosion
Resistance No Superior Reasonable
Source: SARs for FRP & Hybrid Huts in Garhwal and Kumaon Region, UEAP
Note: In case Glass Wool or Rock Wool is used as an alternative insulation material after
due assessment of their properties vis-à-vis PUF material in the site-specific context (e.g.
climate condition, building usage, etc.), the variation in their respective densities would
relatively affect the weight requirements of movability/cartage of Panels with Glass Wool
or Rock Wool Insulation to the site.
Other general requirements as per the above-mentioned SARs,
when using such building materials is as below:
(b) FRP & Hybrid Huts/Shelters
Panels of PUF insulation bounded by FRP Laminated Sheet
on both sides for FRP Huts offers healthy with, hygienic and
supporting good living standards, durable in high altitude
and snow bound regions, while Panels with PUF insulation
sandwiched between Pre-coated GI Sheet for Hybrid Huts
also offer suitable living environment at relatively lower
altitude regions of the Himalayan Area.
Easy to be assembled as well as disassembled.
Should have resistance in all weather conditions (± 40 °C or
better).
Should be possible to re-use them within its minimum service
life.
Easy to maintain and low-cost effective.
Should meet ISO 9001: 2000 standards, and respective
IS/BS/ASTM etc. standards.
Panels should be thermally insulated (R-28 or more).
Should be light-weight, high flexural strength and impact
resistant.
Surface should be ideal for painting/coating/laminating, if
desired.
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Can be nailed, screwed, drilled, glued, sawn, tapped and
welded.
Should have low thermal conductivity.
Should be resistant to chemical substances and non-
corroding.
Should be waterproof, termite proof and fungal proof.
Warranty period should be at least 10 years or more.
Should be installed and transported at site by the
company/manufacturer.
Weight of any panel shouldn‘t exceed 50 Kg so that it can
be handled easily by workmen without any mechanical
support.
The shelters are 100% opaque to make it suitable for living.
The shelters once erected have a high load bearing
capacity.
The shelters should be inert in nature: Non-reactive to acids
and alkali.
The Shelters are easily re-locatable without any loss to the
shelters. (c) LGFS Structures/Panels
Light-Gauge Steel Frame System-based structure/building
weighs less than the Reinforced Cement Concrete buildings
in the same size, therefore the load affecting the building
during earthquake is less which increases the LGFS
structure‘s Earthquake Resistance.
Internal & external wall covering including the roof and floor
are covered with high density boards such as Cement Fiber
Boards or OSB (Oriented Stranded Boards) which wraps the
structure and also provides the tensile strength.
The panels are light-weight and can be erected quickly on
the site.
Panels should be thermally insulated.
This prefab structure comes with various options for the
external wall finishes depending on the site designs, usability
and durability such as Aluminium Cladding Panels (ACP),
Stone Veneers, etc.
The prefab structures come with various options for the
roofing depending on the site designs, usability and
durability such as Stone Coated Roof Tiles, GI Pre-coated
Sheets, etc.
Flooring in LGFS structures can be as Laminated Wooden
Flooring or in Vitrified Tiles as per site requirement; while in
toilets like in conventional structures Ceramic Tiles can be
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easily used. These are put in place using adhesives over the
base panel of Cement Fiber Board laid over the steel frame.
This steel framing system comes with standard holes for the
Electrical and Plumbing pipelines. The procedure is same as
traditional construction. All the pipelines run through the
center of the structure thus making it a conduit. No Electrical
or Plumbing pipelines are visible after the steel walls are
covered with boards giving the same look and feel of
traditional construction.
No maintenance is required for the upkeep of LGFS
structures.
Should meet ISO 9001: 2000 standards, and respective
IS/BS/ASTM/AS/NZS etc. standards.
Warranty period should be at least 50 years or more.
The LGFS structure can withstand high pressure, doesn‘t get
spoilt in water/acids/alkali. These shelters don‘t need any
maintenance as well, like painting, seepage etc.
The LGFS structure-based shelters can easily be moved in
cases of emergency. The light panels (<50 kg.) can easily be
transported by men or helicopters.
Note: In general, whether its conventional construction or modern
materials as above, the layout of tourism accommodation
assets/other supporting visitor infrastructure should incorporated
duct system for laying utilities on vertical surfaces, to attain proper
visual aesthetics. Also, to conserve water, an attempt to reduce
consumption of water should be made by adopting sanitary fixtures
that support low-impact development (e.g. use of low-
flow/aerated-flow faucets, low-flow cisterns, etc.)
As mentioned earlier in the above-mentioned visitor infrastructure, certain
other high-end tourism assets that may need to be developed as part of
products in tourism sector are Resorts. As per ―An Integrated Approach to
Resort Development: Six Case Studies,‖ by Edward Inskeep and Mark
Kallenberger in A Tourism and the Environment Publication, World Tourism
Organization, published in 1992, it states ―Sustainable tourism development
is one of the major issues facing the world‘s travel and tourism industry in
the 1990s. Not only are tourists becoming more concerned about different
froms of environmental pollution in their holiday destinations; there is also a
growing number of tangible examples of environmental pollution
translated into a loss of tourism income. … The costs are impossible to
quantify, but they are enormous. And it is already clear that tourists are
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beginning to shun operators and destinations that have received bad
publicity over their environmental record. Leading tour operators
themselves are increasingly appointing Environmental Advisors to monitor
the environmental practices of hotels and resorts to avoid losing valuable
clients.‖ As per the said document, the following is further recommended in
general to be followed when planning and developing resorts:
―As far as new resort development is concerned, the problems are perhaps
less acute–but only on the condition that concerted efforts are made on
the part of both the governments and the operating sector to ensure an
integrated approach to the resort‘s development. Only in this way will the
development be sustainable and avoid placing undue strains on the
carrying capacity of the resort or the destination.
An ‗integrated approach to resort development‘ implies the controlled
planning and implementation of resort projects in order to achieve a
balanced development that satisfies economic, environmental and social
objectives. In general, it implies to long-term project development–at times,
over a perid of many years–and constant monitoring and control at the
different phases of development ensure that the basic concept can be
adapted to changing circumstances and market demand. Application of
specific land-use, development and design standards is also necessary to
maintain resort‘s character and quality.
The success of an integrated tourist resort depends on a number of factors.
These include a good transportation infrastructure with easy access to and
within the resorts for guests and staff, and architectural design that blends
into the surrounding natural environment, reflecting traditional local
designs and using as many local materials as possible. Specific natural
geographical attractions should be preserved and incorporated into the
resort wherever feasible, and it needs adequate utility services, such as
water supply, electric power, telecommunications, sewage and solid
waste disposal systems.
Successful integrated resorts are also planned within the framework of their
regional environmental, economic and socio-cultural setting, as well as
overall developmental policies and plans, so that they are well related to
the region.
Carefully planned and properly implemented integrated tourist resorts can
bring substantial economic and social benefits, while also minimising those
environmental, socio-economic and marketing problems often associated
with uncontrolled tourism development.
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A high quality of tourism product and services is essential from the outset,
and this should be maintained through continued good management and
application of development and operational standards.
Resort development must take into consideration employee training, and
the provision of housing and community services for the employees and
their families. Special organisational structures with effective leadership and
a competent technical staff are necessary to develop and manage
resorts. A high level of coordination is required between the manty different
agencies involved in a resort‘s development, as well as between the public
and private sectors.
Adequate financing is required for the resort and related regional
infrastructure, which can be expensive to develop, as well as for the
superstructure of accommodation and other facilities. Resorts need to
provide a wide range of tourist facilities, attractions and services, both
within the resort environment and in the surrounding region, in order to
maintain visitor satisfaction levels and diversify market sources.
Detailed planning of the area around the resort, or even the entire region
in which the resort is located is necessary to guide future development that
may take place as a result of the resort‘s impetus to tourism growth.‖
Further to the above-mentioned general recommendations, it is suggested
that the number of resorts in a rural area or cluster of villages near a
destination be developed in a controlled manner so as not to adversely
affect those opportunities that could provide direct economic benefits to
village residents viz. owning & operating Home Stays (by an independent
family or if community-based); and due diligence be ensured for type of
access to be provisioned when considering accessibility in eco-sensitive
areas (e.g. pedestrian pathways/bridled trails with suitable gradient for
walkable distances of minimum 500 meters i.e. equivalent to about 7-
minutes‘ walk or as per applicable buffer distance on case-by-case basis
may have to be preferred from the road end-cum-parking area to reach
the built-environment of the resort‘s facility units instead of extending a
bituminous road till each unit), availability of water for any consideration
required to limit the resort size/features (e.g. features that consume lot of
water for luxurious use beyond usage in accommodation units &
landscaping may have to be avoided in the resort development proposal
if local water resource availability is not sufficient and haulage of water
through vehicular means contributes to air & noise pollution in such eco-
sensitive areas), etc.
Planning and Engineering Design
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o Uttarakhand State falls primarily in seismic zone V and some parts in
seismic zone IV and thus all areas in the State are considered prone
to earthquake hazards. The State shall ensure that the BIS building
codes for these zones have been adopted and are rigorously
enforced by the ULBs/Panchayats and PWD/District Administration.
All new construction (single- or multi- storeyed) in the Government
sector in these areas for tourism infrastructure integrated with
disaster preparedness infrastructure measures must conform to the
BIS code for earthquake resistant framed-structure design. All new
construction in Private sector under Tourism Sector (i.e. tourism
assets/supporting tourism infrastructure) in Uttarakhand State must
conform to the BIS code for earthquake resistant framed-structure
design, without any exception to number of storeys proposed
during process of approval from ULBs/Panchayats, and for
registration under Department of Tourism (through
UTDB/GMVN/KMVN) for operating such tourism services. The State
departments participating in creation of tourism assets/tourism
infrastructure directly (UTDB/GMVN/KMVN) or as an assisting body
(RDD/PWD/RES/UPRNN etc. including for rural areas) must follow the
criteria proposed by NDM Division, MoHA, GoI10 in 2004 for
―Earthquake Prone Areas‖ recommended and reproduced
herewith:
f) Intensities of VII or more on Modified Mercalli or MSK intensity
scale are considered moderate to high areas under seismic
zones III, IV and V as specified in IS 1893. Therefore, all areas in
these three zones will be considered prone to earthquake
hazards.
g) In these zones the areas which have soil conditions and the
level of water table favourable for liquefaction or settlements
under earthquake vibrations will have greater risk to buildings
and structures which will be of special consideration under Land
Use Zoning.
h) Under these zones, those hilly areas which are identified to have
poor slope stability conditions and where landslides could be
triggered by earthquake or where due to prior saturated
conditions, mud flow could be initiated by earthquakes and
10
Volume I Report (Proposed Amendment in Town and Country Planning Legislations; Regulations for Land
Use Zoning; Additional Provisions in Development Control Regulations for Safety; and Additional Provisions
in Building Regulations/Byelaws for Structural Safety–in Natural Hazard Zones in India), NDM Division,
Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, 2004
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where avalanches could be triggered by earthquake will be
specially risk prone.
i) Whereas, earthquake hazard prone areas defined in ‗a‘ above
are identified on the map given in IS 1893 to small scale and
more easily identified in the larger scale state wise maps given
in the Vulnerability Atlas of India, the special risky areas as
defined in ‗b‘ and ‗c‘ above, have to be determined
specifically for the planning area under consideration through
special studies to be carried out by geologists and geo-
technical engineers.
j) If an active fault trace is identified by GSI (Geological Survey of
India), a structure for human occupancy should not be placed
over the fault trace and must be set back by a minimum of 15
m on either side of fault trace.
o The provisions proposed by NDM Division, MoHA, GoI as mentioned-
above in 2004 including for ―Flood Prone Areas‖ are recommended
to be followed in Uttarakhand State (as reproduced herewith):
d) The flood prone areas in river plains (unprotected and
protected by bunds) are indicated in the Flood Atlas of India
prepared by the Central Water Commission and reproduced on
larger scale in the state-wise maps in the Vulnerability Atlas of
India.
e) Besides the above areas, other areas can be flooded under
conditions of heavy intensity rains, inundation in depressions,
backflow in drains, inadequate drainage, failure of protection
works, etc.
f) Whereas, the flood prone areas under ‗a‘ are identified on the
available maps as indicated, the areas under ‗b‘ have to be
identified through local contour survey and study of the flood
history of the planning area. Such studies may be carried out
through Survey of India or local survey teams, and by reference
to the Central Water Commission and the departments of the
State or UT dealing with the floods.
o Since the Uttarakhand State located in the young Himalayan
mountain range, the provisions proposed by NDM Division, MoHA,
GoI as mentioned-above in 2004 including for ―Land Slide Prone
Areas‖ are recommended to be followed in the State (as
reproduced herewith):
d) While it is known that most hilly areas are prone to
landslides/landslips, the susceptibility of the various areas to
landslide varies from very low to very high. Landslide zoning
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naturally requires mapping on large scale. Normally medium
scale of 1:25000 is at least chosen. In preparation of the
landslide zone map, two types of factors are considered
important as listed here below:
2) Geological/Topographic Factors/Parameters
- Lithology
- Geological Structures/Lineaments
- Slope-dip (bedding, joint) relation
- Geomorphology
- Drainage
- Slope angle, slope aspect and slope morphology
- Land use
- Soil texture and depth
- Rock weathering
3) Triggering Factors
- Rainfall
- Earthquake
- Anthropogeny
e) Whereas the factors listed under geological/topographic
parameters have been considered as basic inputs for the
landslide potential model, the three triggering factors namely,
Rainfall, Earthquake and Anthropogeny were considered
external factors which trigger the occurrence of a landslide.
f) Whereas, the landslide prone areas under ‗a‘ are available for
some parts of the country on the maps given in Landslide
Hazard Zonation Mapping in the Himalayas of Uttaranchal and
Himachal Pradesh States using Remote Sensing and GIS
Techniques, published by National Remote Sensing Agency,
Department of Space, Government of India, Hyderabad and
Landslide Hazard Zonation Atlas of India – Landslide Hazard
Maps and Cases Studies prepared by Building Materials &
Technology Promotion Council, Ministry of Urban Development
& Poverty Alleviation, Government of India, the risky areas in
other parts of the country have to be determined specially for
the planning areas under consideration through special studies
to be carried out by the State/UT governments and the
concerned Competent Authorities.
o Mitigation measures need to be considered in land use and site
planning activities. Constructions in hazardous areas like flood plains
or steep soft slopes are more vulnerable to disasters. Necessary
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mitigation measures need to be built into the design and costing of
development projects.
o The provisions proposed by NDM Division, MoHA, GoI as mentioned
above in 2004 including for ―Approach for Land Use Zoning‖ are
recommended to be followed in Uttarakhand State (as reproduced
herewith):
Having identified the hazard prone areas the following alternatives
can be adopted for dealing with the disaster risk problems:
4) Leaving the area unprotected: In this case it will be necessary to
specify Land Use Zoning for various development purposes as
recommended under herein (next four bulleted sub-sections
below).
5) Using protection methods for the areas as a whole or in the
construction of buildings, structures and infrastructure facilities to
cater for the hazard intensities likely in the Planning Area.
6) It will be appropriate to prioritise buildings, structures and
infrastructures in terms of their importance from the point of view
of impact of damage on the socio-economic structure of the
society.
o Prioritisation (recommended as proposed in above-mentioned
NDM Division, MoHA, GoI report in 2004, and as reproduced
herewith):
In regard to Land Use Zoning, different types of buildings and utility
services are grouped under three priorities as indicated below:
Priority 1. Defence installation, industries, public utilities, life line
structures like hospitals, electricity installations, water supply,
telephone exchange, aerodromes and railway stations;
commercial centres, libraries, other buildings or installations with
contents of high economic value.
Priority 2. Public and Semi-public institutions, Government offices,
and residential areas.
Priority 3. Parks, play grounds, wood lands, gardens, green belts,
and recreational areas.
o Land Use Zoning for Flood Safety (recommended as proposed in
above-mentioned NDM Division, MoHA, GoI report in 2004, and as
reproduced herewith):
2) Recommendations for Land Use Zoning of Flood Prone Areas
(a) Preparation of Flood Contour Maps
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The following actions should be taken to prepare the flood
contour maps by taking up special studies/surveys as found
necessary in the Development Area:
v. Prepare detailed contour plan of the area liable to flood
on a scale of 1 in 15000 or larger scale showing contours
at interval of 0.3 to 0.5 metre;
vi. Fix reference river gauges or maximum flood levels due to
heavy rains with respect to which the areas are likely to
be inundated;
vii. Demarcate areas liable to flooding by floods in rivers of
return periods of 5, 25, 50 and 100 years or by excessive
rainfall of return period of 5, 10, 25, and 50 years; and
viii. Mark on the maps the submersion contours for these
flood stages.
(b) Regulation for Land Use Zoning
iv. Installations and Buildings of Priority 1 should be located in
such a fashion that the area is above the levels
corresponding to a 100 year flood or the maximum
observed flood levels, whichever higher. Similarly, they
should also be above the levels corresponding to a 50
year rainfall flooding and the likely submersion due to
drainage congestion;
v. Buildings of Priority 2 should be located outside the 25
year flood or a 10 year rainfall contour, provided that the
buildings if constructed between the 10 and 25 year
contours should have either high plinth level above 25
year flood mark or constructed on columns or stilts, with
ground area left for the unimportant uses;
vi. Activities of Priority 3 viz. play grounds, gardens and parks
etc. can be located in areas vulnerable to frequent
floods.
Note: In natural hazard prone areas identified under the land
use zoning regulations, structures buildings and installations
which cannot be avoided, protective measures for such
construction/development should be properly safeguarded.
o Since Uttarakhand State‘s geographical condition is predominantly
a hilly area, the provisions proposed by NDM Division, MoHA, GoI as
mentioned-above in 2004 for ―Planning in Hill Areas‖ are
recommended to be followed (as reproduced herewith):
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In order to ensure environmentally sound development of hill towns,
the following restrictions and conditions may be proposed for future
activities:
1) An integrated development plan may be prepared taking into
consideration environmental and other relevant factors
including ecologically sensitive areas, hazard prone areas,
drainage channels, steep slopes and fertile land.
2) Water bodies including underground water bodies in water
scares areas should be protected.
3) Where cutting of hill slope in an area causes ecological
damage and slope instability in adjacent areas, such cuttings
shall not be undertaken unless appropriate measures are taken
to avoid or prevent such damages.
4) No construction should be ordinarily undertaken in areas having
slope above 30º or areas which fall in landslide hazard zones or
areas falling on the spring lines and first order streams identified
by the State Government on the basis of available scientific
evidence.
5) Construction may be permitted in areas with slope between 10º
to 30º or spring recharge areas or old landslide zones with such
restrictions as the competent authority may decide.
Advisory Note:
The planning norms & standards provision in USA, wherein the
American Planning Association (APA) having published in 2006 one
of the largest compendium of planning norms & standards titled
―Planning and Urban Design Standards‖ has highlighted a
maximum range of slopes on which physical development is
undertaken in USA ―is often between 5 percent and 10 percent‖
(i.e. equivalent to 2.86º and 5.71º). If a comparison is made, it can
be seen that in this comparison the above-mentioned limits of 10º to
30º (i.e. equivalent to 17.63 percent to 57.73 percent slopes) as
provisioned by NDM Division, MoHA, GoI seem extremely liberal,
and may need to be moderated to lower values for consideration
in a terrain which is well-known for being located in young &
unstable Himalayan mountain range with weak geological
conditions and considering learnings from post-Disaster June 2013
scenario. Thus, keeping in mind the context of Uttarakhand with
reportedly scarce availability of developable land and yet located
in a disaster-prone physical environment, a moderated value of
slopes upto which physical development can be undertaken is
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suggested through this infrastructure development guideline, which
is–maximum slope of 15 percent (i.e. equivalent to 8.53º) in rather
plain areas of Uttarakhand (e.g. Bhabar belt areas), and maximum
slope of 30 percent (i.e. equivalent to 16.70º) in hilly areas, with such
restrictions as the competent authority may decide. It is further
reaffirmed that as emphasised in the said ―Planning and Urban
Design Standards, 2006 (APA)‖ the following must be ensured ―It is
also necessary to know a site‟s slope to design appropriate
vegetation plans to hold soils in place after final grading is
complete. In steeply sloped areas, an erosion control fabric is often
used to retain soils until the vegetation takes hold.‖ Also, as
mentioned elsewhere in this infrastructure development guideline
document the necessary man-made slope stabilisation measures /
mitigation measures towards climate change impact adaptation
have to be duly incorporated in the site planning & design of
physical development located on such graded slopes.
Also, it is equally important to be understood that in general
whenever a construction/reconstruction is undertaken in the long-
term as part of any regular tourism infrastructure development
initiative, it should follow the conventional construction using
traditional material resources and adopting architecture that
retains vernacular design/aesthetics. However, certain exceptions
would be permitted, like in post-Disaster scenarios when with
respect to the needs of rebuilding the tourism infrastructure in the
immediate/short-term for restoring the affected tourism activity and
reviving the tourism economy at the earliest, the following
recommendations for what type of construction may be resorted to
have been made:
FRP structures (hemispherical shaped for very-high altitude with
predominantly snow conditions), while very small-FRP
booths/any other light-weight Pre-fab building units with slightly
sloped roof surface which are easy to assemble & construct
may be permitted for housing environment-friendly single bio-
toilet units (WCs/Urinals) along high-altitude trek routes;
Hybrid Huts and/or LGFS Structures, as felt required, but only with
sloped roof and its pitch meeting the needs of climatic
conditions and its exterior finish/aesthetics meeting the
vernacular architecture needs may be permitted. Such a
construction should be permitted only upto the maximum slope
of 30% in the hilly areas.
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Wherever, concrete foundation is used, the foundation must be
properly designed and should safely support the superstructure
by anchoring the foundation as duly extended to the desired
hard surface/bedrock level as observed in geo-technical
investigation report, or using pile-method as felt required.
Thus, “no construction” whether conventional or otherwise (as
mentioned-above that use modern materials & technology) should
be permitted either above the 30% slope in the hilly areas or in any
low lying areas considered as environmentally-sensitive terrain for
developing any tourism accommodation assets/other tourism
infrastructure that facilitates tourist visitation.
o Regarding the availability of open spaces for use of shelters during
emergency/natural hazard, the provision proposed by NDM
Division, MoHA, GoI as mentioned-above in 2004 for ―Identification
of Open Spaces‖ is recommended to be followed (as reproduced
herewith):
Out of the open spaces ear-marked as district parks,
neighbourhood parks and local parks in the development plan,
zonal plans and local plans, suitable and approachable parks/
open spaces should be identified for the use during the emergency
to provide shelter and relief caused by a natural hazard. Such
pockets should be clearly marked on the city maps.
Similarly, such cases of available open spaces in rural areas if duly
identified, including integration with any provision of helipad and
multi-purpose hall/shelter, shall be clearly marked on the village
revenue map for easy reference during emergency/natural hazard.
o Post-Disaster of June 2013, it has been made aware that two-
directives had been issued that shall be followed (till they are in
effect i.e. unless amended by a new/amended direction issued
from time to time or any withdrawal of such directives or an
exemption is permitted from such directives on case-by-case
basis/any product-specific exemption under a development
project proposal that is treated temporary in nature and does not
invite any permanent habitation at such development site (e.g. for
a disaster preparedness activity like construction / upgradation of
helipads as ‗Temporary Landing Areas‘ used for ―emergency
evacuation, rescue & relief operations,‖ etc.). These are:
Directions passed regarding to ―Loss of Lives-Money due to
Natural Disaster in State, Rescue and Relief Works and
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Reconstruction‖ that ―no permission to be given until G.O. is
issued with regards to any reconstruction on river banks,‖ issued
by Irrigation Section under the authority of Principal Secretary,
Irrigation Department, Government of Uttarakhand vide No.
1973/11-2013-17(12)/2013, dated 03 July 2013; and
Directions passed regarding to ―The Order passed by The High
Court of Uttarakhand at Nainital on Writ Petition (PIL) No. 25 of
2013 stating–The State of Uttarakhand, through its Chief
Secretary, is directed to ensure that, henceforth, no construction
of permanent nature is permitted within 200 meters from the
bank of any flowing river in the State, Order dated 26th August
2013‖ for the implementation of this High Court Order, and issued
by Urban Development Section-2 under the authority of Principal
Secretary, Urban Development Department, Government of
Uttarakhand vide No. 1247/IV(2)-UD-13-38(Court Case)/13, dated
19 September 2013 communicated to Heads of All Nagar Nigams
and Nagar Palika Parishads (NPP)/Nagar Panchayats (NP).
o With regards to the development of any land parcel,
redevelopment, sub-division or building construction, in case of
reconstruction or changes made in remaining part of construction
after demolition of whole of the building or self-sufficient part of
building, and for all parts of the affected building in case of land-
use change, the applicable provisions for byelaws/regulations
would be as per the provisions of the ―Building Construction and
Development Byelaws/Regulations–2011‖ issued by Housing
Section-2 vide No. 2009/V-2011-55(H)/2006-TC, dated 17 November
2011 under the authority of Principal Secretary, Housing
Department, Government of Uttarakhand and communicated to
Development Authority – Dehradun/Haridwar/Tehri (These
Byelaws/Regulations are applicable for all Regulated Areas,
Development Areas & Special Development Areas located in the
State; and areas located outside these in the whole State) and as
amended for above-mentioned respective areas including
applicable master plans/zonal plans/lay-out plans provisions from
time to time; except for the following improved norms & standards
for tourism infrastructure development suggested herewith (as
addition/replacement/revision, as applicable after due deliberation
with concerned stakeholder authorities):
Table 4.1: Recommended Provisions for Tourism Infrastructure Development to
be included in Building Construction and Development Byelaws/Regulations–
2011 for Effective Implementation
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S.
No.
Relevant Clause/
Sub-clause No.
Existing Provision Recommended Provision
1 Volume-1,
Chapter-2, Sub-
clause
2.1.2(2)(7),
second para:
Regarding other
requirements
In hilly areas, the road edges
would be made pucca, and
till the road edges, cover
channel drain would be
constructed so that potential
land-erosion due to seepage
of water can be stopped.
Revise provision as:
In hilly areas, the road carriageway
edges would be protected by
making the road edge supported by
pucca surfaces constructed as per
area/space feasible (on valley side
with hard edge to address both–the
severe risk since drivers can be
tempted to manoeuvre too close to
the edge while passing, believing that
they still have solid ground under their
tires, and for use as pedestrian
pathway; and on hill side as open V-
shaped drain or covered channel
drain so that potential land-erosion
due to seepage of water can be
stopped). The provision of road safety
features of thermoplastic paint
reflective surface marking along road
edges indicating separation of
carriageway / pedestrian pathway or
road-side drain edges; and the
provision of crash-guard rail/masonry
barriers along the valley side as per
actual requirements (i.e. not built only
at sharp curves to protect at the most
dangerous locations), along with
warning & regulatory signage would
be mandatory at the minimum.
2 Volume-1,
Chapter-3,
Clause 3.5,
Regarding hotel,
motel, resorts,
and amusement
park related
requirements
- As part of ensuring that premises
developed under tourism
development purposes have
aesthetic external presentation, add
provision as:
3.5 (6) Along with site plan/premises
layout plan, landscape plan duly
integrated with applicable provisions
of parking and circulation plan shall
be presented as part of development
approval [in conjunction with
provisions under Clause 5.2(II) of
Chapter 5 of these
Byelaws/Regulations], and
compliance of provisions of such
approved landscape plan shall be a
pre-requisite criterion for issuing an
approval.
3 Section 3, Clause
3.6, Regarding
hostel / boarding
/ guest house /
lodging house /
- As part of ensuring that premises
developed under tourism
development purposes have
aesthetic external presentation, add
provision as:
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S.
No.
Relevant Clause/
Sub-clause No.
Existing Provision Recommended Provision
dharamshala /
inn related
requirements
3.6 (5) Along with site plan/premises
layout plan, landscape plan duly
integrated with applicable provisions
of parking and circulation plan shall
be presented as part of development
approval [in conjunction with
provisions under Clause 5.2(II) of
Chapter 5 of these
Byelaws/Regulations], and
compliance of provisions of such
approved landscape plan shall be a
pre-requisite criterion for issuing an
Occupancy Certificate.
4 Annexure-1,
Standards for
providing
facilities for
physically
handicapped
persons, Clause
3:
3.2 (a) Surface parking for
two car spaces shall be
provided near entrance for
the physically handicapped
persons with maximum travel
distance of 30 meters from
building entrance.
3.2 (c) The information stating
that the space is reserved for
wheel chair users shall be
conspicuously displayed.
It is recommended to adopt the
minimum number of car parking
spaces as the higher value amongst
the provision as per ―Guidelines and
Space Standards for Barrier-Free Built-
Environment for Disabled and Elderly
Persons, 1998,‖ CPWD, MoUAE, GoI
under ―Parking‖ and as per one of
the international best practices‘ i.e.
provisions made in the ―2010 ADA
Standards for Accessible Design‖
issued by Department of Justice, USA,
Clause & Table 208.2 ―Minimum
Number‖ and Clause 502.5 ―Vertical
Clearance‖ are recommended to be
adopted/suitably adapted, and add
provision as:
3.2 (a-1) Minimum numbers of car
parking spaces shall be provided in
accordance with table below. Where
more than one parking facility is
provided on a site, the number of
accessible parking spaces provided
on the site shall be calculated
according to the number of spaces
required for each parking facility. The
required number is not to be based
on the total number of parking
spaces provided in all of the parking
facilities provided on the site.
Parking Spaces
Total Number of
Parking Spaces
Provided in
Parking Facility
Minimum Number
of Required
Accessible Parking
Spaces
1 to 25 1
26 to 50 2
51 to 75 3
76 to 100 4
101 to 150 5
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S.
No.
Relevant Clause/
Sub-clause No.
Existing Provision Recommended Provision
151 to 200 6
201 to 300 7
301 to 400 8
401 to 500 9
501 to 1000 2 percent of total
1001 and over
20, plus 1 for each
100, or fraction
thereof, over 1000
Note: Adopt the minimum number of
car parking spaces as the higher
value amongst the provision made
above in (a) and (a-1). This minimum
number of car parking spaces
criterion would be applicable for all
the parking areas developed under
these Byelaws/Regulations.
Vertical clearance at accessible
parking spaces and access aisles and
vehicular routes serving them shall
provide a vertical clearance of 2400
mm minimum [in conjunction with
provisions under Clause 2.1.4(1) of
Section 2, and Clause 3.11 of Section
3 of these Byelaws/Regulations].
In addition it is recommended to
revise the Clause 3.2 (c), Annexure-1
with an added provision, and replace
existing provision as:
3.2 (c) The information stating that the
space is reserved for wheel chair users
shall be conspicuously displayed.
And, such signs shall be so located
that they cannot be obscured by a
vehicle parked in the space.
5 Annexure-1,
Clause 4,
Standards for
providing
facilities for
physically
handicapped
persons
4.1.1 Ramped Approach:
Ramp shall be finished with
non-slip material to enter the
building. Minimum width of
ramp shall be 1800 mm with
maximum gradient 1:12,
length of ramp shall not
exceed 9.0 meter having 600
mm high hand rail on both
sides extending 300 mm
beyond top and bottom of
the ramp. Minimum gap from
the adjacent wall to the
hand rail shall be 50 mm.
4.1.2 Stepped Approach: For
stepped approach size of
tread shall not be less than
300 mm and maximum riser
shall be 140 mm. Provision of
Revise the provision as per
―Guidelines and Space Standards for
Barrier-Free Built-Environment for
Disabled and Elderly Persons, 1998,‖
CPWD, MoUAE, GoI, and replace
existing provision as:
4.1.1 Ramped Approach: Ramp shall
be finished with non-slip material to
enter the building. Minimum width of
ramp shall be 1800 mm with
maximum gradient 1:12, length of
ramp shall not exceed 9.0 meter
having 800 mm high hand rail on both
sides extending 300 mm beyond top
and bottom of the ramp. Minimum
gap from the adjacent wall to the
hand rail shall be 50 mm.
4.1.2 Stepped Approach: For stepped
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S.
No.
Relevant Clause/
Sub-clause No.
Existing Provision Recommended Provision
300 mm high hand rail on
both sides of the stepped
approach similar to the
ramped approach.
approach size of tread shall not be
less than 300 mm and maximum riser
shall be 150 mm Provision of 800 mm
high hand rail on both sides of the
stepped approach similar to the
ramped approach.
6 Annexure-1,
Clause 4,
Standards for
providing
facilities for
physically
handicapped
persons:
Regarding
proper
communication
signage
Signs should be designed and
located so that they are
easily legible by using suitable
letter size (not less than 20
mm high). For visually
impaired persons, information
board in braille should be
installed on the wall at a
suitable height and it should
be possible to approach
them closely. To ensure safe
walking there should not be
any protruding sign which
creates obstruction in
walking. Public Address
System may also be provided
in busy public areas.
It is recommended that as per the
provision under ―Guidelines and
Space Standards for Barrier-Free Built-
Environment for Disabled and Elderly
Persons, 1998,‖ CPWD, MoUAE, GoI (in
conjunction with the graphic
illustration under Entrance/Exit Door
section on Page 34) and as per one
of the international best practices‘ i.e.
provisions made in the ―2010 ADA
Standards for Accessible Design‖
issued by Department of Justice, USA,
Clause 703.4/Sub-clauses & Figures
703.4.1 & 703.4.2, and Clause
703.6/Sub-clauses 703.6.1 (including
Figure) to 703.6.3 are recommended
to be adopted/suitably adapted,
and revise the existing provision as:
Signs should be designed and
located so that they are easily legible
by using suitable letter size (not less
than 20 mm high). For visually
impaired persons, information board in braille*/** should be installed on the
wall at a suitable height and it should
be possible to approach them
closely.
*Installation Height and Location: Signs
with tactile characters shall comply with
provisions made herewith:
(i) Height above Finish Floor or Ground:
Tactile characters on signs shall be
located 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum
above the finish floor or ground surface,
measured from the baseline of the lowest
tactile character and 60 inches (1525
mm) maximum above the finish floor or
ground surface, measured from the
baseline of the highest tactile character.
Exception: Tactile characters for elevator
car controls shall not be required to
comply with this provision made above.
(ii) Location: Where a tactile sign is
provided at a door, the sign shall be
located alongside the door at the latch
side. Where a tactile sign is provided at
double doors with one active leaf, the
sign shall be located on the inactive leaf.
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S.
No.
Relevant Clause/
Sub-clause No.
Existing Provision Recommended Provision
Where a tactile sign is provided at double
doors with two active leafs, the sign shall
be located to the right of the right hand
door. Where there is no wall space at the
latch side of a single door or at the right
side of double doors, signs shall be
located on the nearest adjacent wall.
Signs containing tactile characters shall
be located so that a clear floor space of
18 inches (455 mm) minimum by 18 inches
(455 mm) minimum, centered on the
tactile characters, is provided beyond the
arc of any door swing between the
closed position and 45 degree open
position.
Exception: Signs with tactile characters
shall be permitted on the push side of
doors with closers and without hold-open
devices.
** Pictograms: Pictograms shall comply
with provisions made herewith:
(i) Pictogram Field: Pictograms shall have
a field height of 6 inches (150 mm)
minimum. Characters and braille shall not
be located in the pictogram field.
(ii) Finish and Contrast: Pictograms and
their field shall have a non-glare finish.
Pictograms shall contrast with their field
with either a light pictogram on a dark
field or a dark pictogram on a light field.
Note: Signs are more legible for persons
with low vision when characters contrast
as much as possible with their
background. Additional factors affecting
the ease with which the text can be
distinguished from its background include
shadows cast by lighting sources, surface
glare, and the uniformity of the text and
background colours and textures.
(iii) Text Descriptors: Pictograms shall have
text descriptors located directly below the
pictogram field, as per applicable
standards for Braille Signs [Braille shall be
contracted (Grade 2)], including
specifications for raised characters, and
above mentioned installation height and
location requirements.
To ensure safe walking there should
not be any protruding sign which
creates obstruction in walking. Public
Address System may also be provided
in busy public areas.
For any planning norms & standards not covered in the above-
mentioned bye-laws/regulations, the provisions of UDPFI Guidelines,
1996 of MoUAE, GoI/Model Building Byelaws of TCPO including any
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amendments proposed by National Disaster Management Division,
MoHA, GoI. While, for any building design standards not covered in
the above-mentioned byelaws/regulations, the provisions of latest
applicable edition(s) of National Building Code (NBC)/IS Codes of
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) shall be followed as mentioned
earlier.
o Improvement in Built-Environment: A successful ecotourism strategy
needs to be supported by a presentable, safe and attractive built-
environment, especially in those towns designated as gateways to
undertaking ecotourism in surrounding natural areas (these notably
include Dehradun and Nainital) or in urban areas which display
authentic culture, and in all smaller towns and villages that have
been earmarked as having gateway functions (for example where
interpretation facilities are recommended). The quality of the urban
environment at present can be seen as seriously deficient in
appearance, safety and hygiene. It is important therefore that
environmental improvements be undertaken in these towns. As well
as cleaning up the environment this would help encourage
investment, persuade tourists to spend more time in the urban area
and lead to a healthier environment for residents and visitors alike.
(Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008)
For example, an attempt must be made for the streetscape to be
drastically improved/retrofitted duly with barrier-free friendly built-
environment compliances, provision of raised crosswalks with
surface marked for junctions of narrow streets (that would increase
safety at such intersections and reduce noise pollution that
happens currently due to incessant use of horns), landscaping,
covered drainage, a range of standard signage,
warning/regulatory signs along with other traffic management
measures, etc. with high quality surface finishing, as best feasible
within the available right-of-way (ROW) meeting the international
best practice of ―Complete Streets‖ concept, and ultimately
providing picture postcard i.e. highly aesthetic visual appearances
of the built-environment.
o Ensure adequate capacity building is available for proper
maintenance of the physical infrastructure, so that it operates well
during the applicable tourism seasons and does not cause
inconvenience to visitors in the difficult Himalayan terrain.
o Ensure budgets for new infrastructure include adequate funds for
maintenance and upkeep, towards operational sustenance of such
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infrastructure. For tourism accommodation assets ensure proper
tariff, food charges, etc. are arrived at, keeping in mind the capital
investment, recurring costs, occupancy rates, horizon period
considered for EIRR viability when the tourism development project
proposal was approved, tourism growth rates, etc. Encourage and
ensure that proper cost recovery mechanisms be in place for set of
tourism infrastructure created for supporting destinations/tourism
accommodation assets e.g. an amenity charge for cluster of
facilities at one place or a user charge for a single facility enroute,
etc. This is recommended in general to inculcate the feeling of
participation of users for respect to properly use such facilities for
their longevity and to keep operation & maintenance of such
facilities financially sustainable, as far as possible.
o The use of earthquake resistant technology and techniques in
construction of buildings, and use of local materials will be
promoted and encouraged. (Tourism Policy of State of
Uttarakhand, UTDB, 2007)
o It is generally understood that in the historical times, the structures
for habitation in the Himalayan region were built in wood etc. which
was lighter in terms of putting load on the Himalayan terrain (well
known for its unstable terrain/weak geological conditions/being
earthquake prone) as well as wood offered elasto-plastic properties
to safely bear structural movement due to any earthquake/high
wind pressure, the structure having placed on a strong foundation
that was resting on hard rock/extended upto bedrock, and thus
structurally it was a stable habitat expected to last fairly long, and
having for proper solar orientation the placement of functional
spaces of living areas/kitchen to south-east direction ensured
proper day-lighting & ventilation and thus overall presence of
healthy living environment. In the present times with the need of
natural resource conservation (although use of timber made
available through Uttarakhand Forest Development Corporation
can be encouraged with such produce being available as regular
forestry produce/as re-forestry cultivated produce, to strengthen
the culture of conservation and reuse of natural resources for a
sustainable human habitat development), with constraints of
finding large-size flat land parcels emphasised often, development
practices now have also to be thought using other modern
materials/technology that are not only light on a base of
earthquake resistant foundation/slope stabilization measures/with
other supporting mitigation measures, yet allow vertical
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development upto 2-3 storeys, that albeit are environment-friendly
in their composition/thermal properties/later removal & disposal
after their design life-cycle period is over with minimal/no
environmental pollution, and also offer the flexibility of having
finishing textures representing construction in natural materials with
much higher standardisation yet with low maintenance
requirements, and thus still being compliant as best as possible with
requirements of vernacular/hill architectural designs. Such light-
weight, yet strong structures, build-in modular fashion and with as
required size of wall panels, also offer the flexibility of pre-fabrication
ex-situ in manufacturing facilities (which facilitates in reducing
construction duration for each structure compared to conventional
construction requirements), and ease of transportation,
assembly/dis-assembly & re-installation if any, as felt required.
This guideline thus, recommends and incorporates the work already
being undertaken through the use of materials & methods of light-
weight/environment-friendly/time-saving construction with modular
layout flexibility/etc. which also allows to achieve higher standards
of uniform quality & surface finishing even in construction of
buildings for ordinary use viz. pre-engineered building (PEB)/pre-
fabricated (Pre-fab) building systems for tourism sector
reconstruction like, use of FRP & Hybrid Huts and LGFS Structures for
providing tourism accommodation, meditation/yoga center, night
shelters, etc. under UEAP‟s post-disaster reconstruction works, as
one of the best practices for development in the difficult Himalayan
terrain with limited land parcels available for development for
rebuilding tourism assets /restoring damaged infrastructure in the
immediate/short-term in post-Disaster scenario.
However, at no time even if making such construction using
PEB/Pre-fab systems the importance of the following basic/minimum
steps shall be ignored, i.e. (i) safe siting of a project proposal with
necessary slope stabilization measures/mitigation measures
wherever required duly assessed and provisioned, (ii) undertaking
necessary basic surveys & investigations viz. topographical surveys
and geo-technical investigations to make site-specific designs and
project cost estimation, and (iii) earthquake-resistant foundation &
structure frame for design including adequate strength for wind
pressure on walls with proper locking of wall panels, roof etc.). The
intent shall remain at all times to create safe assets in the first place
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that do not put/invite lives at risk when being present at tourist
sites/destination due to availability of such tourism infrastructure.
o Road/Pavement Strengthening
The approach/methodology for investigating/understanding the
pavement failure is suggested to be as follows:
Field Investigation: Pits of neat/formal shape and necessary
depth are to be made at the problematic area or patch of
road. Samples of earth at required levels and other materials of
road crust at each component layer are to be taken. Condition
of sub-surface drainage is to be examined. CBR values of soils
(soaked and unsoaked state), sub-grade and sub-
base/drainage layer (i.e. granular sub-base) if applicable, are
to be found out. If CBR value is very less (i.e. less than 3) then
special soil treatment should be carried out. Special soil
treatment is also required for slushy soil. Also, the ageing and
oxidation of bituminous films lead to deterioration of bituminous
pavements.
The localized settlement of any one of the component layer of
the flexible pavement structure could be enough to cause
pavement failure. This demands that each one of the layers
should be carefully redesigned and laid. To design remedial
measures for road pavement failure when confirmed after
detailed investigation, it may be required to understand the
reasons of failure at each layer level.
Failure in Sub-grade: One of the prime causes of flexible
pavement failure is excessive deformation in sub-grade soil,
leading to settlement/depressions. Some remedial measures,
like to remove extremely bad part of soil/slushy soil and to
lay new layers with selected soil having higher CBR value
(i.e. more than 6), and if required to lay second layer of sub-
base (granular material of CBR value more than 15) on the
sub-grade followed by granular sub-base (i.e. drainage
layer). In case, the soil below sub-grade is found to be very
poor (i.e. less than 3) then some soil treatment like lime-soil or
cement-soil treatment may be required. The thickness of
these layers shall be as per design parameters defined w.r.t.
CBR values. Also, in addition an underground drainage
system may be required.
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Also, apart from inherent weakness of the soil itself (i.e. low
CBR value) the reason of inadequate stability may be due
to improper compaction or excessive moisture. If pavement
improvement is required in small patches and for which
regular rolling/compaction equipment suitable for each
layer would not be feasible to be used, then suitable small-
sized equipment like plate vibrators/compactors could be
thought off. In any case, it is essential to check compaction
at each layer of any earth filling, sub-grade, sub-base, base
courses by carrying out field density tests to check
compliance with minimum Procter Density/Maximum Dry
Density (MDD) levels. Moisture contents of soil are also to be
checked at the time of compaction of each layer of earth if
any/sub-grade and corrective step if there is deficiency in
test results is to be taken.
Failure in Sub-base/Base Courses: The following types of sub-
base/base course failures may be applicable (to be
confirmed during detailed investigation):
Inadequate thickness or poor mix proportioning are the
main reasons for lack of stability or strength of the sub-
base/base course layer. Soft varieties of stone aggregates
also make the base course layer weak, and thus impact test
is very important in this regard with impact value must be
within 30. Proper tests on stone aggregates (i.e. correct
sampling and testing with properly calibrated test machines)
and random checks by a senior engineer are important.
Due to internal movements of aggregates in sub-base/base
course layers under repeated stress applications, the
composite structure of the layers gets disturbed, which may
lead to loosening of the total mass, formation of cracks on
the bituminous surface and loss of overall binding action,
resulting in low stability. Hence it is required to use crushed
stone aggregates (instead of hand broken stone metal or
river washed stones), to carry out proper dry rolling of WBM
for interlocking, followed by wet rolling till the slurry surfaces
up which when dried is to be properly scrapped before
laying next layer. Also, for WBM, the good quality binding
material (i.e. having Plasticity Index value less than 6) is to be
used.
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Wherever wearing course has been damaged, there is
possibility of water (on account of climatic variations mainly
rains and frost action, or even water supply
leakages/overflows) getting percolated to the base course,
which may also be a cause for loosening of the mass of
road crust and subsequent loss of binding action. As
upgradation of technology, the use of ―micro-surfacing‖
could be adopted for proper wearing course improvement,
which is said to be very effective if cracks have developed
on the existing bituminous surface or if disintegration of road
surface has occurred. The grade of micro-surfacing to be
chosen as needed is from Type-I Light Grade (thickness of
mat is about 2-3 mm), Type-II Medium Grade (5-7 mm thick),
and Type-III Heavy Grade (about 8 mm thick). Type-I is
applied when initial stage of cracks (i.e. fine cracks) begin
to appear, and thus is good for preventive maintenance
work so that cracks do not develop further, water does not
penetrate road surface and damage the road crust.
However, few important points need to be kept in mind that:
laying new bituminous concrete wearing course and micro-
surfacing together is not recommended as it is not
economical; laying of micro-surfacing shall not be
undertaken if air temperature is below 10 0C and when it is
raining; shall be undertaken when the surface is cleaned &
prepared properly after milling/scraping out to the next
base layer of bituminous macadam/cement concrete (like
surface of cross-drainage works).
Failure of wearing course is observed due to lack of proper
―mix design,‖ and inferior type of binder also results in a poor
bituminous surfacing. Besides the design aspect, the
bituminous construction requires a high degree of quality
control since over or under quantity of binders are both
greatly damaging to the resulting paving mix, including
temperature controls. Volatilization and oxidation of binder
also make the bituminous surfacing brittle and cause cracks
on the pavement surface, which if not remedied further
allows water seepage if any that would harm the layers
underneath. Thus, special care needs to be taken to carry
out mix design of bituminous pavement mix correctly and
strictly as per technical specifications; and quality control i.e.
skilled workmanship, temperature control during laying mix
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at site and its rolling/compaction immediately thereafter
before cooling of mix, are to be ensured.
Lack of proper binding with lower layer means a situation
where surface course is not keyed / bound with the
underlying base, which leads to slipping and opening up
and loss of pavement materials. This condition may get more
pronounced when the tack coat in between two-layers is
lacking. As a remedial measure, it is required to scrap the
old bituminous surface of the damaged road patch in a
neat/formal shape before laying any new WBM layer and
also to spray bitumen tack coat of required quantity
uniformly in hot condition.
Thus, many failures, mainly structural failures of road
pavement, are attributed due to use of inferior materials.
Some materials may exhibit satisfactory characteristics
initially, but may show rapid deterioration due to
weathering. Hence, as mentioned earlier, it is essential to
carry out various tests of all paving materials (e.g. at the
minimum-the shape tests covering elongation & flakiness
index and angularity number for each Grade of metal,
aggregate impact test & crushing value, and bitumen
ductility test for satisfactory binder performance), with
correct sampling, proper testing using properly calibrated
testing machines, random checking by senior engineer, and
also some tests should be undertaken through
certified/reputed outside laboratory/independent authority
(like an engineering college) using confidential code
number of samples of materials and not mentioning the
name of work/source of samples etc.
As mentioned earlier, it can be summarized that depending
upon the failure of a given layer, the flexible pavement (either
road crust or up to sub-grade) would be reconstructed in a
neat/formal shape of patch or stretch right from the defective
base level (as international best practice), after carrying out
field investigation by excavating pits and taking samples of
materials as well as soil and carrying out the requisite tests. Since
the above factors are advised to be carefully observed in
replacement of defective layers, the road pavement
patch/stretch so constructed may offer not only pavement
durability but also better riding quality.
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o And last, but not the least is the emphasis to ensure that due
diligence to proper detailing in a DPR is done with respect to the
drawings including specifications illustrative of what higher
standards of uniform quality and surface finishing are proposed to
be achieved for proper realisation of performance objectives when
implementing tourism development projects–be it the site planning
first for accommodating built-footprint appropriately having been
duly integrated with topographic contours including slope
stabilization measures/access ways/landscaping, then a building
asset in vernacular architecture above-ground, or access through
trek routes–proper streetscape with street furniture and street-level
& site-specific signage/helipad for access & disaster preparedness–
both cases built-on surface duly integrated with landscaping
details, or other utility infrastructure laid appropriately below the
ground, etc.
Environmental Requirements
o The fundamental responsibility of GoI of protecting and improving
the environment of India is enshrined in the Article of the Indian
Constitution. These articles provide that the State will protect and
improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife of the
country; and every citizen is bound to protect and improve the
natural environment and to have compassion for living creatures.
o The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) is the prime
regulatory body of GoI for formulating environmental policies, laws
and rules.
o The primary legislations governing environmental assessment of
projects in India is the Environment (Protection) Act (No. 29 of 1986)
and rules and notifications issued thereunder. Several other
legislations govern the protection of natural resources and
clearance requirements on projects and activities that have a
bearing on such resources. These legislations include (but are not
limited to) the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
as amended; the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess
(amendment) Act (No. 19 of 2003) as amended; the Air (Prevention
and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 as amended; The Wildlife
(Protection) Act 1972 as amended; The Wildlife (Protection)
Amendment Act (No. 16 of 2003) as amended; the Forest
(Conservation) Act 1980 as amended, the Forest (Conservation)
Rules, 1981 as amended; the Biological Diversity Act (No. 18 of 2013)
as amended; the Costal Regulation Zone Notification of 2011 as
amended; and the Nosie Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules,
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2000 as amended. Apart from these, there are technical guidelines
and specifications issued by different ministries such as
Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines for Rail, Road &
Highway Projects, 1989; and the Indian Road Congress Guidelines
for Environmental Impact Assessment (IRC: 104-1988) of highway
projects. Similarly there are technical Manuals on water supply and
treatment issued by the Central Public Health and Environmental
Engineering Organisation (CPHEEP). There are several important
standards for drinking water, discharge of wastewater, air emission,
and noise levels. The environmental assessment review for any
development activity will address the requirements of applicable
acts, rules, notifications and standards referred.
o The provisions made in the Environment Impact Assessment
Notification issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests,
Government of India, S.O. 1533 (E) dated 14th September 2006
including its amendment vide S.O. 3067 (E) dated 1st December
2009 shall be followed in general, but specifically the following
paras and SCHEDULE shall govern the requirements of prior
environmental clearance with regards to environmental
considerations/impacts in any building construction/development
proposals falling under Category ‗A‘ & ‗B‘ over and above any
provisions made in the Building Construction and Development
Byelaws/Regulations–2011 applicable in Uttarakhand State [except
for lower built-up area cases–from > 7,000 sqm (considering the
development level of cluster–level scheme onwards starting from >
2.0 ha with maximum ground coverage of 35%) to < 20,000 sqm,
wherein it is hereby suggested that in the interest of an appropriate
quality of spatial development to take place even at such a mid-
level development scale, the prior environmental clearance shall
be obtained from State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) which in
Uttarakhand context is UEPPCB, including for any specific-tourism
infrastructure project types as per Check-lists issued by UTDB for
compliance when seeking permissions/approvals of Department of
Tourism through UTDB, and/or GMVN/KMVN as applicable]:
Para 2, Requirements of Prior Environmental Clearance (EC): The
following projects or activities shall require prior environmental
clearance from the concerned regulatory authority, which shall
hereinafter referred to be as the Central Government in the
Ministry of Environment and Forests for matters falling under
Category ‗A‘ in the Schedule and at State level the State
Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) for matters
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falling under Category ‗B‘ in the said Schedule, before any
construction work, or preparation of land by the project
management except for securing the land, is started on the
project or activity:
(i) All new projects or activities listed in the Schedule to this
notification;
(ii) Expansion and modernization of existing projects or activities
listed in the Schedule to this notification with addition of
capacity beyond the limits specified for the concerned
sector, that is, projects or activities which cross the threshold
limits given in the Schedule, after expansion or
modernization; and
(iii) Any change in product-mix in an existing manufacturing unit
included in Schedule beyond the specified range.
Para 4, Categorization of Projects and Activities:
(i) All projects and activities are broadly categorized in to two
categories - Category ‗A‘ and Category ‗B‘, based on the
spatial extent of potential impacts and potential impacts on
human health and natural and man-made resources;
(ii) All projects or activities included as Category ‗A‘ in the
Schedule, including expansion and modernization of existing
projects or activities and change in product mix, shall
require prior environmental clearance from the Central
Government in the Ministry of Environment and Forests
(MoEF) on the recommendations of an Expert Appraisal
Committee (EAC) to be constituted by the Central
Government for the purposes of this notification; and
(iii) All projects or activities included as Category ‗B‘ in the
Schedule, including expansion and modernization of existing
projects or activities as specified in sub paragraph (ii) of
paragraph 2, or change in product mix as specified in sub
paragraph (iii) of paragraph 2, but excluding those which
fulfil the General Conditions (GC) stipulated in the Schedule,
will require prior environmental clearance from the
State/Union territory Environment Impact Assessment
Authority (SEIAA). The SEIAA shall base its decision on the
recommendations of a State or Union territory level Expert
Appraisal Committee (SEAC) as to be constituted for in this
notification. In the absence of a duly constituted SEIAA or
SEAC, a Category ‗B‘ project shall be considered at the
Central Level as a Category ‗B‘ project.
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SCHEDULE: List of Projects or Activities requiring Prior
Environmental Clearance
Project or Activity Category with Threshold Limit Conditions, if any
„A‟ „B‟
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
7 Physical Infrastructure including Environmental Services
7 (f) Highways i) New National
Highways; and
ii) Expansion of
National Highways
greater than 30 km,
involving additional
right of way
greater than 20m
involving land
acquisition and
passing through
more than one
State.
i) All State
Highway projects;
and
ii) State Highway
expansion
projects in hilly
terrain (above
1,000 m AMSL)
and/or
ecologically
sensitive areas.
General condition shall
apply.
Note: Highways
include expressways.
7(g) Aerial ropeways (i) All projects
located at altitude
of 1,000 mtr. and
above.
(ii) All projects
located in notified
ecologically
sensitive areas.
All projects
except those
covered in
column (3).
General condition shall
apply.
7 (h) Common Effluent
Treatment Plants
(CETPs)
All projects. General condition shall
apply.
7 (i) Common Municipal
Solid Waste
Management
Facility (CMSWMF)
All projects. General condition shall
apply.
8 Building/Construction Projects/Area Development Projects and Townships
8 (a) Building and
Construction
projects
> 20,000 sq.mtrs
and < 1,50,000
sq.mtrs. of built-up
area.#
#(built-up area for
covered construction;
in the case of facilities
open to the sky, it will
be the activity area).
8 (b) Townships and Area
Development
project
Covering an area
> 50 ha and/or
built-up area >
1,50,000 sq.mtrs.++
++All projects under
Item 8(b) shall be
appraised as Category
B1.
Source: Notification dated 14th September 2006, MoEF, GoI
Note:
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The projects requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment
report shall be termed Category ‗B1.‘
General Condition (GC):
Any project or activity specified in Category ‗B‘ will be treated
as Category ‗A,‘ if located in whole or in part within 10 km from
the boundary of: (i) Protected Areas notified under the Wild Life
(Protection) Act, 1972, (ii) Critically Polluted areas as notified by
the Central Pollution Control Board from time to time, (iii) Eco-
sensitive areas as notified under Section 3 of the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986 such as, Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani,
Matheran, Pachmarhi, Dahanu, and Doon Valley, and (iv) inter-
State boundaries and international boundaries:
Provided that the requirement regarding distance of 10 km of
the inter-State boundaries can be reduced or completely done
away with by an agreement between the respective States or
UTs sharing the common boundary in case the activity does not
fall within 10 kilometers of the areas mentioned at item (i), (ii)
and (iii) above.
Environment Management Plan for post environmental
clearance monitoring shall be followed.
Advisory Note:
In case of Multilateral Funding Institution-assisted projects such as
ADB, the Policy Paper of ADB titled ―Safeguard Policy Statement,‖
June 2009 (or as amended from to time) currently makes provisions
under Appendix 1, ―Safeguards Requirement 1: Environment, D.
Requirements, 1. Environmental Assessment, para 9‖ as ―Depending
on the significance of project impacts and risks, the assessment
may comprise a full-scale environmental impact assessment (EIA)
for category A projects, an initial environmental examination (IEE) or
equivalent process for category B projects, or a desk review.‖
Thus, with regards to the monitoring and mitigation measures
required under each sub-project assisted by ADB, the prescribed
Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) shall be
followed which is a part of the Initial Environmental Examination
(IEE) conducted by the Executing/Implementing Agency (EA/IA)
and approval obtained from ADB prior to award of any contract(s)
for each sub-project. The EMMP is also a mandatory part of the
Bid/Contract Document such an ADB-assisted project.
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o As per ―Guidance document for taking up non-forestry activities in
wildlife habitats‖ issued by the Office of the Deputy Inspector
General of Forests (WL), MoEF, GoI vide F. No. 6-10/2011 WL dated
19 December 2012 for National Board of Wildlife (NBWL)
Clearances, mandatorily follow the provisions made therein, e.g.
for:
Activities inside–Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks, Tiger
Reserves, Conservation Reserves. For example:
―As per the proviso under Section 33 (a), no construction of
commercial tourist lodges, hotels, zoos and safari parks can be
undertaken inside a Sanctuary or National Park except with prior
approval of the Standing Committee of NBWL.‖
Activities in areas other than protected areas:
Activities within 10 kms from the boundaries of National Parks
and Wildlife Sanctuaries:
―In pursuance to the order of Hon'ble Supreme Court dated
4th December 2006 in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 460/2004, in
case any project requiring Environmental Clearance, is
located within the eco-sensitive zone around a Wildlife
Sanctuary or National Park or in absence of delineation of
such a zone, within a distance of 10 kms from its boundaries,
the User Agency/Project Proponent is required to obtain
recommendations of the Standing Committee of NBWL.‖
Activities within areas connecting the Tiger Reserves, notified
by the NTCA for controlling the land use as per Section 38 O
(g) of The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:
―Section 38 O (g) of The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
entrusts the responsibility to NTCA to ensure that areas
connecting Tiger habitats are not diverted for ecologically
unsustainable habitats except in public interest and with the
approval of NBWL. Proposals for any activities in such areas
duly notified by NTCA, and recommended by it in
accordance with these provisions, to be covered under
such regulation will be permitted only after seeking
recommendations of the Standing Committee of NBWL.
Violation of this provision is required to be dealt with by the
NTCA.‖
In case any kind of survey work and/or Environment Impact
Assessment (EIA) studies, that is a prelude to future diversion of
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land, are to be taken up in areas involving a wildlife habitat,
then also the entire procedure, as prescribed in paragraph 4
above (of this “Guidance document for taking up non-forestry
activities in wildlife habitats”, ICUN, 2001) would need to be
followed.
o MoEF vide its communication F. No. 5-3/2007-FC dated 14 May 2010
under Subject ―Clarification regarding the construction of
permanent structures for Eco-Tourism in the forest areas‖ has clearly
stated that “… the matter has been examined in the Ministry and
the Eco-tourism is regarded as non-forest activity. As such taking up
of non-forest activity including permanent structures amounts to
violation of the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.”
This normally means that only temporary tourism facilities like
camping tents pitched on ground etc. would be permissible (i.e.
facilities without any pucca base, as any pucca base/plinth of
even 6‘‘ would be treated as permanent structure and thereby
would be a violation as per the said Act). Thus, it is necessary that
any Department that makes such project proposals of ecotourism in
forest areas and/or improvement of trek routes & tourism
infrastructure along trek routes shall be cautious, and make project
proposals that invite need-based minimal interventions in
conjunction with carrying capacity perspective, and whatever
intervention is chosen for implementation it shall be only those that
are eco-friendly in nature during the construction as well as during
their life cycle.
o As per Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO,
2008 a recommendation on preparing & implementing a Tourism
and Environmental Management Plan (TEMP) inclusive of an
integrated transportation plan for wider Johar Valley is presented
with the intent of the Guiding Principles being that ―the purpose of
the TEMP is …… to increase sustainable tourism flows in the area
through better co-ordination between agencies, environmental
management and adherence to carrying capacities,‖ and the
same shall be continued for immediate implementation for each of
other valley zones in the 7-Tourism Zones identified in the said Master
Plan. The benefits which the TEMP aspires to in the said Master Plan,
are summarised as:
Environmental: protecting sensitive areas at risk from
development or excessive tourism flows, and achieving a
balanced distribution of tourists which also enhance the value
of natural areas through eco-tourism;
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Social: ensuring that traditional livelihoods such as agriculture,
production of local products and other distinctive cultural
features are sustained and strengthened by tourism; and
Economic: introducing new sustainable forms of tourism in areas
currently isolated from tourism and facilitating higher value
products to provide local communities opportunity to
participate directly or indirectly in tourism.
o The guiding principles when preparing a tourism and environmental
management plans, as provisioned in the Uttarakhand Tourism
Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008, shall be continued further
as a best practice in general, when planning for the tourism
development in such eco-sensitive areas, viz.:
Good land management is a prerequisite to increasing
ecotourism and ensuring that more people can visit mountains
and forests in a sustainable and responsible manner. If more
people visit natural areas without damaging the environment
considerable economic benefits can be derived, which if wisely
managed, can also contribute to the conservation and
enhancement of the area. It follows therefore that any
development, tourism or otherwise must be compliant to the
wider objective of conservation and enhancement of the
natural environment. This will comply with the overall
conservation policies of the Forest Department although
departing from these in occasional circumstance where limited
and fully sustainable access into forest areas is deemed
desirable.
A beautiful and pristine environment need not be hidden or shut
away from visitors for the sake of conservation. On the other
hand it should be protected from unsustainable practices or
human influences that cause permanent damage to its
landscape, biodiversity and geo-diversity and/or detracts from
the quality of life of its residents. Good management of visitor
access into the area and the sustainable movement of tourists
within it, are essential to allow a maximum number of people to
enjoy the special qualities of the environment, contribute to its
conservation and enhancement, and provide socio-economic
benefits to local people.
Everyone living in, working in and visiting the valley areas should
take pride in its environment and understand the need for its
conservation and enhancement. In this respect all relevant
authorities and public bodies having authority in the area must
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take collective responsibilities towards its planning. This means
working in partnership with local residents, visitors and all actors
involved in the planning and use of land resources of the area,
including the Forest Department, Rural Development
Department, Public Works Department, Irrigation Department,
telecom communication companies and local government
departments responsible for local works (i.e. all actors that bear
an influence on the valley‘s land use and landscape). Actors
may also include NGOs, international donor agencies and the
private sector. Awareness programmes, active participation in
planning by all major stakeholders and transparency in
preparing and implementing the TEMP should make everyone
aware of the unique qualities and opportunities of the area and
the need for responsible planning and development.
Economic development should be encouraged in the wider
valley areas taking into account the importance not only of
tourism but also opportunities to produce and enhance local
products for sale within and outside the area. These may
include viz. distinctive pashminas, angora shawls, and other
sheep wool products, local honey production, local foods,
natural herbs, dress, Tibetan and local jewellery and antiques,
etc. These traditional products can be supplemented by new
products that can be served or sold to tourists, as well as the
promotion of different services.
o Through the provisions of ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ issued by UTDB, the Department of
Tourism shall ensure that the hotel developments provide for proper
sewage treatment. This could be widened through grants and
incentives to also treat the wastewater of adjacent village(s). This
facility could be either built large enough from the onset or
designed with room for expansion to allow the treatment of
effluents from the village(s). In order to accomplish such a linkage
between tourism, environmental upgrading and service provision
for the local population it is important to prepare plans before
development is being started. No investor is willing or able to put a
project on hold for a year to wait for an environmental plan to be
prepared. Only if a plan is ready and available, well
communicated to and understood by local officials such a scheme
can be successful.
o For solid waste management, ―Micro-Incinerators‖ are becoming
increasingly popular and their emissions have been reduced
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drastically in recent years. These systems can be combined with
power generators and/or hot water generation to gain additional
benefits of energy recovery. Recycling should be enhanced at such
sensitive sites, but the best method is prevention. Some items,
notably plastic bags and one-way bottles should be restricted in
sensitive areas and national parks. It will be difficult to ban water
bottles along a trekking trail/hiking path but a deposit scheme
where all bottles brought into a National Park are subject to a cash
deposit could convince pilgrims and tourists to return these to
environmental-waste collection points rather than disposal of these
in the wild.
o Energy supply is an important topic since the State is plagued by
frequent brownouts. However, energy supply at all costs should be
avoided and not all locations must be connected to the grid. For
example, very small tourism development sites at high altitudes can
generate its own energy using energy recovered from bio-digester
units (for waste management) for any outdoor camp site lighting
(including room heating, if found socio-culturally acceptable) along
with hand-held solar lanterns with solar photovoltaic charging unit
for internal lighting; or a small settlement can generate its own
energy with solar photovoltaic systems and/or micro-hydropower
stations; or when a settlement‘s micro-hydropower station does not
generate enough power, such settlement may need to be
connected to the grid as well.
o With regards to increasing the number of tourists into wildlife
reserves it is imperative that management of tourism flows is
improved and that codes of conduct are introduced (i.e. tourism
flows can be directed to where the natural environment can best
be enjoyed by visitors in a sustainable manner, thereby creating a
high quality and responsible product). This will help increase the
carrying capacity of the parks. In strategic terms management can
be improved by increasing the number of ecotourism attractions
both inside and outside the reserves (for example through the
allocation of interpretation facilities at gateway towns); by planning
new circuits to redistribute and disperse tourists more evenly around
the national parks; and by improving the circulation and
management of tourists around the park (for example by increasing
numbers of tours and limiting independent travel). Management
must include awareness building on the need to conserve and
follow strict codes of conduct. This can best be introduced at
interpretation centres.
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Also, as used in Australia, wildlife trails can promote a variety of
wildlife tourism experiences to visitors. Where fauna is not rare or not
easily disturbed, visitors can proceed independently whereas in
other areas of more rare or dangerous fauna, trails should be
experienced as part of guided tours with trained personnel (e.g.
eco-guides). The trails would be shown on simple maps or brochures
and marked on the ground through footpaths, and signage. Each
trail would have an index of ecotourism attractions and possible
sightings of wildlife. They could be combined with trekking
attractions/destinations (Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master
Plan, UNWTO, 2008)
o To turn trekking routes into ecotourism products the following
facilities may be considered (Uttarakhand Tourism development
Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008):
Establishment of Interpretation and Information Centres: These
should be introduced at the beginning of the treks or in the
designated gateway towns or villages. They should be facilities
of international standard. Interpretation of the natural
environment should be a key feature of each Visitor Centre. For
example, at Gangotri an interpretation centre could focus on
the Ganga River, highlighting its cultural and ecological role not
only along the river‘s stretch in Uttarakhand (which would
notably include its famous glacier source) but also along the
whole of its course to the sea. This would be of great interest to
international as well as to domestic tourists and fulfil an
important educational function, which can be combined with
ecotourism.
As well as interpretation of the natural environment (fauna and
flora to be observed), the centre should be totally interactive in
terms of environmental protection, allowing tourists to actively
contribute to the conservation of the mountain environment or
other environmental protection initiatives in the wider area. For
example, in Gangotri, attention could also be made to the solid
waste problems arising from pilgrimage and tourist visits to the
area. This issue should be highlighted together with the
measures that are proposed to clean up the problem, its main
cost components and how tourists can contribute towards the
effort. To maximise the commercial value of such activities the
centre could also sell various equipment (waterproof clothing,
walking sticks, books, detailed maps, guidebooks etc.) the
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proceeds of which could be used to run the centre and
contribute towards conservation efforts. Indeed monies raised
from attractions or sales of guidebooks, t-shirts, maps etc. should
be ploughed back into maintaining and expanding the
conservation of the area and fund other worthwhile wildlife
conservation efforts which should be highly publicised to the
visitors so that they are made aware of the trekking
management‘s responsibilities towards protection of the
environment. Tourists should be able to see how entrance fees,
eco-taxes or voluntary donations are funding pro-active and
responsible actions that will lead to real results, and, when the
programme has been on-going, see through monitoring the
results how improvements made through time are reaching
quantifiable objectives (tonnage of refuse cleared, areas
restored in hectares, number of households receiving modern
waste water or solid waste treatment etc.).
Information Signs and Look-out Points: These should be planned
at designated points along the trek providing ecotourists with
further interpretation and advice concerning what to observe
on the treks. At special features separate circuitous boardwalks
could be planned (with sections short enough to
accommodate older or unenergetic tourists) as well as other
walks, such as the wildlife trails as discussed above, which can
also lead to features such as waterfalls.
Development of Ecotourism Infrastructure and Facilities: The
following facilities should also be considered along trekking
routes at selected places:
Development of eco-lodges, both luxury and basic;
Signage made of local materials (e.g. engraved lettering on
stone slab or seasoned wood panels mounted on
wood/stainless steel pole supports, etc.) to inform visitors of
natural features and fauna and flora;
Hides to observe wildlife;
The development in the long-term of special eco-resorts on
specially designated conservation areas;
Where appropriate the development of highly selective
kayaking or rafting tours with interpretation through trained
guides of the rivers‘ ecology and natural features; and
Nature camps for students to enhance awareness of
environmental protection.
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The extent of the facilities to be planned along individual treks
should be highly controlled vis-à-vis the nature of the treks (for
example wilderness treks would likely contain few facilities
perhaps limited to interpretation); the carrying capacity of the
environment along the treks; and the nature of ecotourists to be
attracted (for example general or highly specialised trekkers
and nature lovers). Many rural areas in Uttarakhand have old,
paved village tracks, some of which constitute ancient trading
routes. These provide excellent authentic footpaths for use by
tourists. Mapping of such routes should be carried out in
selected areas so that a greater variety of treks, some involving
cultural attractions, can be planned for tourism use.
o Assess carrying capacities of protected areas for tourism visitation
numbers and for those numbers that provide support for
accessibility within such areas like mules, porters, motorised vehicles,
water transport, etc. [refer on carrying capacity ―Guidelines for
Ecotourism in and around Protected Areas (Draft)‖ introduced by
MoEF dated 02 June 2011 or ―Comprehensive Guidelines for Tiger
Conservation and Tourism‖ as per Notification dated 15th October
2012, NTCA], and where already assessed strictly implement/follow
and monitor the same.
For example, provisions that shall be followed under Instructions /
Directives for the High Altitude ―Gangotri National Park‖ for any
travel to the destination of ―Gaumukh‖ [viz. Order No. 2930/37-1
dated 29 April 2008 issued by CWLW Office, Camp-Dehradun w.r.t.–
1) To establish the process for issuing permits to 150 numbers of
pilgrims, tourists, and other visitors per day in Gaumukh area; 2) For
complete prohibition on movement of mules, horses, and other
animals plying under commercial purposes; 3) Directives to reduce
the number of mountaineers in Gaumukh area; 4) Research-related
Instructions in Gangotri National Park; and 5) Arrangements to
regulate onward travel from Gangotri].
Some of the significant instructions/directives amongst others, as per
the above order have been highlighted herewith:
Since the decision of permitting entry only to the limited number
of 150 persons from Gangotri to National Park has been
undertaken, hence, in this regard the policy of ―First Come, First
Serve‖ basis will be adopted.
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Deposit the following amounts at Kankhu Barrier for entry to
Gangotri National Park as ―Pollution Deposit,‖ which will be
returned on full compliance of rules stipulated:
For Plastic Bottle Rs 10 per Bottle
For Plastic Raincoat Rs 10 per Raincoat
For Other Inorganic Materials Rs 5 per Item.
For mountaineering expeditions in Gangotri area w.r.t. 31-
specific mountain peaks listed therein, the maximum number of
mountaineers in an expedition would be 8 instead of earlier
prescribed 10* mountaineers, and the number of porters too
would be estimated accordingly.
[*―Guidelines for Mountaineering Expeditions in Uttarakhand‖
issued by UTDB, 2007; Mountaineering Guidelines (Text in Hindi),
available on Forest Department website; ―Guidelines for
mountaineering expeditions in Uttaranchal‖ published by
Government of Uttaranchal, 03 July 2004]
Entry is prohibited upto 500 m peripheral distance from the
Gaumukh.
o The apparently high levels of fees and deposits for mountaineering
expeditions are justified in view of the need for limiting the
frequency of such expeditions to protect the highly sensitive and
fragile high altitude environments. It is also necessary to ensure that
garbage from the hill tops is removed to safe places and buried
(Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO,
2008)/disposed-off appropriately.
o In order to reduce the large number of pilgrims going all the way to
an ever-receding Gaumukh (source of the Ganges), the
attractiveness of other trails in the sanctuary for drawing Gangajal
(Ganges water) should be signposted through a public service
campaign. A three-pronged campaign can: (i) attempt to sign-
post alternative trails leading down to the banks of the Ganges for
fetching water rather than heading towards the ever-receding
‗source‘ of the river; (ii) promote the idea of cleanliness in the river
environs and discourage the soiling/polluting of the Ganges by
discarding old clothes on its river banks; and (iii) encourage the
planting of saplings by tourists and pilgrims as part of a meaningful,
integrated and life-sustaining program for the region. (Uttarakhand
Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008)
o The ―Guidelines for Mountaineering Expeditions in Uttarakhand‖
issued by UTDB, 2007, have already recommended the following,
which shall be duly followed: ―Every two years, the environmental
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and socio‐ economic impacts will be monitored through ground
levels surveys in the three mountaineering hubs of Uttarkashi,
Chamoli and Pithoragarh Districts to determine the carrying
capacity of mountaineering/high mountain trekking activities in
Uttarakhand. The surveys will be conducted by independent
national and international expert agencies such as the Wadia
Institute of Himalayan Geology, Wildlife Institute of India, GB Pant
Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development and
International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development
(ICIMOD), among others. A portion of the Peak Fee and
Environmental Levy remitted by Indian Mountaineering Federation
(IMF) to the State Government will be utilized for this purpose.
International funding and technical assistance will be solicited for
the study of carrying capacity of higher Himalayan areas.‖
o In general, when undertaking any physical development, do
respect the basic natural resource management norms that may
have been already prepared/duly researched and made
applicable in the State for its natural resources of forests,
rivers/streams, lakes, etc., if such development/ any dumping of
material or debris is proposed at a place in or around such natural
resources including their buffer areas/riparian buffers etc. Any
impact that can affect the natural function of these resources by
any such physical development shall at best be avoided
conforming to the regulations; and if any such physical
development is deemed necessary and is permitted as an
exemption to existing regulations, such development shall be duly
supported with all the requisite mitigation measures for eco-
sensitivity considerations, slope stabilisation measures for protection
of development, ultimately contributing to the necessary climate-
change adaptation capacities when having built-such
infrastructure.
Thus, creation of environment-friendly, climate-resilient
development solutions shall remain at the heart of any physical
development process in future, having gone through the impacts of
severe disaster of June 2013, and many more in the past in the State
of Uttarakhand. Such solutions can save lives by not putting/inviting
them at risk, and can save the assets, and ultimately avoid the
notion of disservice by not wasting the tax-payer‟s money/public
exchequer funds by rather being due-diligent every time of “Doing
the Right Thing, the Very First Time.” It‟s our moral responsibility to do
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so, towards fellow humans both residing in and those as
tourists/visitors to the State of Uttarakhand.
Keeping in mind the context of the above points, it can be very
rightly highlighted for the need of an overall environmental
conservation perspective when undertaking any physical
development, and as duly emphasised in the Citizens Charter of the
Forest Department, GoUK issued on 25 September 2010 that
“Forests, soil and river systems are the national treasures and it is the
responsibility of every citizen of this country to conserve and protect
it for posterity.” If this has to be truly taken care of in conjunction
with the question of physical development needs for continued
human existence in such a difficult Himalayan terrain, due diligence
and doing the right thing, the very first time are left with us as the
only options to do so, without adversely affecting the natural
conditions in which we have to co-exist.
Heritage Conservation Requirements
o The following provisions of the ―The Ancient Monuments and
Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958‖ vide Notification
dated 28 August 1958, which was amended as ―The Ancient
Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment
and Validation) Act, 2010‖ vide Notification dated 29 March 2010‖
must be strictly followed when planning any integrated tourism
development-heritage conservation projects near certain heritage
monuments/areas categorised in this Act as ―Prohibited and
Regulated Areas‖:
―Section 20A and Amendment of Section 20A. Every area,
beginning at the limit of the protected area or the protected
monument, as the case may be, and extending to a distance
of one hundred metres in all directions shall be the prohibited
area in respect of such protected area or protected
monument: Provided that the … …‖
―Section 20B. Every area, beginning at the limit of the
prohibited area in respect of every ancient monument and
archaeological site and remains, declared as of national
importance under Sections 3 and 4 and extending to a
distance of two hundred metres in all directions shall be the
regulated area in respect of every ancient monument and
archaeological site and remains: Provided that the … …‖
[For any specific exemptions, refer the full Section 20A & 20B of the
said Amended Act.]
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―Section 20C(1). Any persons, who owns any building or
structure, which existed in a prohibited area before the 16th
day of June 1992, or, which had been subsequently
constructed with the approval of the Director-General and
desires to carry out any repair or renovation of such building or
structure, may make an application to the competent
authority for carrying out such repair or renovation, as the case
may be.
Section 20C(2). Any person who owns or possesses in building
or structure or land in any regulated area, and desires to carry
out any construction or re-constriuction or repair or renovation
of such building or structure on such land, as the case may be,
make an application to the competent authority for carrying
out construction or re-construction or repair or renovation, as
the case may be.‖
o As per the ADB‘s existing tourism investment program of IDIPT-UK
FAM documents, the guidelines that must be followed in
undertaking any heritage restoration and conservation work in
tourism sector projects are set out below:
(i) Foremost, any intervention for heritage restoration and
conservation works shall be made, only if absolutely necessary.
In case its absolutely necessary, observe the principle of not
altering the historic condition and involve in treatment of
damage caused by natural processes and human actions to
prevent further deterioration, using both technical and
management measures;
(ii) Promote in-situ conservation in principle and only in the face of
uncontrollable natural threats where relocation is the sole
means of saving elements of an asset, move them from their
historic locations;
(iii) Ensure that intervention is minimal. The conservation measures
and treatment shall include the following four categories11:
11
(i) Regular maintenance is a preventive measure to reduce damage from the cumulative effects of natural processes
and human actions; it is applicable to all sites. An appropriate maintenance program, which includes continuous
monitoring of potential problems and archiving of records, must be established and carried out in accordance with
the relevant standards. (ii) Physical protection and strengthening measures are intended to prevent or reduce
damage to a site or building. These measures themselves must not damage the original fabric and must as far as
possible retain the original character of the setting. New protective structures should be simple, practical, and as
unobtrusive as possible. (iii) Minor restoration comprises a general set of intervention measures which may be
undertaken provided the original structure is not disturbed, new components are not added, and the existing
condition is basically unaltered. This type of intervention most frequently involves rectifying components that are
deformed, displaced, or collapsed; repairing a small number of damaged elements; and removing later additions that
are without significance. (iv) Major restoration is an intervention involving the most impact to the original fabric. It
includes returning a structure to a stable condition through the use of essential reinforcing elements and repair or
replacement of damaged or missing components. The decision to restore through complete disassembly of the
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regular maintenance; physical protection and strengthening;
minor restoration; and major restoration. Every intervention
must have clear objectives and use tried and proven methods
and materials;
(iv) Ensure that physical remains are conserved in their historic
conditions without loss of evidence. Respect for the
significance of the physical remains must guide any
restoration. Technical interventions must not compromise
subsequent treatment of the original fabric. The results of
intervention must be unobtrusive when compared to the
original fabric or to previous treatments, but still must be
distinguishable;
(v) Ensure preservation of traditional technology and
craftsmanship. New materials and techniques may be used
only after they have been tried and proven, and must in no
way cause damage to the site (i.e. any such intervention must
be reversible in nature, so that if in any case of its later failure,
the said intervention can be reversed without causing any
damage to the intervened surface);
(vi) Ensure that the setting of a heritage site is conserved. Natural
and cultural landscapes that form part of a site‘s setting
contribute to its significance and must be integrated with its
conservation;
(vii) Ensure that during any archaeological excavation, if required,
care is taken to conserve the physical remains. A practical
plan for the conservation of a site–both during and after
excavation–must be submitted for all sites programmed for
excavation;
(viii) Ensure that treatment of the cultural heritage site and its
environs is a comprehensive measure to prevent damage from
natural processes and human actions to reveal the historic
condition of a site, and to allow its rational use. Treatment shall
be taken that involves the provision of facilities to service the
public and to ensure site and visitor safety. Service buildings
must be as far as possible from the principal area of the site.
Exhibition and visitor facilities must be integrated in design and
located in the same vicinity. Landscaping must aim to restore
the site to its historic state and must not adversely affect the
structure should be taken with caution. All problems revealed in the course of disassembly should be rectified so that
the structure should need no further treatment for a considerable time. Restoration should, as far as possible, preserve
the vestiges and traces of periods judged to have significance. Both the design and materials for replacement
elements should be consistent with the evidence provided by existing fabric.
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site. Contemporary gardening and landscape concepts and
designs must not be introduced;
(ix) Explore/plan that after heritage restoration and conservation
works, can the site/buildings be put to adaptive reuse, so that
the tourism revenues so generated from such reuse can fund
its future conservation costs, and thus bring-in financial self-
sustainability perspective to conservation needs; and
(x) For heritage sites of national significance, prepare a heritage
conservation and management plan including the visitor
management/circulation plan, prior to undertaking above-
mentioned steps/details for restoration and conservation work.
o As per an unpublished document prepared by ADB TA as
Consultant to an earlier project viz. ―Implementation Guidelines‖ as
Part of DPR for Conservation and Revitalization of Rambagh
Garden (2007-08), Amritsar, Punjab, the following recommendations
for heritage conservation & revitalization are given below:
Projects pertaining to historic places require more supervision
than those of new buildings. The need for close attention during
project implementation can be reduced by thorough research,
documentation, investigation and contract-preparation in the
preliminary stages of the project. Despite thorough preparatory
work, unforeseen findings should generally be expected in the
course of work in a historic place. The technical ‗expert
committee‘ must be prepared to undertake frequent decision-
making with the help of relevant qualified consultants.
The contract documents should provide for changes to the
scope of work owing to the nature of work in historic places. This
is because certain characteristics of a historic place may not be
ascertained at the outset of the contract and may be
discovered in the course of the project. Provision of flexibility
would aid in proper financial control of these changes. The
contract should be concise, comprehensive and underline the
significance of the various procedures.
In certain situations it may be necessary to prepare a
preliminary contract to undertake urgent works to prevent rapid
deterioration and impending hazards, while the often long
process of obtaining funds, consents and main contracts
proceeds. A separate contract for archaeological excavations
or material investigation may be prepared before the main
contract to understand the historic place better and reduce the
need for changes to the scope of work due to subsequent
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exploration. Tracing service lines and concealed voids within the
fabric may be another rationale for preliminary contracts.
Prepare and refer the RFP (Request for Proposals) document to
determine who is qualified to undertake projects pertaining to
historic places.
The applicability of a guideline with respect to the heritage
conservation & revitalization should be such that the quality of
the entire experience of a visitor to a heritage place should be
the essence of any conservation approach that involves
tourism. The idea behind tourism promotion must be to make a
historic place self-sustainable, without causing damage to
significant characteristics of the heritage place.
All planning and implementation measures that pertaini to ‗new
proposals‘ as well as conservation of the historic fabric must
conform to the guidelines in order to safeguard the cultural
value of the places. These refer to all works within and around
the historic places.
These guidelines direct the process of conservation, planning,
policy-making, revitalization, interpretation, design,
maintenance and management of the historic places and their
environs. The guidelines are meant to enable effective
preservation in conjunction with development for the present
and future. All those involved with any of these processes must
be sensitized with respect to handling of historic fabric and must
be familiarized with these guidelines. They include owners,
managers, archaeologists, architects, engineers, surveyors,
contractors, conservators and local authorities of historic places.
It is recommended, at the very outset, that a Technical ‗Expert
Committee‘ be appointed to guide the planning,
implementation and maintenance plan for the historic places.
The technical ‗expert committee‘ must ensure that all works
(current projects and future works) are carried out in
conjunction with this document. This committee must comprise
of qualified multi-disciplinary specialists from the field of heritage
conservation and management. Historic places that have stood
the test of time require judgement to be exercised when
decisions are being made about their conservation or
revitalization. This judgement should be based on an
understanding of principles informed by experience and
knowledge. The decisions specific to each historic place (such
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as alterations, etc. that require approval) must be taken on
case-by-case basis after consultation with additional qualified
professionals such as conservation architects, landscape
architects, geo-technical experts, structural engineers,
archaeologists and other experts.
The current projects and all works proposed in the future for the
historic places, must conform with the principles of The Burra
Charter, 1999 (Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural
Significance) to ensure that best international practice is
followed. Also the management should refer to the International
Cultural Tourism Charter (Managing Tourism at Places of Historic
Significance, ICOMOS, Mexico) for tools of managing sites of
similar use.
Community Development or Social Welfare/Gender Inclusiveness/
Training & Skill Development, and Overall Economic Development
o The UNWTO has identified the following 7 ST-EP (Sustainable Tourism-
Eliminating Poverty) Mechanisms for creation of awareness and
capacity building (Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan,
UNWTO, 2008, and http://step.unwto.org/):
Employment of the disadvantaged sections/poor in tourism
enterprises.
This mechanism involves undertaking measures to increase the
level of the poor working in tourism enterprises. Indeed, the
relationship between tourism enterprises and the employment of
local people is symbiotic, in that both sides stand to benefit
considerably. This addresses poverty directly by enabling the
poor to develop their own skills; by allowing for the possibility of
a large number of people to benefit directly; and raising the
standards of service. It is important that the provision of
education and training is strengthened so that the poor may
respond to such opportunities, and any social or cultural barriers
are removed.
Supply of goods and services to tourism enterprises by the poor
or by enterprises employing the poor.
One of the fundamental conditions to achieving poverty
reduction is in ensuring that goods and services in the tourism
supply chain, as much as possible, come from local sources at
all stages. The objective would be to maximise the proportion of
tourism spending that is retained in local communities and to
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involve the poor in the supply process. Such a measure would
help support traditional forms of rural activities and skills,
enhance the quality and identity of the local tourism product,
and help establish stable sources of business.
Direct sales of goods and services to visitors by the poor
(informal economy)/sector.
One of the main ways in which poor people seek to earn
income from tourists is through selling produce and services,
such as fruits, handicrafts or guided tours, directly to them.
Where visitors engage with this informal economy, it can be a
successful direct route to providing income to the poor, and it
can provide visitors with a colourful and rewarding experience.
Information provision to tourists on available local products is
important, as well as training to local people to ensure their
products meet the quality requirements of visitors.
Establishment and running of small, micro or community-based
tourism enterprises or joint ventures by the poor (formal
economy)/host population.
This involves the establishment and management of more
formal tourism enterprises by the poor, either individually or at a
community level. These may include accommodation
establishments, catering, transport, retail outlets, guiding and
entertainment. Advantages of enterprise formation at the local
level are that it places power and control in the hands of the
local people, it can guarantee investments for the longer term
and it enables enterprises to establish a scale of operation
needed to attract customers.
Redistribution of proceeds from tax or charge on tourists or
tourism enterprises with proceeds benefiting the host
population.
This mechanism relates to the revenues that are earned by
national or local government from tourism which can be used to
reduce poverty. It has the advantage that all of the poor can
benefit from tourism without being directly engaged in the
sector. The extent to which state revenue earned from tourism is
put towards poverty alleviation will depend on national priorities
and programs. Taxes or levies raised locally, for example
through levies on bed-nights or entrance fees for protected
areas, can often be used fully or partly for community benefits.
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Transparency in the application of local taxes is essential, as well
as consultation with the private sector to avoid deterring the
industry and travellers by imposing too high taxation levels.
Voluntary giving and support by tourists or tourism enterprises.
Voluntary support in money or in kind, given by visitors or tourism
enterprises to the poor can act as influential drivers for local
poverty reduction. Various studies have pointed to a willingness
amongst tourists to give something back to the area they are
visiting. Many tourism enterprises are also committed to provide
sponsorship to development initiative in the areas where they
operate. Local NGOs or trusts may help develop mechanisms
for the collection and dispersal of donations. Beneficiary
schemes clearly showing tangible local impact and community
involvement have a high chance of attracting sponsorship and
visitor support.
Investment in infrastructure stimulated by tourism also benefiting
the poor/inhabitants in the locality, directly or through support
to other sectors.
Tourism development, particularly in a new, remote or rural
location, can include investment in new infrastructure, such as
roads, water and energy supply, sanitation and
communications. With careful planning, such infrastructure can
also bring positive benefits to the poor, by providing them with
basic services and opening up new and faster routes to access
markets. The main challenge is to make sure that new tourism
development is not consuming resources at the expense of
local communities, but rather offering them the chance to gain
new access to them.
o Even if supporting operations like mule operations are procured
through auction, the provision of medical insurance for porters or an
investment should be made for their welfare from the amount
raised through their venture which is primarily environment-friendly.
(Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008)
o Through the provisions of ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade
Registration Regulations, 2014‖ issued by UTDB, the Department of
Tourism shall ensure that apart from the current provision that the
residents of the Uttarakhand are provided employment in the firm
of each Tourism Unit/Enterprise Operator according to the Orders
issued by the Government from time to time, it shall also be assured
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that the statutory minimum wages would be payable and are paid
too in the tourism industry.
o Tourism is a service industry and its success depends greatly on the
service offered. It is also imperative that those employed within the
industry have the necessary skills to perform their duties, for a
satisfactory visitor experience. To achieve these professional
standards, planned programs of education and training for the
industry are vital requirements for any emerging destination. Scenic
beauty, attractions and facilities are all important, but a
professional service is equally important. The industry must
appreciate that training can improve the quality of staff, their
motivation and productivity and can lead to a reduction in staff
turnover. Education processes assist communication within the
industry and develop staff relationships so that employees
engender a team spirit and this must have a positive impact on
company's operations. As a result, all parties benefit: employees
experience personal as well as job performance improvements;
management understands more about staff capability; a team
spirit is engendered; educators and trainers upgrade their own skills
as well. (Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO,
2008)
o Conduct training needs analysis (TNA) study every 5-years for
tourism industry. Apart from making provisions for tourism industry-
related training in general, make some specific provisions for
―Foreign Language Training for Tourist Guides/Eco-Guides/Mountain
Guides‖ (may consider languages of top-5 countries based on
visitor country profile analysis for such tourism activities), ―Training
the Artisans‖ and ―Training the Trainers‖ programs as well.
Also, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO,
2008, recommends that ―During field visits an attempt must be
made to identify collective and strategic needs of training in tourist
welcome and orientation for the actors in tourism. Strategic needs
are understood as those needs that directly address requirements
of the industry and the satisfaction of which contributes to meet the
development objectives of tourism. Collective needs are
understood as the actual and common needs of the various actors
that need to be assessed. These needs are the result of an analysis
of a survey of individual needs.‖ An evaluation scheme was also
presented in the Master Plan, can always be improved upon and
modified depending upon the type of unit or course being
evaluated.
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o When required in remote areas, integrate the usage of multi-
purpose halls/shelters created under disaster preparedness
program (from time-to-time) for the training space purposes.
o For promotion of community-based tourism, there would be need
to re-orient bank officials and NGO workers (for proper
implementation/coverage of employment schemes with micro-
finance), as also tour operators. The village population would have
to be trained to become good guides; the local craftsmen should
learn how to sell their products in an attractive and enticing
manner. There may also be need for developing local crafts by way
of introduction of new designs and products and marketing them.
Most importantly there would be the need to develop local cuisine
and to present it in a clean and hygienic fashion for the tourist.
(Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008)
o A central feature of the ecotourism strategy is to involve local
communities in engaging in tourism with adequate training
imparted (Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO,
2008, and Rural Tourism Scheme Components Presentation Excerpts,
UTDB, 2014):
Whereas activities that directly involve local people in
ecotourism (such as guiding i.e. eco-guides, the employment of
villagers as environmental guards or activities which promote or
conserve the cultural heritage of an area) do most to help the
environment directly, other forms of intervention, some involving
mainstream tourism activities, can also be beneficial for
conservation and social development, provided these are well
planned and sustainable. For example, encouraging local
people to open small businesses for goods and services in areas
where there is a clear perception that conservation helps bring
tourists to admire scenery or fauna, can help foster a sense of
environmental ownership among local people and hence install
a purpose and responsibility for respecting the environment. As
long as local people realize that tourists visit a particular locality
because of the beauty and quality of its environment, a direct
link between economic gain and conservation/environmental
protection can be established which will reduce conflicts
between villagers and the natural environment. The existing
MOT, GoI Scheme that tries to promote village tourism as a
primary tourism product and is related to funding by Central
Government (under CFA) for physical works like tourist
accommodation/reception centres/cafes/crafts/sports centres
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(i.e. ‗hardware‘) and training & skill development/capacity
development/awareness programs etc. (i.e. ‗software‘) projects
with its applicable sub-components shall continue, and the
State (through its current efforts by UTDB and ILSP under UGVS,
RDD) is further encouraged to identify villages and proposals for
promoting rural tourism.
At the planning stage of physical infrastructure, it is necessary to
define, ideally with the co-operation of the villagers, what type
of hard infrastructure is required to implement or support
ecotourism. This could relate to facilities directly related to
ecotourism, such as an interpretation or information centre,
hides or watch towers, or support utility infrastructure such as
proper sewage or solid waste disposal, or improved access such
as walking/trekking paths, equipment such as canoes, or
training facilities such as a learning centre. Activities may relate
to those specified in the ‗Revised Guidelines of Scheme for
Product/Infrastructure Development for Destinations and
Circuits‘ by MOT, GoI for which funding by the National
government is available as described above. The process
should include a meeting to be held with local people to discuss
the strengths of the village for ecotourism and to gauge their
preference for particular activities and the specific needs of the
community.
Private tourism businesses‘ employing local people is a direct
form of intervention that can usefully provide employment for
the local workforce. Many accreditation schemes measuring
the performance of tourism businesses vis-à-vis sustainable and
responsible tourism use the number of local people employed in
a business as a key indicator. However, it is necessary to ensure
that wages and conditions promote better living quality and
satisfaction among these workers so that ecotourism is
perceived among the local community as being a positive
economic and social contributor. Exploitation of workers in this
capacity can lead to unfavourable reactions towards
ecotourism and tourism in general and may not encourage
people to look after their environment as a result. Particularly
low wages may also encourage local people to continue
activities that conflict with conservation, such as poaching, to
supplement livelihoods.
Local individuals selling produce and handicraft to visitors
should ideally be organized through tourism or other local
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businesses. It allows local people to participate directly and can
result in a good spreading of benefits. However it is necessary to
ensure that quality products are made available for sale, ideally
with an element of local distinctiveness that represents the
locality in which they are produced. Quality control and
agreements with tourism businesses to promote fair trade should
be put in place. The advantage is that products can be made
in villages that are not necessarily in themselves scenic
attractions or which have major tourism attractions.
Private tourism businesses (internally or externally owned)
operating within a community can be permitted through the
granting of a concession to operate in the community, in return
for a fee and a share of revenue. Although they are often
successful, such schemes can usually only be undertaken in
communities that have important tourism attractions (such as
those near to scenic spots or interesting natural or cultural
features). The management set-up of such arrangements,
ensuring a fair share and effective co-operation between the
community and the businesses, assumes great importance in
such schemes.
When individuals, with links to the community, establish and run
their own small tourism businesses in their own communities,
there is a need to ensure that sufficient skills and tourism
knowledge is available to such operators, although the degree
to which these are required depends on the sophistication of
the products or services offered. Nevertheless it is an important
means to ensure that local people can directly benefit in
tourism activities. Where businesses grow too large however,
similar safeguards concerning wages and conditions for workers
also need to be assured.
Initiatives like communally owned and run enterprises, if backed
by a sound business plan and good community organizing
mechanisms, can ensure a wide spread of benefits to members
of the community. Co-operatives can ensure that revenues are
ploughed back into the community, with surpluses used for
training and production of added value products over time.
It need not be reiterated that human interaction is an essential
part of the tourism experience. As far as the development of
human resources is concerned, the policy must involve the State
Tourism Department and Uttarakhand Tourism Development
Board (UTDB) in conducting various training programmes,
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seminars, and workshops for departmental staff as well as the
general public to meet the requirement of accommodation,
catering, tourist guides, hotel management, eco-tourism,
trekking management, etc. and of course general awareness.
((Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008)
i.e. Government should be on hand to kick-start and support
initiatives through appropriate training programmes. It can
either do this directly or through appropriate NGOs, who are
active in these fields and/or the areas concerned. It is important
that this is put into the context of a concise strategy in which all
actors know their roles and responsibilities, including the
targeted local communities. It is recommended that five
elements of training should be targeted: English language (The
need to communicate preferably in the language of the tourist
would always remain paramount. It is therefore extremely
important that all young trainees and even the existing ones are
made to undergo a general course in communication with a
special emphasis on communication in the English language
which is emerging as a universal language of communication);
Environmental Awareness and Interpretation; Hygiene and
Safety; Tourism Management; and Financial Management. The
objectives of the training programmes inter alia will be to
provide villagers with basic skills, sufficient to converse with
tourists, to show a degree of expertise in the interpretation and
management of the environment and gain know how in tourism
and financial management. It would also help them prepare an
environment that is safe and clean, the minimum standards that
international tourists will expect. In particular, skills in
environmental interpretation can be linked to the particular
strengths of the locality, be it watching birds, butterflies, or large
mammals, understanding the pharmacopoeia of the forests,
appraising the cultural heritage of the locality or simply
undertaking nature trails. It is essential that the courses and the
trainers are learner friendly and are geared to local people. In
this respect courses should be fun and easy to understand.
Overly academic or elitist forms of training are likely to fail: as
one of the major constraints usually holding villagers back is a
lack of confidence in dealing with outsiders, teachers should be
able to quickly install a sense of confidence and ease. As such
careful screening of trainers should be exercised. The
combination of a native English teacher with local teachers
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would be a creative and cost effective method to bring quality
teaching in English language to selected village communities.
Alternatively or complementarily, training could be directed
towards livelihood generation in guiding and environmental
protection for villagers wanting employment in conservation in
surrounding national parks. This should be done in cooperation
with and active support of the Department of Forests &
Environment covering some exposure and training for personnel
dealing with ecotourism, bird watching, wildlife tourism etc.
Coming to hotels and such establishments it is better to
motivate the industry to start adopting training facilities which
can be captive to such service providers but insist on a strict
compliance of standards as may be laid down by the
government or a corresponding apex body. The government
will not have the wherewithal to undertake this training other
than introduction of vocational courses in the craft centres and
industrial training institutes in the State.
In general, there should be a reorientation programme (at least
once in 3 years) for all staff coming in contact with the tourists,
international or domestic. The scheme of training of guides
deserves to be revisited: there should be adequate emphasis on
local history, culture, cuisine, customs and geography. All tour
operators shall be persuaded to depute only trained guides with
the tourists. There should be a mandatory refresher course for
the guides and porters, once in every two years. There should
be a separate capsule for personnel serving guests under the
―bed and breakfast (B&B)‖ scheme / Home Stays. Since the
future belongs to those who can handle computers, therefore,
all training courses must lay adequate emphasis on handling of
computers and information technology.
In the medium- to long- term other investments to further
strengthen the ecotourism products in the selected villages
should be developed. These could help develop more
sophisticated forms of training or activities in the villages, in line
with villagers‘ aspirations. In accordance with the communities‘
requirements these could comprise: Developing more
sophisticated forms of guiding and interpretation; Initiating food
processing for local products such as local vegetables; Creating
Indian cooking classes for tourists; Developing higher value
agriculture; Helping create a more comprehensive ecotourism
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product built around such activities as trekking, mountaineering,
and rafting; Helping create skills and abilities necessary for
intensified participation in the upcoming mainstream tourism
and high quality tourism activities in the village area; Introducing
more sophisticated information displays; Developing a village
heritage trail for tourists; Planning and developing village home
stays (in new or refurbished traditional village houses) or
guesthouses for tourists; Introducing a village co-operative store;
and Introducing better public toilets* and conveniences. [*For
example, bio-toilets or conventional public toilets with bio-
digester system of sewerage disposal.]
o Revising regulatory mechanisms to facilitate ecotourism: A number
of regulatory mechanisms are recommended to be put in place in
order to facilitate the ecotourism strategy and to ensure
compliance to quality products and services (Uttarakhand Tourism
Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008):
Facilitating Ecotourism Development in Selected Areas: It is
important that ecotourism can develop in selected national
parks. This will entail request for lifting some of the more
draconian regulations that restrict all development or access
into forest areas. A special zoning of the forest area could be
introduced, proposed as Quiet Zones, where limited ecotourism
activities may be undertaken. Here small groups of visitors could
enjoy the tranquillity of the mountains and partake in a special
ecotourism product. The zones could include specialist eco-
lodges or spas, trekking or wildlife trails and various ecotourism
facilities such as viewing towers or hides where visitors may
experience outstanding views of the mountains in solitude and
contemplation. Restricted access roads would also be included
in these zones. The name ‗Quiet Zones‘ is intended to reinforce
the special and select nature of such ecotourism areas, so that
they cannot be exploited for any large scale or non-ecotourism
development and to ensure that any development here
remains exclusive and non-catering to a mass market. All
facilities would need to be accredited to strict environmental
standards. Accredited facilities / institutions / homestays etc
shall be advertised and published on the GoUK website / portal.
Moreover UNEP* provides useful and comprehensive guidelines
for building eco-lodges that should be strictly observed in the
quiet zones. These include specifying that the siting and design
of tourism developments should consider the appropriateness of
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the location and its sense of place. It should involve locally
made products and be planned at an appropriate scale of
design for lodging, tours and attractions. Biodiversity
conservation and integrity of the ecosystem processes should
be researched in detail where ecotourism facilities are planned
and site disturbance, should be minimised and where necessary
mitigated by landscaping or rehabilitation. Design and
construction should prevent impacts upon natural drainage,
soils and ensure that storm water management is sustainable.
Energy supply should be ecologically sustainable (using where
possible renewable energy) and minimize total energy use.
Water supply should be ecologically sustainable and minimize
total use (and wastewater should be treated and disposed of in
a long term sustainable manner, involving removal from sensitive
areas). There should moreover be no dominant visual impacts
and lighting should be discreet. Materials and supplies used
should be sustainable (recyclable and recycled materials,
locally produced, certified timber products etc.). Moreover
specific minimal environmental impact codes of practice
should be adopted for activities.
[* ―Ecotourism: Principles, Practices & Policies for Sustainability‖
by Megan Epler Wood, UNEP-TIES, 2002]
Devising Schemes to Fund Conservation Initiatives through
Tourism: Through consultations with the Forest Department,
conservation groups, communities and tourists, strategies should
be developed and tested for using tourism as a source of
funding for conservation. Entrance fees, wildlife viewing fees,
tourism concessions and tourist donation funds are examples of
revenue-generating strategies that have proved successful and
could be used. A further measure could be an eco-tax. A
crucial prerequisite for such measures is for transparency,
namely to ensure that the funds are well managed to support
key conservation objectives and that such management and its
results is clearly visible to tourists. An eco-tax could be
introduced to help fund improvements to the environment. The
tax could either be voluntary or mandatory and either restricted
to certain attractions (such as ecotourism activities) or applied
at a wider level in Uttarakhand (for example as part of hotel
fees). Such a tax would allow: Government to raise additional
revenue to subsidise environmentally friendly modes of travel
such as or important projects on environmental improvements
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(for example solid waste disposal) or conservation; Reinforce the
image of Uttarakhand as an exclusive natural environment of
the highest quality; and Discourage the large flows of low
spending tourists to selected areas where it is desirable to keep
visitor numbers low.
Certification and Accreditation Systems: A certification system
of eco-resorts or mainstream hotels that adhere to sound
environmental practices (such as recycling of water, use of solar
energy, etc.) in natural areas should be set up. For those hotels
not adhering to standards as described above, tourists could be
made to pay an eco-tax as mentioned above. The precise
nature of this certification should be based on best practice as
through detailed research on accreditation systems in
environmentally sensitive areas. The system should be simply
applied to the mountains or be extended and elaborated from
other schemes developed in similar areas. Operators would be
accredited if they satisfied a certain number of environmental
and socially responsible criteria, helping them differentiate from
other operators. Given that responsible tourists would be a
major target of the ecotourism strategy, such an initiative would
provide sound business sense. The certification scheme to be
developed should:
contribute to sustainable tourism development of the target
areas;
verify those products with advanced performance
indicators;
contribute to maintaining and enhancing service quality in
tourism;
limit energy consumption;
limit water consumption;
limit the production of waste;
favour the use of renewable resources and of substances
which are less hazardous to the environment;
promote environmental communication and education;
and
recognise community and social support contributions from
tourism businesses, such as sponsoring local product
association programs.
Criteria to be set up monitoring will include those on energy
management, water management, wastewater management;
waste management, chemical use; purchasing; contribution to
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biodiversity and nature conservation; community development
and social issues in the workplace; set-up of environmental
management systems; interpretation; and transportation. A form
of eco-labelling (such as a green elephant sign) could be
devised and be publicized widely to make it a worthwhile
marketing tool for the operator.
A separate accreditation system could be applied to eco-
lodges where these are permitted in a national park of
protected forest environment. This accreditation system could
be developed to assure tourists that they are truly staying in a
real environmental sustainable facility which has no adverse
impact on the national park or wildlife sanctuary and actually
contributes towards conservation. This specialised accreditation
system would cover:
A written policy regarding sustaining the environment and
local people;
A description of the contribution made to conservation
and/or local people.
A description of how contributions to conservation and local
communities are measured.
Percentage of local people employed and numbers in
management positions.
Links to local or national/international conservation groups/
charities and other NGOs;
Percentage of produce and services sourced locally from
the lodge;
Treatment of waste water and how sustainable fuels are
used;
Level of information and advice provided to tourists on the
local environment; and
Number of guides employed from the local community.
The principles for this type of accommodation may be taken
from UNEP, namely:
They should conserve the surrounding environment both
natural and cultural;
They have minimal impact on the natural surroundings
during construction;
They should use alternative, sustainable means of water
acquisition and reduce water consumption;
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They should provide careful handling and disposal of solid
waste and sewage;
They should meet energy needs through passive design;
They should offer interpretative programmes to educate
both employees and tourists; and
They could contribute to sustainable local development
through research programs.
o Facilitating Greater Participation by and Returns to Rural Women,
Youth and Rural Specialists from the Tourism Economy: The action
plan recommended below is based on situation analysis in
Uttarakhand along parameters concerning the present and
potential role for women in rural areas. (Uttarakhand Tourism
Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008)
Table 4.2: Action Plan for Greater Participation by Rural Women
S.
No.
Activity Who Trains Who
Benefits
Short-term Goals Mid-term
Goals
Long-term
Goals
1 Increasing
tourism
awareness
through village-
level meetings
NGO
worker
Rural
women
Increased
capacity to
augment local
income
possibilities from
diverse tourism
activities
Efforts at
income
result in an
income
stream
The activity
engages
increasing
numbers of
women
2 Design of
village-based
Home Stays
NGO
worker
Rural
women
Visits to
successful Home
Stay areas for
knowledge
sharing
Able to
profit from
Home Stays
The activity
engages
increasing
numbers of
women
3 Seeking
subsidies/ grant
for tourism
development
Bank
Worker
Rural
women
Capacity to
refurbish
accommod-
ation
Able to
access
loans for
tourism
efforts
The activity
engages
increasing
numbers of
women
4 Developing
e-business
skills/working
with tour
operators
including rate
fixing
Profession
al
Computer
Trainer
Young
Educated
rural
women
Capacity to use
the Worldwide
Web
Capacity to
access relevant
tourist sites
Capacity to
run e-
business
independ-
ently
The activity
increases
degree of
control over
income
5 Empowering
women towards
Financial
management
and control of
Bank
Worker
Educated
women
Capacity to
open and work
an independent
bank account
for enterprise
Capacity to
run a
tourism
enterprise
for profit
The activity
engages
increasing
numbers of
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S.
No.
Activity Who Trains Who
Benefits
Short-term Goals Mid-term
Goals
Long-term
Goals
enterprise women
Source: Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008
o The ―RED Tourism Groundwork Uttarakhand (UA) Report‖ issued by
gtz on 8/1/2008, emphasises the challenges and recommendations
on empowerment as:
―The research illustrates that in many cases women and
disadvantaged group of the society still remain outside the direct
circle of beneficiaries. In the case of Home Stays a bias12 to better-
off households exists (c.f. Sarmoli Van Panchayat). In the case of
committee formation men outweigh women in most cases creating
a male-dominated atmosphere (c.f. Village Ways). The women‘s
role in decision making and management jobs is often not by man
in the community and male members of the family (c.f.
Barsu/Raithal village cluster in UNWTO master plan, 2008; Village
Ways), resulting into men engaging in the actual business
management while women only remain a ―on paper ownership‖
phenomena (c.f. UPASaC Lodge Kharadi Village, Uttarkashi).
Recommendation:
12
The ―RED Tourism Groundwork Uttarakhand (UA) Report‖ issued by gtz on 8/1/2008 further elaborated
―…questioning the whole idea of pro-poor development. Therefore, home stays development should be
reconsidered and not included into the pro-poor development strategies when no private actor is
involved who provides facilities and ensure services. Replications should be thought twice about and a
thorough analysis of-if the product fits the community (i.e. strong leadership, heritage property asset,
sources of expertise and finance through cooperation, etc.) followed by an assessment-if the tourist
would want to actually visit the location (i.e. access). In the case all qualifiers are met, community guest
houses are to be preferred to home stays, and inclusive models can be created through equality
measures as wider community benefit quality measures are integrated to be implemented that foster a
fair benefit to the wider community (i.e. Village Fund). Instead focus should lie on the attraction and
facilitation of quality facilities that benefits the region by attracting large numbers of tourists and
comparably higher direct and indirect employment as well as transfer of skills that potentially can be run
by the community… … or the support of value chain linkages.‖
Further, ―The RED Tourism Value Chain Selection, Strategy and Operational Plan-Uttarakhand, October
2008‖ by International Tourism Consultancy for gtz-RED program, Uttarakhand emphasises that ―Too
often, tourism is seen as an easy sector to enter believing that the assets of the area will automatically
attract visitors, without understanding that the sector is very market-driven. The perception held by some
local authorities, local communities, entrepreneurs and NGOs about the tourism potential of an area
often overshadows the reality of actually developing a viable tourism destination which will bring tourists
and therefore income to local firms and communities. So, more often than not a product-driven
approach is adopted, i.e. opening a guest house or a home stay without taking into account the markets
that they will serve, their needs and how the product should be adapted to these or how they can be
reached. For SMEs, local communities and entrepreneurs to successfully enter the tourism sector, they
must identify their markets, tailor the products and services to their needs, and have access to strong
distribution channels. The most effective strategy to adopt for firms and communities with limited
resources is to find strong marketing partners which will focus on the promotion effort.‖
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Overcoming traditional structures is a challenging and long-term
process that requires sensitisation of the whole community,
innovative approaches (i.e. club women to strengthen their position
and avoid isolation; gender sensitisation committee–Village Ways)
and mechanisms of checks and balances (i.e. pay women
directly). Empowerment indicators should be included in project
proposals and checked against the actual implementation.‖
o Involving Youngsters in the Rural Tourism Effort: The Uttarakhand
Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008 reported that
―Survey shows that youngsters evinced considerable interest in
tourism development in rural areas but how to go about organizing
a successful tourism enterprise was the moot issue. Young and
educated men especially did not want to work in the fields and
were excited about the prospects that could open up with tourism
development in their villages.‖ An action-plan for rural youngsters as
outlined in the said Master Plan is given below.
Table 4.3: Action Plan for Participation in Tourism by Rural Youth
S. No. Activity Who Trains Short-term Goals Mid-term Goals Long-term Goals
1 Campaign
driving
home value
of local
heritage
International
volunteer
An assessment
of area‘s unique
assets and
accurate
interpretation,
presentation
and marketing
of heritage sites
Capacity to
grow, develop
and market USPs
Conservation and
tourism can work
synergistically
2 Mountain
guides
Uttarkashi
Mountain-
eering
Institute
Capacity to
negotiate
mountain terrain
Development of
adventure tourism
in the region
making most of
destination
potential
Mountain guides
can combine this
activity with
organizing Home
Stays, experiential
tourism
3 e-business
skills for
tourism and
marketing
destination
Professional
Computer
Trainer
Capacity to use
the Worldwide
Web
Capacity to
access relevant
tourist sites
Capacity to run
e-business
independently
Growing the
tourism enterprise
beyond the
immediate locale
Should show
direct impact on
the local
economy
Source: Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008
o Spreading Tourism Benefits to Distinctive Ethnic/Artisanal Groups in
Rural Areas: The state of Uttarakhand offers the tourist the chance
to watch artisans at work in villages, to listen to folk singers and
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musicians and watch dance performances that are organically
linked to local culture, as well as to experience the nomadic culture
of pastoralists in rural areas. Rural youngsters can design special
programs that dovetail living and learning of such niche styles of life
for national and international tourists. An action plan with this in
mind is proposed below. (Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master
Plan, UNWTO, 2008)
Table 4.4: Action Plan for Participation in Tourism by Rural Youth
S.
No.
Activity Who Trains Who
Benefits
Short-term
Goals
Mid-term
Goals
Long-term
Goals
1 Tourists learn
about
weaving,
local
styles
Niche tour
operators
focusing on
weaving
world-wide
Tour
operator –
in the main
Weaver
secondarily
Weaver
learns that his
skill and
method may
interest others
NGO to help
weavers
organize their
own local
craft displays
/ learning
classes
Weavers
adapt the
quality of
their product
to tourist
tastes and
earn higher
profit
2 Tourists learn
how to play
local
instruments
from folk
musicians
Niche tour
operators
focusing on
folk music
worldwide
Tour
operator
– in the
main
Musicians
secondarily
Musician
learns
that his skill
and method
can interest
tourists
NGO assists
musicians to
organize their
own local
music events/
learning
classes
Local music
grows
through
interaction
Marketing of
local music
soft media
3 Tourists learn
the ways of
nomadic
shepherds
and
mountain
livestock
rearing
Niche tour
operator
focusing on
high-
mountain
lifestyle
experience
Tour
operator –
in the main
Shepherds
secondarily
Shepherd
learns that his
skill and life-
style can
interest
tourists
NGO assists
shepherds to
market their
experience
with high
altitude-
shepherding
Nomadic
and simple
lifestyle of
shepherds
can be a
profitable
tourist
experience
Source: Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008
o The potential of pro-poor tourism as a developmental strategy for
Uttarakhand is immense. The social and cultural environment is
generally ready for a more active engagement with tourism as an
industry. However, to ensure that the benefits actually reach
villagers, women, mule-drivers, porters and other disadvantaged
sections as well as improving the facilities and activities for both the
traditional pilgrims and international tourists, what is needed is
integrated and detailed planning, careful execution management
and monitoring of village tourism and perhaps, cutting-edge work
on public-private partnerships and initiatives fostering and enabling
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pro-poor and village-based entrepreneurship. (Uttarakhand Tourism
Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008)
The ―RED Tourism Groundwork Uttarakhand (UA) Report‖ issued by
gtz on 8/1/2008, recommends that ―Links with many different types
of ‗the poor‘ need to be considered: staff, neighbouring
communities, land-holders, producers of food, fuel and other
suppliers, operators of micro-tourism businesses, craft-makers, other
users of tourism infrastructure (i.e. roads), and resources (i.e. water
etc.). There are many types of pro-poor tourism strategies, ranging
from increasing local employment, building mechanisms for
consultation, facilitation of conducive framework conditions (i.e.
welfare mechanism that increase the benefits of poor population
groups like porters), to regional marketing (i.e. supporting an
effective promotion network). Any type of company can be
involved in pro-poor tourism–a small lodge, an urban hotel, a tour
operator, an infrastructure developer… The critical factor is not the
type of the company or type of tourism, but that an increase in the
net benefits that go to poor people can be demonstrated… Note:
In a country where the majority of the workforce is engaged in
agriculture, boosting agricultural supplies to hotels and restaurants –
related tourism sectors–is more likely to be successful, than, for
instance, transferring labour from the agricultural sector to a limited
tourism sector.‖
o The enhancement of economic benefits of tourism, particularly
income generation and employment creation depends on
strengthening of infrastructure facilities, effective marketing,
adequate human resource development and strengthening of
institutional structure for the promotion of tourism in the State.
(Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008):
The improvement of occupancy rates in accommodation
establishments by encouraging the tourists, particularly the
domestic tourists, to extend their duration of stay by a day can
lead to significant revenue gains for tourism industry and the
local community. It can, however, be achieved only by
providing innovative additional attractions for making the
tourists to spend one more night in places visited.
Uttarakhand has a rich cultural heritage and a number of
performing artists. Performance of these artists could be
organized in association with the tourism industry in major tourist
centres. It would provide tourists with entertainment and
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adequate reason for spending one more day in places visited.
The artists will also be able to improve their income and it could
become a motivation for the maintenance of such art forms.
The establishment of effective linkages of tourism activities with
other sectors like art and crafts, entertainment industry, trade,
etc. is yet another important instrument for enhancing the
economic benefits of tourism to the local community.
The opportunities of marketing of local handicrafts and art
materials to tourists and tourism industry have to be to fully
recognised and efforts should be made to establish such
linkages. Uttarakhand is known as the abode of gods, but there
is not even a single souvenir item which the tourists can take
home as a testimony of having visited such holy places. The
feasibility of producing small items like key chains, wooden
carvings, metal works, etc. inscribing the pictures of holy places
and temples and marketing them through tourism industry
outlets has to be examined by the State Government.
Uttarakhand also has very little to offer at present in terms of
decent souvenir shops and shopping arcades which the tourists
could conveniently visit and make purchases. It would be useful
if such facilities are created in major tourist centres and given
adequate publicity though tourism industry.
It is also important to promote community tourism initiative so
that tourists can have a real experience of villages and at the
same time the benefits of tourism do accrue to local community
in good measure. The villagers, particularly women, can be
organized in the form of Self-Help Groups to provide various
tourist facilities and services to improve their livelihood through
tourism. (As already having been done by RDD through their
ULIPH program and currently being done through ILSP under
UGVS under their rural/ecotourism initiative)
The scheme launched for providing self-employment
opportunities to local residents and for encouraging maximum
participation of the host community in the tourism sector shall
continue. Under this scheme titled ―Uttarakhand Tourism
Development Scheme‖ state assistance up to maximum 20% of
project cost in the case of those with a capital investment up to
Rs 10.00 lakh will be provided. Projects under the scheme can
include fast food centres, retail outlets for local handicrafts,
plying of buses and taxis, provision of equipment for adventure
sports, establishing small motel-like accommodation, setting-up
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tourism information centres with PCOs/restaurants, tented
residential facilities, and garages. (Tourism Policy of State of
Uttarakhand, UTDB, 2007)
A Scheme on similar lines was initiated earlier by Department of
Tourism as ―Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Paryatan Swarojgar
Yojana‖ that commence from 01 June 2002. The Scheme would
consider for its coverage: development of buses/taxi transport
services, construction of motor garage/workshop, setting-up of
fast-food centers, Saadhna Kutir/yoga & meditation centers,
establishing 8-10 rooms motel-like accommodation / hotel /
paying guest scheme, setting-up of sale for centers for local
representative artefacts, procurement of equipments for
adventure sports activities, setting-up of modern tourism
information centres with PCOs, development of tented
accommodation, and any other innovative tourism project
proposals in consonance with any area-specific attractions and
specialities. Under this Scheme, interest is payable only as per
the rates specified by the Reserve Bank of India/Funding Bank.
The beneficiary receives the loan only when the economic
viability of the proposed scheme is verified & found affirmative
by the concerned Bank. The entrepreneur has to invest 12.5%
value of the project‘s estimated cost as margin money. A
provision has been made for Uttarakhand Tourism Development
Board to provide the selected beneficiaries an amount of 25%
of the loan or maximum Rs 10.00 lakh as State Assistance. The
State Assistance would be directly provided to the beneficiary‘s
concerned Bank Branch.
As per ―RED Tourism Groundwork Uttarakhand (UA) Report‖
issued by gtz on 8/1/2008, it recommends the following:
―Adapted Veer Chandra Garhwali Programme: In order to
overcome unequal distribution of benefits, the model should be
adapted to apply only to community-run guesthouses instead of
individual households, ensuring benefits being spread to the
wider community. Such change in focus from individual
household to the community requires the formation of a legally
recognised entity–‗the community group/company‘ to be able
to receive the funds from the financial sector.‖
o The ―Guidelines for Mountaineering Expeditions in Uttarakhand‖
issued by UTDB, 2007, have already recommended the following,
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which shall be duly followed: ―A portion of the Expedition Fee13 will
be used for activities, including the following:
Recycling non-biodegradable waste
Office transactions
Promotional activities
Development and maintenance of camping sites and trails
Monitoring of environmental and socio‐ economic impacts
Capacity building of stakeholder departments
Capacity building of local communities
General safety measures
Benefit sharing with the community.
The State Government will develop a procedure for allocation of
funds for the above listed purposes. It will seek necessary assistance
from the IMF and mountaineering training institutions within the
State for search and rescue operations in the State.‖
Administrative Guidelines/Recommendations
o The ―RED Tourism Groundwork Uttarakhand (UA) Report‖ issued by
gtz on 8/1/2008, emphasises the challenges and recommendations
on the following (as excerpted below):
Infrastructure
―The main problem in the State is inadequate infrastructure
(Transportation by road, rail, air; electricity and drinking water
supply; telecommunications, emergency services, roadside
facilities, quality accommodation, waste disposal, etc.).
Increasing travel time reduces the occupancy in hotels
proportionally; except if niche market is being tapped that
usually attract small number but high budget (i.e. extreme
mountaineering, tourism volunteering)–vice versa.
Recommendation:
Tourism zones have to be connected to the market. If not
attracting niche tourists, tourism destinations should not be
more than 5 hrs travelling from the starting destination or be 13 The Expedition Fee includes: 1. Peak Fee payable to Uttarakhand Government for climbing a particular
peak. 2. Enroute Camping Site Fee and Trail Management Fee. 3. Service/Handling charge of the State
Government. 4. Environmental Levy. 5. National Parks and Sanctuaries Fee, where applicable. 6.
Professional Filming Fee in National Parks and Sanctuaries, where applicable. [Refer for other
mountaineering regulations‘ details for expedition purposes ―Guidelines for Mountaineering Expeditions in
Uttarakhand‖ issued by UTDB, 2007; Mountaineering Guidelines (Text in Hindi), available on Forest
Department website; ―Guidelines for mountaineering expeditions in Uttaranchal‖ published by
Government of Uttaranchal, 03 July 2004; and any other separately issued directives e.g. Instructions /
Directives for the High Altitude ―Gangotri National Park‖ for any travel to the destination of ―Gaumukh‖
viz. Order No. 2930/37-1 dated 29 April 2008 issued by CWLW Office, Camp-Dehradun]
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included or attached to the existing circuit with sufficient
tourism inflow to cover operating cost. The state government
should ideally develop such infrastructure in PPP mode.
Tourists, especially women, travelling on long distances
through the state are left in a scenario of few public toilet
facilities. The government needs to provide portal toilets that
can be run by a group of disadvantaged community
members ...‖
Risk Adversity–Incentive Structures/Models
―Risk adversity is one of the main challenges faced when
working with people on the subsistence level that lack access to
finance, collateral, and mostly understanding of the tourism
sector. Incentives structures to reduce risk adversity need to be
established to encourage the uptake of new opportunities while
maintaining incentive for real ownership and ensuring business
sense rather than subsidised model.
Recommendation:
1) Foster awareness and understanding–mobilisation.
2) Demonstrate revenue generation potential liked to
competitive product at different ownership/cooperation
models illustrating the different investment, benefit, and
prerequisite (expertise) scenarios in respect to the
community (i.e. the community ownership, private actor,
PPP, PPCP etc.).
3) Training.
4) Incentives for participants, i.e.:
give family benefit to release their kids/women into
training until actual income generation starts, i.e. sack of
rice (c.f. Orchid Hotel);
pay new entrants small monthly income for the first year
(c.f. Village Ways);
loan-grant structure (i.e. 60:40) with condition of
repayment only with arrival of tourists;
maintenance fund: deduct i.e. 2% of gross income from
community guesthouse for maintenance;
cooperation with renowned businesses that have a track
record of tourist arrivals; and
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mix of direct and indirect benefit structures: establish
direct benefit structures that can be earned directly by
people/group that takes responsibility of certain
activities (i.e. guesthouse coordinators, sweepers,
shopkeeper. etc.) while i.e. 10% of income goes to
community to spread benefits to wider community [i.e.
Village Development Fund for community guest house,
instead of direct tipping to create a tourist-friendly
atmosphere beyond the ‗direct service deliverer.‘‖
Use of Local Assets, Endowments
―Tourism development initiatives should build on existing assets;
i.e. renovate local buildings rather than rebuild, to minimise
parallel structures. Moreover, the cultural heritage is being
preserved, existing ownership made use of, and time saved. In
many cases quality improvements are more needed than
development of new structures. Key is to establish a platform
from where the initiative can grow while being managed by the
community.‖
o In the State of Uttarakhand, the tourism enterprise has important
contribution to the economic development, employment
generation, and gross domestic product, and State Government &
Central Government considers it as an industry in priority area. From
this perspective, the Tourism Policy gives importance to attracting
private investment. Thus, from the perspective of providing the
entrepreneurs and investors of the tourism industry in the State with
necessary assistance from various State Government
Departments/Institutions in an expedited manner and with ease,
the Department of Tourism, Government of Uttarakhand had
already initiated a best practice of an ―Single Window Contact and
Time-bound Information and Ease of Clearance Facility‖ as per the
directives regarding ―Implementation of Facility for Single Window
Contact and Time-bound Information and Ease of Clearance for
Investors and Entrepreneurs in Tourism Industry‖ issued by Tourism
Section, Government of Uttarakhand vide No.
539/VI/2006/12(8)2004 dated 11 May 2006. The effective
implementation of this facility at the district level reportedly is the
responsibility of the District Magistrate, with proactive assistance
from the respective District Tourism Development Officer.
The necessary environment clearances at the level below the
20,000 sqm built-up area as mentioned earlier under Environment
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Guidelines of this document is further recommended to be part of
process of certain levels of clearances under the above Single
Window Facility, and the same would thus need to be followed as
part of prerequisites for such investment proposals for tourism
development in the State of Uttarakhand.
o Effective coordination between several concerned government
departments is critical to ensuring that a tourism
development/tourism activity planned and proposed by
Department of Tourism does not get adversely affected in its
implementation by:
separate decisions/proposals of another department in the
same geographical area that may conflict with the envisaged
tourism development potential/any tourism operation; or
different priorities of concerned departments affecting timely
development & commissioning of a tourism development.
o Since availability of land for tourism industries and obtaining various
clearances including clearance from the Forest Department is a
major hurdle in the development of tourism in the State, the State
Government may create ‗land banks‘ in important tourist
destinations and make them available to prospective
entrepreneurs with all the required clearances after appropriate
Environment Impact Assessments (EIA). (Uttarakhand Tourism
Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008)
o The tourism industry in Uttarakhand, however, considers the levels of
luxury and entertainment taxes as un-justifiably high and has
become impediments to the development of the industry. Further,
tented accommodation is not included in the category of hotel
room and considered as base camp for trekkers. Accordingly the
tourists staying in such facilities are charged license fee for trekking
irrespective of the fact they do trekking or not. (Uttarakhand Tourism
Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008). This has been duly
corrected through the current applicable ―Uttarakhand Tourism
and Travel Trade Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect from 24
January 2014, wherein ―Tent Colony/Nature Camp‖ is considered
part of Accommodation-related Unit along with hotels, motels,
resorts, etc. to be registered under the said Regulations.
o As per Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO,
2008, under Chapter 8-Action Plans, the following action plans were
already recommended, of which some aspects that are directly
concerned with provisions for tourism infrastructure
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planning/development at site-/destination-level and for tourism
asset management are highlighted:
S.
No.
Action Nature of Action Responsibility Time Frame
A Infrastructure Development
1 Establish
Channels
between UTDB
and
Departments
responsible for
Infrastructure
Development
Infrastructure is essential for tourism
but it also can stifle tourism if the
natural or urban environment is
damaged by insensitively built
infrastructure.
These channels will allow the UTDB
to be informed of and have a say
in infrastructure projects to be built
in the state. It also allows the UTDB
to suggest where improvements of
new infrastructure should be
provided.
UTDB to set up
and initiate.
Immediately
2 Integrated
Urban Traffic
Management
Plans
This plan is to organise the
connections between public
transport termini, tourism attractions
and the city centres.
Emphasis should be on pedestrian
flow, traffic safety and
environmental upgrading. At least
the following cities need to be
covered: Dehradun, Rishikesh,
Haridwar, Mussoorie, Gangotri,
Nainital, Pantnagar and
Kathgodam.
Public Works
Department,
UTDB and the
relevant city
planning
departments.
Short Term
3 Air Traffic
Management
No-fly zones and fixed-wing zones
should be established and
regulations put in place since the
proliferation of air traffic (especially
helicopter services) could have a
detrimental effect on tourism if
aircrafts are allowed to access
sensitive sites such as the valley of
flowers, Gaumukh or holy sites on
the Char Dham route.
Aviation
Authority, UTDB
Short Term
4 Waste
Management
Plans
Waste management plans must be
established for major tourist
destinations, notably those along
the Char Dham route. Gangotri
could be used as a case study.
Local
Government,
Private Sector
and
UTDB
Short Term
5 Tourism
Infrastructure
and Asset
Management
System
Create a database to map all
natural and man-made tourism
assets in the state including
sightseeing spots, parks, trails,
religious facilities, sports /outdoor
areas, hotels, guesthouses,
UTDB Short Term
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S.
No.
Action Nature of Action Responsibility Time Frame
restaurants, etc.
6 Road
Maintenance
Assessment
System
A geographic Information system
(GIS) based facility should be
created to monitor the state of the
roads, to map the location of
landslides and to record
maintenance that was carried out.
This system must feed into a road
condition warning system that
broadcasts traffic jams and road
closures to the general public.
Road safety must be improved and
the system can be used to map
dangerous sections and point of
frequent accidents to allow for a
more structured road improvement
strategy.
Public Works
Department
Medium
Term
B Marketing and Institutional
1 Developing a
Grading System
Creation of a quality assurance
system to grade tourist facilities in
the State following local criteria
UTDB: Marketing
Division–Legal
and Licensing
Division
Private sector
Short Term to
Medium
Term
2 Establishing
Tourist
Information
Centres
Establishing three levels of TICs from
information counters to main
offices
The Ministry of
Tourism
UTDB: Marketing
Division
Local authorities
Short to
Medium
Term
C Community-based Tourism and Social Development
1 Identifying
Targeted
Villages for
Community
Participation in
Tourism
Assessment of potential and needs
of villages and gateway towns to
undertake tourism based on
selection guidelines established in
Section 4.4 of the Master Plan
Forest
Department /
UTDB / Vikas* /
Community
Development
Department of
Government
Short Term
2 Identify Suitable
Ecotourism
Products
Gauging potential products which
are most suitable for the selected
villages, perhaps through
consultation based on criteria
developed in Section 4.4 of the
Master plan
Forest
Department /
UTDB / Vikas* /
Community
Development
Department of
Government
Short Term
3 Define and
Implement
Physical
Infrastructure
Required
Consultation with villagers to
ascertain hard and soft
infrastructure needs to support
community participation on tourism
Forest
Department /
UTDB / Vikas* /
Community
Development
Department of
Short to
Medium
Term
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S.
No.
Action Nature of Action Responsibility Time Frame
Government
4 Define Nature of
Participation
Consultation with stakeholders
including village committees to
ascertain form of intervention to be
carried out (private sector, village
communally owned enterprises
etc.)
Forest
Department /
UTDB / Vikas* /
Community
Development
Department of
Government
Short to
Medium
Term
5 Undertake
Training and
Awareness
Preparation and implementation of
learner friendly courses covering
environmental awareness and
interpretation, tourism
management, safety and hygiene
and financial management.
Forest
Department /
UTDB /
Appropriate
NGOs (e.g.
student
partnership
worldwide)
Medium
Term
6 Long Term
Diversification
and
Strengthening
Encourage more sophisticated
forms of training or activities in line
with villagers‟ aspirations
Forest
Department /
UTDB / Vikas* /
Community
Development
Department of
Government
Long Term
D Socio-cultural Initiatives and Pro-Poor Strategies
1 Tourism
Resource Centre
Proposed at Block level Tourism
Department
Short Term
2 Creation of a
Welfare Fund for
Mule-drivers
Organize it modalities Municipal Council Short Term
3 Identification of
New
Architectural
Heritage Circuits
Developing and diversifying tourist
sites
Tourism
Department
Short to
Medium
Term
4 Constructing
Amphitheatres
Show-casing the state‘s living
heritage
State
Government with
corporate
partnership
Short to
Medium
Term
5 Interventions in
the Gangotri
Sanctuary
Environment-friendly pilgrim tourism Forest
Department /
State
Government
Short to
Medium
Term
6 Up Scaling and
Expanding
Pilgrim Circuits
Helicopter services, expanded
pilgrim tourist itineraries
Tourism
Department /
State
Government
Medium
Term
7 Action plans for
Greater
Participation by
Gender-sensitive, specialist-
oriented and youth-friendly rural
tourism plans
NGO Short to
Medium
Term
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S.
No.
Action Nature of Action Responsibility Time Frame
Rural Women,
Youngsters and
Rural Specialists
8 Development of
pro-poor tourism
in Raithal-Barsu
Priority zone as a ski-resort is being
planned here
NGO/Tourism
Department
Short Term
9 Pro-poor tourism
for residents of
villages
adjoining
wildlife parks
Special concerns of this region NGO/Tourism
Department
Short to
Medium
Term
Source: Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008
* Vikas: Vikas Samiti or Eco-Development Committee (EDC) e.g. The forest department has initiated
an Eco-development Programme to involve villagers in conflict reduction and biodiversity conservation.
Eco-development committees consisting of representatives of both villagers and the forest department are
being encouraged to enable communities to plan and implement programmes for resource conservation
and generate livelihood. [―Eco-development‖ section under Park Management & Conservation webpage,
Corbett National Park website]
o Compliance to be ensured to the provisions of ―Guidelines for
Procuring Land for Tourism Investment by Private Investors in
Uttarakhand State‖ issued by Tourism Section vide No. 910/VI/2005-
3(42)2005 dated 20 August 2005 by Department of Tourism and
District Administration is mandatory w.r.t. the private investment,
clearly illustrating the coverage of aspects of–confirmation of
firmness of the investor towards the intent of the project proposal for
which the land is being procured, justification that the project
proposal is as per the conditions of the land being applied for
procurement, and other requirements (viz. detailed project report-
DPR including feasibility study, financial and technical analysis, etc.)
of the Department of Tourism for ease of and timely approval
(necessary and detailed information to be provided as per
annexed Performa-A & B of above-mentioned guideline).
o Follow the provisions of ―Amendment to G.O. on Land Use
Conversion and it‘s Rates from Lower Land Use to Upper Land Use-
category Development under Master Plan and Regional Plan‖
issued by Housing Section, Government of Uttarakhand vide No.
1573/V-H-2006-11(LUC)/65 dated 10 September 2006, and as
applicable comply with any further amendment/revision from time
to time.
o The ―Directives for establishing State Sector Planning‖ issued by
Tourism Section, Government of Uttarakhand vide No. 478/VI/2006
dated 25 April 2006 shall be followed in general by the UTDB for
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State sector projects, while certain tourism infrastructure
development related specific directives are reproduced below:
While selecting the projects at the District-level District Tourism
Advisory Committee and at the Uttarakhand Tourism
Development Board-level, first priority would be given to the
project proposals identified in the Different Master Plans
prepared at the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board
Headquarter-level.
Only those project proposals related to tourism development
would be considered where the tourists from outside the State
arrive in large numbers. When selecting such destinations, the
tourism importance and the tourist visitation numbers would be
the basis for determining the priority.
Those project proposals that are related to the development of
such destinations, which at present are little known, but have
the capability to attract national and international tourists and
where tourism attractions are present, can also be considered.
If any heritage property/heritage area exists within important
circuits/destinations from the tourism perspective, projects for
such destinations can also be proposed.
For revenue generating projects under the State sector, the
implementation should be attempted based on PPP model as
much as possible. Such projects would be, viz. development of
parks (established in tourism destinations or at tourism circuits),
bus parking, land development bank, bathing ghats,
development infrastructure facilities, construction of Tourist Rest
Houses and O&M, procurement of adventure sports and
camping equipments, construction of ropeways and O&M,
other tourism related activities. Also apart from above Theme
Park, Entertainment Park, ropeway, boating, etc. can be
included.
Equipments related to adventure sports, upgradation /
strengthening of basic facilities at present, departmental
buildings and staff quarters should also be provisioned.
For every work, based on work progress from time-to-time at
least at three levels (Beginning of Work, 50 percent Work
Completed, and on Work Completion), photographs shall be
provided to the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board
Headquarter.
Ensure the project plans are suitable from aesthetics/eco-
friendly perspective.
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The number of employment expected to be generated from
the project.
o The ―Directives for establishing District Sector Planning‖ issued by
Tourism Section, Government of Uttarakhand vide No. 479/VI/2006
dated 25 April 2006 shall be followed in general by the District
Administration for District sector projects, while certain tourism
infrastructure related specific conditions are reproduced below:
While choosing projects, regional balance should be duly
considered.
Prior to presenting the project works to District Monitoring &
Planning Committee, the District Tourism Development Officer
and Implementing Agency shall ensure the availability of land,
and Operation/Maintenance responsibilities.
For new and ongoing projects according to the requirements of
the Implementing Agency, through District Monitoring &
Planning Committee, budget provision for project-wise
expenditure should be made.
The utility of the proposed projects and justification related to its
favourable impacts on tourism visitation numbers should be
presented in the project estimation.
Ensure for all projects that they are not for private purpose, but
are related with public purpose.
For every work, based on work progress from time-to-time at
least at three levels (Preliminary Stage, Middle Stage, and Work
Completed Stage), photographs shall be taken and duly
recorded.
o The ―RED Tourism Groundwork Uttarakhand (UA) Report‖ issued by
gtz on 8/1/2008, already emphasises developing a grading system
i.e. ―Creation of a quality assurance system to grade tourist facilities
in the State following local criteria–short-term to medium-term.‖
o As per ―The RED Tourism Value Chain Selection, Strategy and
Operational Plan-Uttarakhand, October 2008‖ by International
Tourism Consultancy for gtz-RED program, Uttarakhand, following
recommendations are made for ―Product Development and
Maintenance and Provision of Services:
gtz-RED: To ensure that the product is up to the standards
required (including accommodation, cuisine and activities) the
following interventions are recommended:
Prepare a manual to describe the types of facilities and
standards required in terms of accommodation and
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catering; organise exposure visits for interested developers
to see good practice;
Encourage identification of handicraft and local specialities,
production and sales and develop opportunities to
showcase and sell handicrafts and local specialities to
tourists;
Develop a capacity building strategy for ecolodges,
homestays and camps in hospitality provision; prepare
training modules for capacity building in hospitality and
guiding, highlighting the different activities that can be
enjoyed in the village environment and how villagers should
interact with visitors; and
Develop a certification course for porters and guides to
include such topics as safety, first aid, emergency
evacuation, and information about flora, fauna and culture.
Civil Society Partners: Partners in the field will be required to:
Build the capacity of local communities wanting to provide
ecotourism services: hospitality, guiding and so on…
Organise exposure visits to see examples of good practice;
Develop training modules on the different types of activities
that can be enjoyed at ecotourism facilities, including in a
village environment and organise capacity building
programmes;
Empower through training local inspectors to ensure that the
product remains at a consistently high standard;
Assist porters and guides in forming associations so that they
are organized to provide the services when required and
that they are in a stronger position in the delivery of the
product; and
Deliver certification training courses for porters and guides.
Public Sector Agencies: Public sector agencies can assist in
improving the product through the following interventions:
Officially recognise local inspectors who will be trained to
ensure that standards are maintained.‖
o For river rafting/kayaking operating units establishment and
undertaking rafting/kayaking activities, and their monitoring &
management, compliance to be ensured in general with the
provisions of ―Uttarakhand River Rafting/Kayaking Regulations,
2014‖ issued by Tourism Department vide No. 160/VI/2013-
01(03)/2013 dated 24 January 2014, and compliance specifically is
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emphasised with respect to the required safety standards &
capabilities, and environment protection related standards.
o Standardisation and Rescue Organisation: As per Tourism Policy of
State of Uttarakhand, UTDB, 2007, ―Adequate facilities will be
developed to provide a high-level rescue system for adventure
sports and other tourism related activities. This will include provision
of various rescue equipments like recovery vans, Repling, Jumar
and walkie-talkie sets, etc. A Rescue Co-ordination Committee will
also be set-up. Registered organisations/clubs connected with
adventure tourism will be encouraged through grants. A separate
set of rules will be framed for this purpose.
While, for safety standards/regulations in Aero Sports ―Instructions
related to temporary directives till the Permanent Regulations /
Directives are prepared for Aero Sports in Uttarakhand‖ issued by
Tourism Section, Government of Uttarakhand vide No.
112/T.O./2003-47 Tourism/2003 dated 28 Mar 2003 would continue
to remain applicable; some related new regulations have certainly
come into effect recently viz. ―Uttarakhand River Rafting/Kayaking
Regulations, 2014‖ dated 24 January 2014, and ―Uttarakhand
Tourism and Travel Trade Registration Regulations, 2014‖ with effect
from 24 January 2014 which only includes ―Adventure Tour
Operator‖ as part of Adventure Tourism-related Unit to be
registered under the said Regulations. However, for detailed
regulation on ―Adventure Tour Operator,‖ one may have
to/continue to refer the ―Guidelines for Recognition/Renewal or
Extension as an Approved Adventure Tour Operator (ATO)‖ revised
with effect from 2nd January 2012, issued by MOT, GoI.
o Safeguards and Retrofitting measures in the interest of wildlife
conservation (new activity/non-recurring): The ―Comprehensive
Guidelines for Tiger Conservation and Tourism‖ as per Notification
dated 15th October 2012, NTCA highlights provision to be ensured
as infrastructure retrofitting measures i.e. ―Several tiger reserves are
affected on account of heavily used infrastructure like roads,
railway tracks and others. The high tension electric lines passing
through many reserves cause mortality of wild animals due to
electrocution by poachers. In the interest of wild animals several
safeguards as well as retrofitting measures may be required, which
would be supported on a site-specific basis.‖
o Establishment of Tiger Safari, interpretation and awareness centres
under the existing component of ‗co-existence agenda in buffer
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and fringe areas,‘ and management of such centres through the
respective Panchayati Raj Institutions (creation – Non-Recurring;
maintenance – Recurring): The Tiger Safaris may be established in
the buffer areas of tiger reserves which experience immense tourist
influx in the core/critical tiger habitat for viewing tiger. The
interpretation and awareness centres would also be supported in
such buffer areas to foster awareness for eliciting public support.
The management of such centres would be through the respective
Panchayati Raj (PR) institutions. [―Comprehensive Guidelines for
Tiger Conservation and Tourism‖ as per Notification dated 15th
October 2012, NTCA]
o As per the provisions made in the Comprehensive Guidelines for
Tiger Conservation and Tourism‖ as per Notification dated 15th
October 2012, NTCA, that shall be duly followed i.e. ―The State
Governments shall develop a system to ensure that gate receipts
from tiger reserves are utilised by their management for specific
conservation purposes and shall not to go as revenue to the State
Exchequer. This will ensure that resources generated from tourism
can be earmarked for protection, conservation and local livelihood
development, tackling human-wild animal conflict and welfare
measures of field staff.
Since the tourism industry in and around tiger reserves is sustained
primarily from the non-consumptive use of wildlife resources and the
local communities are the ones that bear the brunt of conservation,
the State Governments may charge a conservation fee from the
tourism industry for eco-development and local community
upliftment works. The conservation fee shall be decided on the
number of beds in a facility, the duration of operation of the facility
(seasonal or year round) and on a luxury classification system such
as home stay (fee for which will not be charged up to a 6-bed
facility), to high end (which will have the maximum quantum of the
fee). The suggested fee structure may range between Rs 500 to Rs
3000 per room per month. The rate of conservation fee and tourist
facility strata shall be determined by the State Government, and
the fund thus collected shall be earmarked to address local
livelihood development, human-wildlife conflict management and
conservation through eco-development and not go to the State
Exchequer as specified in para above.‖
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o Tiger Reserve Management in the context of Tourism
[―Comprehensive Guidelines for Tiger Conservation and Tourism‖ as
per Notification dated 15th October 2012, NTCA]:
The Chief Wildlife Warden of the State shall ensure that each
tiger reserve prepares a tourism plan, as part of the Tiger
Conservation Plan vis-à-vis the technical Guidelines of the
National Tiger Conservation Authority. The plan shall inter alia,
include identification of corridor connectivity and important
wildlife habitats and mechanisms to secure them. This site-
specific tourism plan forming part of the Tiger Conservation Plan
shall be approved as per the provisions of the Wild Life
(Protection) Act, 1972. Prior to this approval, no new
infrastructure for tourism (except for minor alterations in existing
modest home stays) shall be allowed to be developed in and
around tiger reserves.
The tourism plan shall, inter alia, include a monitoring
mechanism, estimated carrying capacity (a suggested model
mechanism to calculate carrying capacity, is provided in
Annexure-I and Annexure-II (of above-mentioned NTCA, 2012
Guidelines), which may be modified on a site specific basis),
tourism zones and demarcation of the area open to tourism on
the basis of objective and scientific criteria.
The tourism plan should be consistent with the State Tourism and
Ecotourism Strategy and shall also be approved by the LAC*
and the State Government. [*A Local Advisory Committee
(LAC) shall be constituted for each tiger reserve by the State
Government (as per above-mentioned NTCA, 2012 Guidelines).]
The plan shall:
(i) identify (using landscape ecological principles and tools)
and monitor the ecologically sensitive areas surrounding
tiger reserves, in order to ensure the ecological integrity of
corridor and buffer areas, and prevent corridor
encroachment;
(ii) assess carrying capacity of the tiger reserve, at three levels:
physical, real and effective and permissible carrying
capacity of visitors and vehicles as well as residential
facilities in and around the tiger reserve (in accordance
with Annexure-I, Annexure-II of above-mentioned NTCA,
2012 Guidelines). On the lines of the illustrative calculation
provided for vehicular tourist visitation, carrying capacity
needs to be computed on a site specific basis for tourist
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visitation involving elephant, boat and foot travel. Explore
the possibility of technological tools (Global Positioning
System-GPS, wireless, etc.) to manage traffic and spacing
of tourist vehicles within tiger reserves;
(iii) set a ceiling level on number of visitors allowed to enter a
tiger reserve at any given time, based on the carrying
capacity of the habitat;
(iv) indicate the area open to tourism in the reserves to be
designated as ‗eco-tourism zone;‘
(v) ensure visitor entry into tiger reserves through vehicles
registered with the tiger reserve management,
accompanied by authorised guide;
(vi) develop a participatory community-based tourism strategy
in collaboration with local communities, to ensure long-
term local community benefit-sharing, and promotion of
activities run by local communities;
(vii) develop codes and standards for privately-operated tourist
facilities located in the vicinity of core or critical tiger
habitats, eco-sensitive zones or buffer areas, with a view to,
inter alia, ensure benefit and income to local communities;
(viii) develop monitoring mechanisms to assess impact of
tourism activities on the wildlife and its habitat so as to
minimize them;
(ix) develop generic guidelines for environmentally
acceptable and culturally appropriate practices, and for
all new constructions;
(x) set up lists of Do‘s and Don‘ts for visitors; and
(xi) provide for subsidized visits of students while fostering
educational extension activities.
In the case of human-animal conflicts, compensation shall be
paid within the period as per Citizen‘s Charter, apart from
immediate payment of ex-gratia.
All tourism activities shall take place only in delineated ‗tourism
zones‘ indicated in the tourism plan. The vacant posts in tiger
reserves shall be filled up since the staff is also required to
manage some tourism in addition to their regular duties.
Tigers in India occur across varied habitats that range from high
elevation mountain subtropical forests, tropical wet evergreen
forests, mangrove swamps, tropical moist or dry deciduous
forests and alluvial floodplain grasslands. The densities of large
ungulates, the main prey of tigers, vary from 2 to over 60 animals
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per km2 among these different habitats. Breeding tigress‘s are
territorial, and the size of their territories adjust to prey density so
as to successfully raise cubs. Male tiger territories cover the
territories of two to four breeding tigress territories. Due to
variation in habitat specific prey density, breeding tigress
territories range from 20 to 200 km2 in India. For a
demographically viable population it is essential to have a core
area that harbours a minimum of 20 to 25 breeding tigresses. For
long-term genetic viability the minimum effective population
size is believed to be about 500 individuals. Due to the variability
in breeding tigress territory size and thus breeding tiger density,
the core area needed can be generalized to be between 800-
1200 km2. This core and surrounding buffer can then sustain a
population of about 75 to 100 individual tigers to attain
demographic viability. However, genetic viability is possible only
through corridor connectivity within the larger landscape where
dispersing individual tigers ensure genetic mixing between
different source populations (tiger reserves) in a meta-
population framework. Current tourism zones where only tourist
visits are permitted and there are no consumptive uses, tiger
density and recruitment does not seem to be impacted. For this
reason permitting up to 20% of the core/ critical tiger habitat as
a tourism zone should not have an adverse effect on the tiger
biology needs, which is subject to adherence to all the
prescriptions made in these Guidelines (NTCA, 2012 Guidelines).
There is also a need for fostering the buffer and peripheral areas
for carrying out the greater part of ecotourism to benefit local
communities.
Conservation of the tiger, our National animal, is the paramount
objective of tiger reserves and generating public support
through regulated tourism is an invaluable tool for harnessing
public and community support for tiger conservation. Regulated
tourism results in enhanced awareness and is of educational
value especially for the younger generation. Non-consumptive
regulated, low-impact tourism could be permitted within core or
critical tiger habitat without in any way compromising the spirit
of core/critical tiger habitat for tiger conservation. With this
importance of tourism in tiger conservation in mind, it is
recommended that a maximum of 20% of the core or critical
tiger habitat usage (not exceeding the present usage) for
regulated, low-impact tourist visitation may be permitted. In
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case the current usage exceeds 20% the Local Advisory
Committee may decide on a timeframe for bringing down the
usage to 20%. Such area may be demarcated as tourism zone
and there should be strict adherence to site specific carrying
capacity. Restoration of buffer forest areas shall be done
through its unified control under the respective Field Directors of
tiger reserves vis-à-vis the Guidelines of the Project Tiger and the
National Tiger Conservation Authority. Further, no new tourism
infrastructure shall be created in the core areas. Existing
residential infrastructure inside core or critical tiger habitats shall
be strictly regulated to adhere to low ecological impacts as
decided by the Local Advisory Committee on a site specific
basis.
Any core area in a tiger reserve from which relocation has
been carried out, shall not be used for tourism infrastructure.
Forest dwellers who have been relocated from core or critical
tiger habitat to the Buffer shall be given priority in terms of
livelihood generation activities related to community-based
ecotourism in the tiger reserve. Tiger reserve management shall
make a special effort in this regard, besides a periodic review to
ensure its compliance.
Tourism infrastructure shall conform to environment-friendly, low-
impact aesthetic architecture, including solar energy, waste
recycling, rainwater harvesting, natural cross-ventilation, proper
sewage disposal, and merging with the surrounding habitat.
Violations of these norms will be appropriately dealt with by the
LAC. Any violation of the guidelines will be referred to the
appropriate authorities under intimation to the NTCA, for taking
action in accordance to the relevant provisions of the law.
The District Revenue and tiger reserve authorities shall ensure
that all tourist facilities within a zone of influence (to be identified
by the LAC) in the context of core/critical tiger habitats in tiger
reserves must adhere to all environmental clearances, noise
pollution norms, and are non-polluting, blending in with
surroundings. Severe penalties must be imposed for non-
compliance.
Permanent tourist facilities located inside core or critical tiger
habitat, which are being used for wildlife tourism shall be
phased out on a time frame decided by the LAC. Strict plans
ensuring low-impact adherence by these facilities shall be
developed and approved by LAC for implementation. There
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shall be no privately run facilities such as catering, etc., inside
the core or critical tiger habitat where night stay is permitted.
Such existing facilities if any, are to be run by the Tiger
Conservation Foundations.
All tourism facilities located within the zone of influence (as
determined by the LAC) in the context of the tiger reserve shall
adhere to pollution norms (noise, solid waste, air and water,
etc.), under the respective laws or rules for the time being in
force. Outdoor high intensity illumination shall not be utilized as
it disturbs nocturnal wild animal activities.
There shall be a complete ban on burying, burning or otherwise
disposing non-biodegradable or toxic waste in and around the
tiger reserve. Proper plan for disposal for degradable waste shall
be developed and strictly implemented.
Management of habitat to inflate animal abundance for
tourism purposes shall not be practiced within the core or
critical habitat. Visitors shall keep a minimum distance of more
than 20 meter from all wildlife; cordoning, luring or feeding of
any wildlife shall be prohibited. Minimum distance between
vehicles while spotting wildlife shall be maintained at 50 meters.
Vehicles shall not monopolize a wildlife sighting for more than 15
minutes.
To avoid the number of visitors and vehicles exceeding carrying
capacity, tiger reserve managers shall establish an advance
booking system to control tourist and vehicle numbers. Rules of
booking shall be transparent and, violators shall be penalized.
Tiger reserve authorities shall delineate an adequate and
appropriate area for the visitor facility outside the protected
area.
Tourism activities in a tiger reserves shall be under the overall
guidance of the respective Tiger Conservation Foundations and
the LACs.
o Tourist Facilities and Tour Operators [―Comprehensive Guidelines for
Tiger Conservation and Tourism‖ as per Notification dated 15th
October 2012, NTCA]:
Tourism infrastructure must conform to environment-friendly,
low-impact, low-height aesthetic architecture; renewable
including solar energy, waste recycling, water management,
natural cross-ventilation, no use of asbestos, discharge of only
treated sewage, no air pollution, minimal outdoor lighting, and
merging with the surrounding landscape.
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The use of battery operated vehicles shall be encouraged to
minimize pollution wherever terrain permits.
A 'curriculum' shall be developed for training of guides and
drivers in the art, craft and ethics of wildlife tourism, resulting in
certification. All guides and drivers shall compulsorily go through
a short course in interpretation and rules and regulations
followed by an oral examination before being certified by the
Tiger Conservation Foundation. Courses may be scheduled
during the non-tourist season. All certified guides and drivers
shall wear appropriately designed uniforms with name tags and
badges. This will instil a sense of pride, discipline and
accountability. Prior to every tourist season, certified guides and
drivers shall go through a refresher course or workshop. These
shall also build up their capacity to identify birds and provide
natural history information on other species, to slowly wean
them away from a tiger-centric obsession. A periodic
assessment of their performance shall be reviewed by the LAC
before reissuing their licences.
All tourist facilities falling within the zone of influence of a tiger
reserve shall be reviewed regularly by the Local Advisory
Committee vis-à-vis environmental clearance, area of
coverage, ownership, type of construction, number of
employees, etc., for suggesting mitigation and retrofitting
measures if needed.
All tourist facilities, old and new shall aim to generate at least
50% of their total energy and fuel requirements from alternate
energy sources that may include solar and biogas.
The use of wood as fuel shall be prohibited, except for
campfires for which wood must be procured from State Forest
Department or the Forest Development Corporation depots.
In order to allow free passage to wildlife, developments shall be
sensitive to the conservation of flora and fauna, and the
corridor value of the area in and around tiger reserves.
Tourist facilities and tour operators shall not cause disturbance
to animals while taking visitors on nature trails.
Any violation of the guidelines shall be referred to the
appropriate authorities under intimation to the National Tiger
Conservation Authority, for taking action in accordance to the
relevant provisions of the law.
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o Temple and Pilgrimage Boards [―Comprehensive Guidelines for
Tiger Conservation and Tourism‖ as per Notification dated 15th
October 2012, NTCA]:
Pilgrim sites located inside tiger reserves shall be in accordance
with the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, The Wild Life
(Protection) Act, 1972 and the Environment (Protection) Act,
1986 to prevent any further expansion. This shall be periodically
reviewed by the LAC.
All transit camps and places of stay for such pilgrimage shall be
restricted to nominated days in a year. The protected area
managers shall work with the temple authorities to develop a
system for controlling the number of pilgrims so as to maintain
the ecological integrity of the area. This mechanism shall be
developed within three years of the notification of these
Guidelines.
All rules relating to tourism facilities including noise, building
design, use of alternate energy and free passage to wildlife shall
apply to such pilgrim facilities.
Temple boards shall negotiate terms of revenue sharing with
local communities and channel a minimum of 10 percent of
gross revenue collected into development of local communities
through the Gram Sabha.
The tourist operators, drivers and temple controlling authorities
shall be given an exposure on the value of forest ecosystem and
their ecological services and along with the do’s and don’ts
during visits to forests and tiger reserves.
o These Guidelines (NTCA, 2012 Guidelines) shall be applicable to the
tiger reserves notified under section 38-V of The Wild Life
(Protection) Act, 1972. The State Government shall lay down
Guidelines on similar lines for tourism in other protected areas.
o Contravention of any provision of these guidelines (NTCA, 2012
Guidelines) or conditions laid therein by any person or organization
shall be liable of an offence under subsection (2) of 38-O of The
Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
o As per the directives issued ―Regarding Permission of Purchase of
Land under the Clauses 154(4)(3)(a) & (b) of Zamindari Abolition
and Land Reforms Act in the area abutting 2 km from external limit
of the Region of Corbett Tiger Reserve declared under the Forest
Act/Regarding Prohibiting Land-use Change under the Clauses 143
of Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act for Land Parcels with
reference to Agricultural Land situated in Areas under Corbett Tiger
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Reserve‖ issued by Revenue Section-2 vide No. 2756/XXIII(2)/2012
dated 16 November 2012 under the authority of Principal Secretary,
Revenue Department, Government of Uttarakhand, certain
provisions are made to ensure the following:
Until further orders, it is informed that it is prohibited to give any
permission regarding Purchase of Land/Any Land-use Change
under the Clauses 154(4)(3)(a) & (b) of Uttar Pradesh Zamindari
Abolition and Land Reforms Act-1950 (as appropriately
changed in Uttarakhand thereafter and as amended till date)
in the area abutting 2 km from external limit of the Region of
Corbett Tiger Reserve declared under the Forest Act; and
Until further orders, it is further informed that no permission shall
be given regarding Land-use Change under the Clauses 143 of
Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act for
Land Parcels (as appropriately changed in Uttarakhand
thereafter and as amended till date) in areas under Corbett
Tiger Reserve declared under the Forest Act until it is fully
ensured that there is no breach of any provision of all
regulations/byelaws, rules, ordinance, and circulars related to
forest land conservation.
o As per ―The RED Tourism Value Chain Selection, Strategy and
Operational Plan-Uttarakhand, October 2008‖ by International
Tourism Consultancy for gtz-RED program, Uttarakhand, some
recommendations having been made for the management of
religious tourism undertaken by lakhs of pilgrims every year, followed
by leisure tourism visitors, rafting/water sports/weekend tourism
visitors (in which RED program can provide assistance to the
stakeholders of such value chains) are highlighted below:
Improving frame conditions by policy intervention to ensure a
system for local traffic information and policy intervention to
stop price abuses during peak periods. Here the idea is to set up
a warning system about traffic problems that can be accessed
through wireless equipment (i.e. mobile phone). This will allow
tourists to be prepared, for instance call ahead to their
destination to announce their estimated time of arrival. This is
particularly important in the Religious Tourism value chain when
roads are closed at certain times of the day in high season to
control the number and flow of visitors and pilgrims to and from
the Char Dhams. Opening times and especially last closing time
in the evening would be transmitted wirelessly allowing visitors to
plan their journeys.
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Sensitising priests/ashrams of the importance of environmental
protection of the religious sites and surroundings which they can
pass onto pilgrims.
Environmental and planning control is necessary to avoid
damage to the assets that attract the tourists in the first place.
However, the product has to be protected from over-
construction and poor architectural design and methods need
to be devised and systems put in place for a greater
involvement of local communities in this value chain of leisure
tourism. A guide describing appropriate locally sensitive
architectural designs for different-sized properties, from hotel to
guest house to home stays to river camps, with a section on
appropriate energy management should be produced and
could be made available to all investors/developers wanting to
build new accommodation, with a special focus on the SMEs in
the selected value chains. These could also be taken on
exposure visits to appropriately designed properties.
Surveying the rivers and lakes in the state to find appropriate
areas to develop rafting and water sports services and advising
on facilities that are required.
Link communities supplying organic produce to river camps.
o The ―Report on Identification and Assessment of Off-Beat
Destinations in Uttarakhand for Community-based Ecotourism
Development & Promotion‖ submitted to gtz-RED Program,
Uttarakhand, January 2010 highlights the scenario of eco-tourism
development & management as ―Service and safety concerns,
limited budget constraints of government have worsened existing
problems. An example is that all the tourist information centres of
Uttarakhand Tourism do not maintain a proper record on
destination management14. Forests and land are common
resources used by many groups. It is not only the local people who
depend on forest resources. Government agencies and private
companies are also interested in using these resources. Many
national development projects, such as one of ecotourism wing of
forest department are proposed in forest managed areas. This
creates a conflict of interest between the forest and other groups, 14
Destination management aims at optimizing the functioning of a tourist destination on three levels:
Organisation of the tourism economy; relation with local population; and Control of environmental
impact. Destination management can include land use planning, business permits and zoning controls,
environmental and other regulations, business association initiatives, and a host of other techniques to
shape the development and daily operation of tourism-related activities. [―Destination Management
Plan–Kumaon Circuit‖ Mission Report (31 October 2010 to 20 November 2010), gtz-RED Program,
Uttarakhand]
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resulting in a lack of mutual trust. Consequently, a partnership is
needed not only to create good working relationships and
agreements amongst the various parties, but also to form sincerity
and trustfulness.‖
o Administrative Best Practices:
The unregulated tourism along the trail in the Valley of Flowers &
Hemkunt Sahib had resulted in pollution of beautiful terrain.
Large mound of garbage, mainly plastic had accumulated
along the trail. Forest Department rose to meet the challenge of
cleaning the garbage. Eco-Development Committee (EDC) of
local people of village Bhyundar and Govindghat undertook an
exercise to assess the garbage and causative factors. A series of
discussion was held with all concerned, local people,
shopkeepers, and mule owners etc. to sensitize them and seek
support for salvaging the situation. An operation was launched
with the support of EDC and local people. As a consequence of
this effort, 19 km trek to Valley of Flowers and Hemkunt Sahib
was cleaned and strategy to keep it clean was evolved. In last
two years 84 tons of garbage has been removed without
spending government fund. The EDC with the support of Forest
Department has taken over the responsibility of managing the
activities related with tourism, such as registration and booking
of porters, mules and the interpretation centre and marketing of
souvenirs. The EDC of Bhyundar realizes Eco-fee from
shopkeepers, mule owners and tourists and the garbage
management is being done by them. EDC has now provided
insurance cover to tourists, parks, mule owners, who avail the
services provided by them, without any extra charges. EDC has
realized Eco-fee to the tune of Rs 37 lakhs in the year 2006 and
are successfully managing the trail. [―Experience village life:
Community-based Tourism (CBT)‖ issued by Ecotourism Division,
under Ecotourism Menu on Forest Department‘s website]
―The RED Tourism Value Chain Selection, Strategy and
Operational Plan-Uttarakhand, October 2008‖ by International
Tourism Consultancy for gtz-RED program, Uttarakhand also
emphasises that ―It is important that EDCs or similar organisations
are set up in areas where these do not exist to redress and/or
avoid pollution.‖
As per ―Uttaranchal Van Panchayat Regulations, 2005‖ vide
Notification dated 23rd January 2006 by Forest & Environment
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Section-2, ―Micro-Plan with plan duration of 5-years‖ and for its
implementation the ―Annual Action Plans‖ is to be prepared
with the purpose of protection and management of Village
Forests/Panchayati Van.
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5 SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE FOR
TOURISM SECTOR
5.1 Guidelines for Site Selection and Development
5.1.1 Introduction
The primary purpose of these guidelines is to have a tourism
accommodation asset/supporting visitor infrastructure creation and
development which is safely sited with necessary graded slope
stabilisation/mitigation measures, eco-friendly in resource usage,
vernacular / traditional look and functionally convenient as well as
sustainable in long-term usage. It is to encourage architecture design that
is appropriate and vernacular to its settings and surroundings and it is
complementing to the special conditions of climate and other
environmental factors indigenous to the region. The reviewing authorities
will adjust project review to accommodate the dynamic regulations set
by other authorities having jurisdiction on the region, i.e., building codes,
various acts, flood plain requirements, G.O.s/directives on construction,
control on number of visitors, and the effective amendments to such
Orders/Directives/Acts as issued from time-to-time etc.
Key important terms used are:
Viewing Areas: Key viewing areas have been designated within the
scenic area and include portions of public roads, trails, parks, recreational
sites, river gorges, valley, rural settlements, stepped farm lands, etc.
Development is a broad term that includes the creation of new parcels,
the construction of buildings and structures, and ground-disturbing
activities such as mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, and
excavation.
Landscape Settings are areas in the location with distinct characteristics.
These characteristics contribute to the beauty and diversity of the Scenic
Area. Some landscape settings have specific requirements for plant
species, building design, and building location. The UTDB will help
determine which landscape setting requirements apply to the project.
Landscape settings are determined by:
Landform – such as cliffs, hillsides including river banks/riparian buffer
areas, and rock outcroppings.
Vegetation Types and Patterns – such as grassland, forests, or
pastures.
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Existing Land-use and Development Patterns – including types,
amount, spacing, and other aspects of existing development within
the landscape.
5.1.2 Preliminary Requirements
Scenic Standards are ways of describing how well a development blends
with the landscape. Most development in the Scenic Area must be
visually subordinate to the landscape. These guidelines apply to:
Structure location and orientation;
Structure size, colour, height, shape and exterior materials;
Plantings to help screen or shade new development; and
Grading necessary to accommodate structures and circulation on the
site. The site selection process, EIA, and overall site design are critical
to demonstrating the proponents understanding of the local
environment and the environmental issues associated with the
development of the site.
This stage of the planning process must be comprehensive and clearly
demonstrate that all measures have been taken to ensure the minimal
environmental degradation to the site and surrounding area. Furthermore
the EIA must identify the social and economic impacts on the local
communities as well as any mitigation measures that will be used.
Multiple sites should be considered before the proponent settles on a
specific location. In order to select the best possible site the proponent will
have followed a site selection process leading to the final selection. A
typical site selection matrix is shown below:
Selection Criteria Site - 1 Site-2 Site-3
Suitability
1. Adjacent community
2. Proximity to highway (access)
3. Access to waterway
4. Attractive views
5. On-site natural resources
6. On-site cultural resources
7. Multi-community potential
8. Access to Deep Range
9. Multi-activity potential
10. Compatibility: adjacent land-use (special
concern w.r.t. any river/stream)
11. Remoteness - Seclusion
12. Distance from Airport
13. Four-season potential
14. Waste Water Treatment
Capability
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Selection Criteria Site - 1 Site-2 Site-3
1. Size of site
2. Expansion potential
3. Ownership
4. Overall response to market
5. Stakeholders concerns
6. Financial sustainability
Environmental impact
1. Irreversible loss
2. Rare species
3. Landscape alteration
4. Disturbance of fauna
5. Due to conveyance of utilities (e.g. water
supply outsourcing not only affects the eco-
footprint, but it‘s conveyance through water
tanker usage contributes to vehicular
pollution; laying out electricity supply lines
for grid-connectivity, etc.)
Site Inventory and Analysis - The variety of elements to be included in the
regional and site inventory depends on the mix of resources. For the most
part they can be grouped into the following categories:
1) Geography + topography
Physiographic region and sub-regions
Topographic relief
Elevation and steep slopes (including landslide prone zones)
Rock outcrops
2) Geology
Bedrock type and characteristics (structure, type, age)
Depth to bedrock
Unconsolidated materials (loose rocks, sands, any debris) and
thickness
Geologic cross-sections
Earthquake zone
3) Hydrology
Groundwater
− aquifer outcrops; location, extent, thickness
− direction and rate of groundwater movement
− groundwater recharge and discharge areas (probably off-
site)
− depth to groundwater
− community/village well locations, depths, production,
history
− well-head protection areas
− quality of groundwater; pollutant sources,
cleanups/remediation
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− proximity to septic and effluent-holding tanks
Surface Water
− types, location, direction of flow
− watersheds and sub-watersheds
− designation/classification of surface water bodies
− floodplains, wadi‘s, wetlands, marshes, bogs
− erosion, sedimentation
4) Soils
Soil types, texture, stoniness, depth, hydrological types
Erosion and potential soil loss in cubic feet per year
Percolation rates
Depth to groundwater
Surface runoff, permeability,
Fertility (vegetative capability)
Nutrient absorption and pH
5) Vegetation
Types of vegetation and mix
Specimen tree
Aesthetic value
Known/possible habitats for endangered/ threatened plant
species
6) Wildlife
Species inventory
Rare, threatened and endangered species
Nuisance and invasive species
Valuable interpretation species
Abundance and distribution of significant species within habitat
and season
7) Land use
Existing
− Open space (including any riparian buffers), easements
Roads, trails, Trek routes/paths
Recreation features
Waste treatment and disposal facilities (sewage and solid waste)
Proposed land use and plans
8) Climate
Prevailing winds and sea breezes
Sun angles by season
Maximum/minimum fluctuations in temperature
Seasonal precipitation
Topographic protection (wind)
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9) Air
Air quality
Stationary sources of air pollution and toxics
Vehicular air pollution/ozone areas
Odors
10) Heritage, cultural and archaeology
Historic sites, villages, monuments
Historic roads, bridges and trees
Existing or possible archaeological sites
Heritage viewsheds
11) Noise - Significant sources of noise adjacent to the site
12) Views and viewscapes
Attractive views and panoramas
Views to adjacent properties
Views to the highway and traffic
Views to the site
13) Special environmental features
Wetlands
Steep slopes, rock outcropping, sea cliffs
Floodplains, floodways, beaches
Aquifer recharge areas Endangered/threatened species habitat
Environmental Impact Assessment
All lodging development in eco-sensitive areas requires an EIA. This is also
a critical part of the planning process. The proponent must demonstrate
that responsible professionals performed an adequate EIA. The structure
of the EIA varies for different projects; however, the final EIA report must
include more or less the following headings:
1) Introduction to the project
2) Description of an EIA
3) The ecolodging Environmental Impact Assessment Process
4) Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework
5) Description of the Area and Site Environment
6) Description of the Proposed Project
7) Significant Environmental Impacts
8) Socio-economic Analysis of Projects Impacts
9) Analysis of Alternatives
10) Mitigation Action or Measures
11) Environmental Management and Training
12) Monitoring Program or Plan
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13) Public and Community Involvement
14) EIA Review Process.
5.1.3 Major Requirements
a. The project reviewing authority will look at all above options to make
sure the development will blend in its natural surroundings as much as
possible. The future owners will be responsible for maintaining
compliance with all of the conditions listed in the development
approval.
b. Site selection for development should also consider the following:
New buildings are not to be built on land slopes steeper than 30%.
Cultural resources such as archaeological artefacts, historic
buildings, or other cultural features identified in a cultural resource
survey must be avoided.
Natural resources – such as streams, wetlands, rare plants, and
sensitive wildlife habitat must be avoided when selecting a building
site. Most natural resources have a buffer zone that also must be
avoided in most cases.
Grading – including moving of soil or rock to accommodate
proposed structures, temporary staging areas for construction,
driveways or turnarounds, septic drain fields, terraces, and other
new land forms. Decisions about where to locate development
need to consider and minimize the amount of ground disturbance
(grading) required.
New buildings in the Scenic Area must remain below the skyline.
Locating development alongside, below, or behind a ridge or bluff
will help maintain the natural form of the ridge in the landscape.
c. The design and size of the structures should fit well with the site and
landscape. Some good strategies to consider as part of site selection
and design process are:
Consider turning a structure to face a Key Viewing Area at an
angle. A structure that parallels or faces a Key Viewing Area directly
is more noticeable than a structure set at an angle.
Structures also can be set into a hillside rather than perched over a
slope. Designing a building to follow the topography of the site
often helps limit the amount and visibility of grading.
Avoiding large, flat surfaces will help a structure follow natural
grades. For example, a long structure can be stair-stepped to follow
natural grades or a roof line can be varied to break up continuous
straight lines.
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Keeping structures below the forest canopy height or the tops of
surrounding trees.
Clustering development at the edge of meadows to retain the
overall agricultural appearance of the site.
Designing tall, narrow structures to blend with the vertical
appearance of a forest having tall trees.
Designing low, horizontal structures to blend with shorter, broader
vegetation like Oak-Pine woodland.
d. The agency or authority developing the site shall submit the site plan for
approval. A complete site plan shall include:
A scale, relating the size of the site plan map to the size of the
actual development.
A North arrow.
Development / property boundaries, dimensions and area.
Significant terrain and landforms on and near the proposed
development.
Location and species of any vegetation to be removed or planted.
Water bodies, wetlands and rivers/streams.
Locations and dimensions of existing and proposed structures
including pedestrian pathways, driveways and parking areas.
Location of existing and proposed services, including wells or other
water supplies, sewage disposal systems, power and telephone
poles and lines and outdoor lighting.
Location and depths of all proposed grading and ditching – this
information also can be shown on the grading plan.
e. Grading & Grading Plan Preparation – Grading is the movement of
earth, including the addition (fill) and remove (cut) of soil or rock to
prepare a site for development of structures, pedestrian pathways,
driveways, outdoor spaces, roads, turn-around, and other aspects of
the development. The grading plans must be submitted to approving
authority for approval.
The grading plan should confirm that proposed grading will blend well
with surrounding landforms. To a larger extent the grading plans should
demonstrate that cut and fill are balanced within a site. The grading
plans should document where fill material is coming from, where excess
material will be taken if the amounts of cut and fill are not equal.
The grading plan must be prepared on a base map drawn to scale
and include:
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Existing slopes and points at which new grading activities will meet
existing grades.
Important landforms and the general direction and slope of grades
for surrounding areas.
Sufficient topography to clearly show the resulting land form.
Proposed cut and fill areas.
Any proposed structures to retain cut or fill slopes, such as retaining
walls.
Evidence that proposed cut and fill are balanced, or that material
will be removed from or imported to permissible locations.
Grading to accommodate structures, access, and circulation should
be minimized through careful site selection and structure design.
Access roads shall follow existing contours and use of existing grades is
made as much as possible.
If retaining walls are necessary for safety or desirable to minimize overall
grading, the shape of the wall and material used on the exterior face
of the retaining wall should blend with surroundings.
To protect existing vegetation, keep all grading activity beyond the
canopy of the trees as much as possible. Avoid damaging tree roots by
keeping heavy construction equipment away from the base of existing
trees. Flagging areas to be retained so as to protect important
landscape features.
Distance from key viewing areas, screening by topography and
vegetation, exterior textures, and surface variation must be considered
together with colour to help a structure blend with its surrounding.
f. Exterior building material requirements
Exterior building materials play a big part in how well a development
blends in with its surroundings. It is required that structures
topographically visible from key viewing areas use non-reflective
materials or materials that only reflect low levels of light. A shiny
structure is difficult to blend with its natural surroundings.
i) Heavily textured, low reflectivity materials are recommended for
exposed foreground locations.
a. Siding
Rock masonry, rock veneer15, clustered stone
Logs
15 Veneer – typically made to look like brick or stone, veneers are applied one layer deep, and are usually
attached to the exterior surface from the ground up.
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Wood shingle, shake16, or clapboard17
Concrete board or composite clapboard
Board plank siding18 (mill cut, board and batten, V-groove,
channel, shiplap, etc.
Brick, brick veneer
b. Roof
Architectural composite shingle19
Slate or tile roofs (including concrete tile)
Imitation slate or tile composites (including rubber tiles from
recycled tires)
Dark metal treated with dark asphalt or other permanent
flexible coating
c. Windows
Tinted thermal pane20 glass, e.g. grey or bronze (glass less
than 11% exterior visible light reflectivity rating)
ii) Moderately textured, best in well-screened or shaded areas outside
the foreground of key viewing areas are potentially acceptable.
a. Siding
Rough textured stucco21, concrete or plywood
Textured concrete or composite panels (square or
rectangular panels textured to imitate stucco)
Vinyl shingle, shake, or clapboard
Pre-weathered metal
b. Roof
Three tab22
Concrete shingles
16 Shakes or Shingles – squares or rectangles of wood that are applied in rows overlapping each other.
Shingles are usually uniform is size and shape. Shakes are typically more roughly cut and vary in size and
shape. Many vinyl and aluminium siding products also come in shake and shingle styles. 17 Horizontal rectangular planks applied in rows with upper rows overlapping lower rows. Clapboard is most
commonly made of wood. Concrete or composition board, vinyl, and aluminium siding also come in
clapboard styles. 18 V-groove, channel, board and batten – this siding has special milled cuts in the boards which allows the
boards to fit together and protect board edges from weather. Board and batten siding has narrow
wood battens where planks come together creating a vertical texture. 19 Overlapping roofing shingles with a granular surface that is textured due to overlap between shingles
and granular color variations. 20 Thermal Pane – two panes of glass, sealed together with an even amount of space between them for
better insulation. 21 Stucco – similar to plaster on an interior wall, stucco is composed of sand, water, and cement. Stucco is
applied in several layers. A color is usually mixed into stucco. The final layer of stucco is applied to create
rough or smooth finished texture. 22
Three Tab – horizontal flat roofing shingles with a granular surface. The texture on a three tab roof comes
primarily from color variations in the granular surface.
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Metal w/ granular finish (looks like composite shingle)
Pre-weathered or rusted metal roofing
Metal shake, shingle, or tile simulations (w/ crushed stone top
coat)
Fiberglass coated metal roofing
c. Windows
Clear thermal pane glass, e.g. clear over low e (11%-15%
exterior visible light reflectivity rating)
iii) Highly reflective, smooth and shiny materials, do not comply with
regulations in most circumstances; approved only with special
limitations and design considerations.
a. Siding
Aluminium shingle, shake, or clapboard
Aluminium standing seam
Galvanized or enamel painted steel
b. Roof
Smooth metal (sheet or standing seam)
Smooth metal tile simulations (no top coating)
Mill/pre-coated metal
c. Windows
Mirrored or reflective glass should not be proposed, e.g.
solar cool grey or solar cool bronze (glass greater than 15%
exterior visible light reflectivity rating)
The exterior color of all improvements must be compatible with the
forest setting, and provide a quality visual experience for all forest
visitors. Colors must generally be neutral and darker than the
landscape backdrop. Light and bright colors and highly reflective
materials create a contrast and will usually not be approved.
Natural materials and earth tones or soft shaded colors will blend
with the surroundings and help to achieve the desired landscape
character.
g. New vegetation may be required to improve the screening and
shading of development. New plantings must be designed and
planted to provide sufficient screening within five years of the
beginning of construction. New screening vegetation should include
trees and shrubs that will thrive in the Scenic Area‘s habitat and blend
with their surroundings. Native plants are often recommended because
they live in the existing environment, are easier to grow and keep
healthy, and require less maintenance. Other important factors to be
considered under plan are as follows:
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Orientation – south-facing sites are hotter and drier than north-
facing sites and may require selection of more drought-tolerant
species.
Wind – many exposed sites in the Gorge are windy; new plantings
should be planted and staked to withstand wind until they are
successfully established.
Soil depth and type – It is important to consider on-site soil
conditions. Steep sites and ridges require careful planting location
selection to ensure sufficient pockets of soil are available. Some
rocky areas may not allow screening trees to grow to the required
height and breadth within five years of the beginning of
construction.
Rainfall, soil moisture, and drainage – moisture levels can vary within
a site. Plants suited to available moisture levels should be selected.
Continuous irrigation may be necessary to help less drought-tolerant
species survive on a dry site. Drought-tolerant species may not do
well on a wet site.
Need for year-round screening – The plan requires a proportion of
evergreen plantings to help ensure year-round screening.
Evergreen plants should be planted where year-round screening is
most critical.
h. All signs must have a rustic appearance (e.g. the material used can be
seasoned wood panels/stone slab panels with engraved lettering and
mounted on wood/stainless steel pole supports, etc.). All lettering must
be black, white, or earth tones on a natural background and between
4 and 24 inches in height. Signs shall not be nailed to trees. Painting on
natural features such as rocks and trees is prohibited.
i. Hardscape guidelines
i) Each building or development to have only one driveway access
from the street. ―Straight shot‖ driveways are greatly discouraged.
ii) Driveways can be paved with either concrete or asphalt;
however, in wooded areas use of soft pervious material such as
gravel, oyster shell, pine straw, or wood chips are encouraged.
Driveway colors that are subdued and natural in tone are
preferred.
iii) Driveway width should be a minimum of 12‘ on curves and 10‘ for
straighter drives. Where the driveway meets the street, the width of
the drive should be at least 18‘ wide. Curved driveways should
have no less than a 15‘ radius. Design of driveways must also meet
fire department requirements for access.
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iv) All walkways to the front entrance should be a minimum of 54‖
wide.
v) No paved areas may be sited closer than five (5) feet from side or
rear property lines. A minimum of 36 inches of planting area is to
be maintained between the driveway and the building.
vi) When allowed, entry gates or piers must be located within the
buildable area and should not have an overall height greater than
three (3) feet above the adjacent grade.
j. A 20‖ diameter or less satellite dish, or 1 meter if required by regulations,
may be placed on the roof of a property provided it is not visible from
the street and is properly screened from adjoining property. If ground
placement is necessary, locate in areas least obtrusive to viewing from
streets or adjoining property. The dish must be painted a color that will
blend with the surrounding roof or screening.
5.2 Guidelines for Development of Home Stays in Uttarakhand
The Department of Tourism (DoT), Government of Uttarakhand (GoUK) had
introduced a scheme for Homestays to supplement the demand of
accommodations at various tourist destinations in the State of Uttarakhand.
These Home Stays provide standard facilities with minimal investment and
encourage the locals to earn an extra income.
All Home Stays shall be registered and established as per Uttarakhand
Home Stay Rules, 2015 annexed with this document as Appendix-2.
Existing Home Stays registered with ILSP under Rural Development
Department should be integrated with the registration requirements of
Uttarakhand Home Stay Rules, 2015 and the information on such Home
Stays should be duly linked with communication mechanism of the UTDB
website.
5.3 Guidelines for Rural Tourism
5.3.1 Introduction
Rural Tourism has been advocated to showcase the rural life, art, culture
and heritage at rural locations, to benefit the local community,
economically and socially. It also enables interaction between the tourists
and the locals for a more enriching & rewarding tourism experience.
Rural tourism is essentially an activity which takes place in the countryside.
It is multi-faceted and may entail farm/agricultural tourism, cultural tourism,
nature tourism, adventure tourism, and eco-tourism. Rural tourism has
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certain typical characteristics like; it is experience-oriented, the locations
are sparsely populated, it is predominantly in natural environment, it
meshes with seasonality and local events, and is based on preservation of
culture, heritage and traditions.
Government of Uttarakhand (GoUK), intends to promote village/rural
tourism and spread its socio-economic benefits to rural and backward
areas in the state. Rural areas provide many opportunities for the
development of tourism, as an alternative means of income-generation.
Land is inexpensive in comparison to urban areas; the environment is green
and unpolluted; and buildings which previously served other purposes can
easily be refurbished.
Some of the potential benefits include generation of additional/off-farm
income, job creation, farm support, landscape conservation, services
retention, and support to rural arts and crafts, nature conservation,
environmental improvements, and enhanced role of women. Eligible
applicants are required to fulfil the following conditions to submit
applications for the purpose of development of Rural Tourism.
The following entities can be considered eligible to develop the facility:
Any Panchayat representing a village or;
NGO, federations, cooperative societies, trust, self-help group or a
group of individuals (community); and
An individual owning a farm (horticulture, sericulture, agriculture, dairy
farm, etc).
5.3.2 Requirements
To deliver a unique experience to visitors, the special rural heritage of
Uttarakhand‘s countryside should be showcased in a special manner,
without compromising on quality.
Delivering quality should focus on bringing out the special, distinctive
features and flavours of the destination. Quality rural tourism depends on,
and in turn supports many other activities such as agriculture, craft
industries, transport and local services.
Basic infrastructure such as access, water, sanitation, electricity etc., should
be present at the site/village.
The development should be small-scale, integrating easily into the
economic fabric of the community. It should directly link small-scale
agriculture, horticulture or sericulture with the tourism experience.
The following facilities should be available for visitors:
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Overnight accommodation with clean toilets/bathrooms
Traditional/local cuisine (could be made available in the form of
community kitchens etc.)
Guides
Souvenirs.
Activities to experience rural life/central theme/product at the
village(s).
5.4 Guidelines for Developing Eco-Tourism
5.4.1 Introduction
Uttarakhand with its scenic hills, forests with abundant wildlife and beautiful
river stretches, has a lot of potential for development as an ecotourism
destination. Valley of Flowers National Park, Jim Corbett National Park/Tiger
Reserve, Mussoorie, Nainital, waterfalls, etc., are some of the destinations
amongst many which have a potential to be developed as ecotourism
destinations.
In recent years, the mushrooming of tourist facilities around protected
areas has led to the exploitation, degradation, disturbance, and misuse of
fragile ecosystems. It has also led to misuse of the term ‗ecotourism,‘ often
to the detriment of the ecosystem, and towards further alienation of local
people and communities. These guidelines are applicable to any
Protected Areas (PAs), National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Community
Reserves; Conservation Reserves, Sacred Groves, or Pilgrimage Spots
located within protected areas and forested areas.
The Department of Tourism (DoT), GoUK proposes these guidelines for
facilitating identification, promotion and development of lesser known
areas having ecotourism potential in addition to popular destinations. At
the same time, these guidelines aim for diversification in the range of
tourism activities available at destinations and facilitate involvement of the
local communities living in, and dependent on peripheral and other areas
for their livelihood. The provisions of various Acts related to Forests and
Environment, namely, Uttarakhand Forest Policy, Wildlife Protection Act
1972, Forest Conservation Act, 1980, Environment Protection Act, 1986, and
the directives and guidelines issued by the Central/ State Government from
time to time shall be strictly followed.
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5.4.2 Eligibility
With a view to encourage entities to enter into the Ecotourism segment,
DoT proposes the following guidelines for entity applying for development
of ecotourism destination(s):
i. Ecotourism will be restricted to designated tourism zones prescribed
under the tourism theme plan of the Department of Tourism. The zone
may include core zone / critical tiger habitat, buffer areas and other
wildlife rich areas.
ii. The proposed ecotourism activities will be in strict conformance with
the provisions of the existing environmental law of the country,
especially The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Forest Conservation
Act, 1980 and the various other directives and guidelines issued by the
Government from time to time.
iii. Adherence to international standards in terms of quality and safety in
developing and operating ecotourism facilities and activities.
iv. The Entity would need to conduct carrying capacity of the proposed
site to arrive at the types and level of tourism-related activity that the
proposed site can sustainably accommodate.
v. In conformity with Forest Conservation Act. 1980, The Wildlife
(Protection) Act. 1972 and directions by the Hon‟ble Supreme Court, no
new tourist facilities will be established in the protected areas without
prior approval of competent authority. However, the existing tourist
facilities will be continued, as discontinuation will have adverse effect
on the protection and management of the Protected Area (PA).
Adequate provisions should be made for improving the conditions of
these facilities, meeting to the strict ecotourism standards. Local eco-
development committees can be involved in managing these facilities.
Priority will be given to developing sites near existing and known tourist
destinations.
vi. It will be mandatory to have trained nature guides/eco-guides
registered with park administration with every tourist vehicle entering
the Tiger Reserve / National Park. The park management will select,
train and manage these nature guides, while eco-guides would be
managed under the Eco-Development Committee (EDC) mechanism
supported by the Forest Department (e.g. EDC Govindghat for
managing visitation to Valley of Flowers National Park – Hemkunt Sahib
Belt located in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve). 50% of the
candidates for Nature guides will be from rural areas adjoining to the
park (up to 2 km from the boundary). The department will develop
separate competency standards for both rural and other nature guides
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and evolve a system of rankings based on the knowledge,
competence and experience (expertise) of each nature guide.
vii. The vehicles used for tourism in PAs will be registered and administered
by the park management as per instructions/directions/regulations
issued from time to time.
viii. To avoid the number of visitors and vehicles exceeding carrying
capacity, the entity shall establish an online advance booking system
to control tourist and vehicle numbers. Rules of booking shall be
transparent and violators shall be penalized.
ix. The proposed project will focus on creating environmental awareness
amongst all sections and age groups, especially the youth, to be
incorporated as a major activity for each ecotourism destination.
x. Only activities and facilities having least impact on the natural
resources and the local culture will be permitted.
xi. All facilities located within five kms. of a Protected Area must adhere to
noise pollution rules under „The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control)
Rules, 2000,‘ and „The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control)
(Amendment) Rules, 2010‟ issued by the Ministry of Environment and
Forests.
xii. The proposal should focus on providing quality experience rather than
the number of visitors, without compromising on financial viability as far
as possible.
xiii. Wherever resources harnessed for ecotourism are traditionally in use by
the local community, the proposal should be developed in consultation
with them and mechanisms to ensure flow of benefits to the community
should be clearly identified. Overwhelming presence of external private
investments to exploit ecotourism/rural tourism benefits instead of
greater involvement by- and flow of benefits to- the local community,
should at best be avoided (e.g. Bhakrakot Village near Corbett
National Park is reported to having presence of lot of private resorts).
xiv. The proposal should highlight the marketing strategies for promotion of
the proposed project, which should be based on sound market
research and segmentation analysis and make wide use of electronic,
print and cyber media for marketing.
xv. Installation of technologically efficient systems and clean development
mechanisms will be mandatory for operation of any ecotourism facility.
xvi. Tourism infrastructure proposed in the project shall conform to
environment-friendly, low-impact development with aesthetic
architecture, including solar energy, waste recycling, rainwater
harvesting, natural cross-ventilation, and proper sewage disposal and
merging with the surrounding habitat.
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5.4.3 Other Requirements
In addition to eligibility, there are certain mandatory requirements for
entities operating Ecotourism destinations. Ecotourism activities to be
identified and developed at any destination shall be site-specific i.e.
dependent upon the potential of the particular site being developed.
Following are the activities and facilities that may be undertaken for
promoting an area as an ecotourism destination within the State.
Nature Camps: Camping sites identified for ecotourism activities should
be provided with basic facilities to enable the tourists to stay in natural
surroundings either solely to experience the wilderness, or additionally
for participating in other activities requiring overnight stay in forests.
Eco-friendly Accommodation: Accommodation that would be
developed in an eco-tourism destination should be ‗eco-friendly‘, i.e.,
i. They should be built with locally available material including forest
produced building materials available with- & promoted by- the
State Forest Development Corporation/Uttarakhand Bamboo Board
for wood, bamboo, bamboo-based compressed sheet, etc.
ii. Should make use of renewable resources
iii. Should adopt ecological sustainable solutions such as water
harvesting etc.
Above all, the entire concept should contribute to the revenue of the
local community and raise their living standards by involving them in
provision of various services related to this segment of tourism.
Trekking and Nature Walks: Eco-tourism destinations identified in
Trekking routes of varying distances and guided nature trails should
ensure that they cause minimum/no disturbance to the natural
vegetation and soil. Staff and local persons, especially youth should be
appropriately trained to act as Nature Guides and Naturalists so as to
assist visitors during wildlife viewing and trekking.
Wildlife Viewing and River Cruise: Wildlife viewing in eco-friendly
vehicles or on elephant backs should be promoted at appropriate sites
for observing wildlife.
Adventure Sports: Facilities for adventure sports such as rock climbing,
rappelling and parasailing along with water sports such as river rafting,
boating and canoeing should be developed in consultation and
cooperation with experts and the concerned department or agency
having control over the water bodies.
Angling: Angling facilities for Mahaseer and other suitable fish species,
strictly on a catch and release basis, should be developed only on
suitable rivers/ water bodies flowing through or along the forest areas in
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consultation with the concerned Department. If necessary, water
bodies may be artificially stocked by rearing and releasing fish seed
into the rivers that have been depleted of the target species over time.
Herbal Ecotourism: Herbal ecotourism should be made the thrust areas
only at locations having a rich herbal heritage. Traditional medicinal
practices of such locations could be explored and based on these,
authentic herbal inputs having appropriate certifications and
recognition could be made available to the tourists.
Urban Ecotourism through Eco-Parks: In order to promote urban
ecotourism, eco-parks could be developed in various urban centres.
Such Eco-parks should contain provisions for various ecotourism
activities including interpretation centres, trekking, nature walks, biking,
bird watching, camping, angling, herbal centre, adventure sports etc.
on a small scale, depending upon the area being developed. For this
purpose, existing public parks in urban localities could also be utilized.
Visitor Interpretation Centres: Existing interpretation facilities should be
strengthened to provide complete information to visitors and
accommodate the requirements of various classes of visitors envisaged.
Each destination must incorporate ways to enhance and enrich the
visitor experience.
Conservation Education: Conservation education should be promoted
in and around each destination for creating awareness amongst
school and college students, local communities, government staff and
visitors in order to maintain and enhance support for ecotourism and
environmental conservation. Various means that could be adopted
include media campaigns, formation of eco-clubs at schools and
colleges, exposure visits to destinations, displays and hoardings,
community centres etc. New and innovative methods shall also be
encouraged.
Other Facilities: Facilities for any other eco-friendly activities could also
be developed based on specific requirements of a site, provided the
activity is compatible with the overall objectives of tourism policy
(Department of Tourism) and ecotourism policy (Forest Department),
and in conformance with the various standards and guidelines laid
down in this regard over time.
5.5 Guidelines for Developing Adventure Tourism & related Activities
5.5.1 Introduction
Uttarakhand has diverse tourist products ranging from Heritage, Nature,
Pristine river stretches, Pilgrimage, urban, rural, ecotourism and adventure
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tourism. Uttarakhand has a huge potential for development of adventure
tourism. There are a vast number of Adventure Tourism Activities being
conducted in the State. Adventure Tourism proves the tourist with a special
thrill and feeling of adventure while participating in sporting events in rivers,
water bodies, and hills etc. Adventure-based tourism was initially limited to
specific regions of India and the trend has been showing an increased
movement year after year with the development of facilities and greater
awareness about adventure tourism options across the country.
Uttarakhand with its rugged terrains, undulating mountains, thundering
rivers, and dense forests can be development as a premier adventure
tourism destination.
In order to tap the abundant natural resources that Uttarakhand is
endowed with, the Department of Tourism, GoUK intends to steer
Adventure Tourism to the next level. There are many prominent locations
along the river Ganges and its tributaries for developing adventure tourism.
DoT has set out certain eligibility criteria for entities aspiring to enter the
Adventure Tourism segment. These criteria have been laid out to safeguard
the tourists from the perils of the various activities associated with this
segment of tourism.
5.5.2 Eligibility
The Entity applying for development of adventure tourism destination
would be eligible for setting up the facility under the adventure tourism
guidelines, provided the proposal conforms to the following principles:
Operators will have to be registered with Adventure Tour Operators
Association of India and Ministry of Tourism, GoI.
The Adventure Tourism Operator must follow the general guidelines for
all Adventure Sports and the Activity Specific Guidelines for specific
activities where applicable.
The entity that wishes to operate this segment of tourism should ensure the
following:
Prohibition of Alcohol Intake and Drugs: Consuming alcohol in any form
or quantity or illicit drugs at least six hours prior to the river trip should not
be allowed.
Foreign Guides: Foreign Guides must be aware of the Indian Safety
Regulations before being allowed to operate. They must fulfil the
required criteria and should do a few familiarization runs on the river
and equipment before being allowed to operate commercially. A valid
first aid certificate is a must.
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Minimum Age Requirements: Only Children over 12 years should be
allowed to participate in adventure activities, that too, after the
operator has made reasonable prior judgment and exercised extreme
caution.
Safety Briefing: Guides/trip leader should ensure that a thorough brief
on safety, covering all pertinent details for that particular trip is
imparted. The trip leader should ensure that clients are suitably dressed,
(bulky clothes, sarees, neck ties, long skirts and three piece suits should
not be permitted). People suffering from any serious ailments, weak
heart conditions, epilepsy, and expecting mothers should not be
allowed.
Advertisements showcasing any adventure tourism should depict the
difficulties and dangers involved. Every group participating in
adventure sports should be accompanied by a trained guide.
The guide should possess appropriate qualification and skills for the
specific adventure activity.
Guides should have the following basic skills:
i. Be familiar with search procedures and brief all group members on
these procedures.
ii. Have a first aid certification and should be competent to impart first
aid training in the use of stretchers.
iii. Should be proficient in the use of maps and compasses in any
weather by day or night.
iv. Should be familiar with helicopter operations; know how to
approach a helicopter and procedures for being winched up and
down.
Every person joining a group engaged in adventure sports should
receive an introductory training and the guide should be satisfied that
they have acquired the skills necessary to participate. Guide should be
satisfied that all members are medically fit to take part in the adventure
sports.
All group members should be familiar with the use of radios wherever
they are being used.
All equipment used should meet all safety norms for each adventure
sport and all inspections have to been carried out as recommended by
the manufacturer and are fit for use.
Under no circumstances should the capacity rated by the
manufacturer of adventure sports equipment be exceeded, any
unauthorized modifications, except as additional safety measures, be
carried out or sub-standard material used.
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Information regarding nature of activity, area of operation, period of
activity, possible hazards, persons to be contacted in an emergency,
and list of members should be given to the concerned safety and
rescue committees.
A qualified Doctor should be available on call. First aid should be
available at site with Qualified First-aid Instructors (having additional
knowledge of related accidents), with arrangements from a nearby
hospital for quick emergency services.
Communication facilities such as Mobile Telephone / Walkie - Talkie
etc. should be available.
Use of package wastewater treatment plant or where sufficient natural
gradient is available use of gravity-flow based bio-digester system
should be encouraged for recycling wastewater for making the
campsite a zero discharge facility.
5.5.3 Specific Requirements:
Adventure Tourism should also advocate Safe Tourism. Below are laid out
specific requirements for Adventure Tourism involving greater peril, to
ensure safety of the participants and build their confidence levels. Caution
should be stringently exercised by meeting these requirements with respect
to the following adventure activities:
5.5.3.1 Mountaineering
Application: These Basic Minimum Standards (BMS) will apply
specifically to commercial operators attempting 6000 m or other
comparable peaks, which offer to guide or accompany climbers
above Base Camp and also to operators who offer more limited
facilities. However, it will also concern operators who supply transport
etc to Base Camp, and also supply Base Camp services and High
Altitude porters.
Information to Clients: A variety of organisations offer to take clients
on 6000 m or other comparable peaks. They vary from those which
provide a full service to the summit or nearly to the summit, to those
where there is minimal support for clients above Base Camp.
However at the present moment it is difficult for clients to deduce
from brochures exactly what is offered in terms of guiding and
support, and whether it corresponds to their needs. These Basic
Minimum Standards will supply clients with pointers to assist them to
make an informed choice.
Danger awareness: Mountaineers climbing at very high altitude,
especially above 6000 m are at considerable stress to their mental
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and physical powers and may not be capable of assisting others as
has always been traditional in mountaineering. This fact is of
particular importance to mountaineers of limited experience, who
rely on professional guides to bring them safely up and down 6000
m+ peaks. They should be made aware that the risks involved in
climbing at altitudes are such that a degree of self-reliance is
necessary. All such operators will have to be registered with
Adventure Tour Operators Association of India and Ministry of
Tourism, GoI.
The expedition leader or chief guide and as many as possible of the
guides should have high altitude experience appropriate to the
altitude of the peak to be climbed. He/She must have been a
member of three climbing expeditions above 6000 m and must have
completed the Basic Mountaineering Course with an ‗A‘ grade or an
equivalent from abroad. He/She must be qualified on first aid and
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
The guiding and porter staff on the mountain and the material
supplied must be adequate for the aims of the party and stated level
of service offered.
An experienced Doctor in the party is desirable but at the very least
advance arrangements must be known for medical help. Advance
arrangements must also be made for evacuation assistance in case
of emergency.
The minimum safety equipment available is recommended walkie-
talkie radios and recommended medical supplies.
If an expedition is commercially launched by an operator, then the
Biographical information about the guiding team should be
included.
The client must truthfully reveal his/her experience, supported by
documentation/photograph, medical history etc. to the organiser so
that the organiser can make an informed choice about the potential
client.
Information supplied in advance will include a clear statement of the
guiding, porterage and equipment which will be supplied by the
organiser, together with details of the clothing and equipment to be
supplied by the client. This is not in context of the operators assisting
expeditions with logistics alone.
All equipment on which life is dependent must be Union International
de Alpine Association (UIAA) or European Union (EU) certified.
Knowledge of low-impact environmental expeditions must be
undertaken, pledging to environmental guidelines of Union
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International de Alpine Association (UIAA)/Himalayan Environment
Trust (HET) etc.
In addition to the ―Guidelines for mountaineering expeditions in
Uttaranchal, 2004,‖ implemented by both the Forest and Tourism
Departments, the expedition team must strictly follow the
G.O.s/directives issued from the Forest Department of the State over
time on the compliance to be made on the number of members
and porters etc. in an expedition team for the specified list of
mountain peak ranges.
The expedition team must strictly follow the regulations specified by
the Forest Department for
solid waste disposal for
retaining the eco-sanctity of
the mountaineering route and
the mountain peak
destination.
5.5.3.2 Trekking
The leader or chief guide and as many as possible of the guides
should have experience appropriate to the difficulty of the route
being attempted The trip leader must have completed at least two
trekking trips in general and must have completed the Basic
Mountaineering Course or equivalent with an ‗A‘ grade. He/She must
be qualified on first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
certification.
The guiding and porter staff for the trek and the material supplied
must be adequate for the aims of the party and stated level of
services offered.
Adequate arrangements must be made known in advance for
medical help available in the area. Advance information must also
be made for evacuation assistance in case of emergency. Minimum
first aid medical supplies must be carried on the trip. In case of a
helicopter requirement for rescue operation, it is recommended that
the Accreditation Committee be empowered to authorize the
rescue.
Information provided to clients must give a true picture of all the
difficulties and dangers involved, and avoid promising the
impossible. Biographical information about the guiding team should
be included.
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The client must truthfully reveal his/her experience, medical history
etc. to the organizer so that the organizer can make an informed
choice about the potential client.
Information supplied in advance will include a clear statement of the
guiding, porterage and equipment which will be supplied by the
organizer, together with details of the clothing and equipment to be
supplied by the client.
The trekkers must strictly follow the regulations specified by the Forest
Department/Tourism Department for solid waste disposal for retaining
the eco-sanctity of the trekking route and the trek destination.
5.5.3.3 River Running/Rafting
Any company operating river running trips or commercial white
water rafting trips must be registered with Indian Association of
Professional Rafting Outfitters/Adventure Tour Operators Association
of India and Ministry of Tourism.
All trips on white water for tourists will be conducted with at least one
qualified guide on each craft. A senior guide or trip leader must be
present and supervise the activity at all times.
The Guide accompanying the trips should:
a. be at least 18 years of age;
b. be able to swim;
c. hold a valid first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
certificate or equivalent.
Training: Guide trainees should complete a course (or equivalent
training) that equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to
safely and competently guide a raft. A guide training course should
include the following topics:
a. Skills - rafting techniques, crew training and management,
emergency and rescue techniques.
b. Knowledge - equipment, safety and emergency procedures,
rapid theory, leadership, signals, environment protection.
Recognition Experience: Guides should:
a. have guided a raft under the supervision of and to the
satisfaction of a Trip Leader on at least ten white water runs within
the past two years in rapids of the same class or higher than the
run they intend to guide on;
b. Should be trained from either National Institute of Water-sports
(NIWAS) or any equivalent recognised body in India or on an
International Level.
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c. complete a familiarization run on any new stretch of white water
they intend to guide on;
d. maintain a log book recording each run and signed by the Trip
leader as proof of experience;
e. should have good communication skills in Hindi and English
Special Requirements for Trip Leaders: Trip Leaders should:
a. have been qualified guides for at least two years;
b. have a high level of guide skills and knowledge;
c. have a thorough knowledge of trip planning, white water rescue
techniques, emergency procedures and advanced first aid;
d. have guided a raft as a qualified guide on at least twenty white
water runs within the past two years in rapids of the same class or
higher than the run they intend to lead on;
e. has completed a familiarization run and know the evacuation
routes on any new stretch of white water they intend to lead on;
f. should have excellent communication skills in Hindi and English.
Single Raft Trips: Some of the worst accidents in river running
internationally have occurred where there has been only one raft.
There should always be at least two crafts on the water i.e, two rafts
or kayaks or a raft and a safety kayak. This may be relaxed for float
trips (maximum grade II) in the case of rafts. For kayaks a minimum of
two or preferably three is always recommended. Safety Kayaks must
be mandatory on technical rapids grade IV and beyond. In case on
continuous white water sections, one should look at a minimum of
one kayak per raft, if not more.
Kit: All trips must carry a well- equipped first Aid kit (it must have
triangular bandages, sterile pads, gauze roller bandages, pressure
bandages, first aid adhesive tape, splints, scissors as bare minimum),
a repair kit (it must contain approx. half meter of repair material, a
sufficient amount of flue and accelerator, sand paper or roughing
tool and waterproof repair tape/duck or duct tape). Oar rafts must
carry at least one spare oar. All rafts must have a safety line going all
around the raft, a bow- line and preferably a stern line as well. All
rafts must have a throw bag and a bailing bucket (in case of non
self-bailer bucket boats). A flip line is recommended for all big drops.
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Personal River Equipment: All rafters/kayakers must have a life jacket
on all times while on water. This includes the guides also. The life
jackets must have adequate buoyancy (minimum of 6.14 kgs, and
preferably 9 – 10 kgs.), must be the proper type (U.S. Coast Guard
Type III or V) with a provision of ensuring a snug fit by straps etc. and
the life jacket must be worn correctly. Inflatable life jackets and the
‗keyhole‘ type jackets should not be allowed. Guides must ensure
that the life jackets are on in a secure manner before the trip starts
and above all major drops. Helmets are mandatory on all rapids and
it is recommended that helmets be kept on throughout the trip. The
helmet should be properly strapped. Rafts must be of good condition
with no leakage or compartment damage. A baffle / compartment
inflation check must be carried out
at regular intervals to ensure that
each compartment is air tight with
no leaks. A minimum of 14 – 16 feet
boats are recommended for
commercial rafting. Self-bailing
rafts are recommended.
Age Limit: Fourteen years on all
stretches except float trips (grade II and below), where it may be
relaxed to ten years.
Non Swimmers: Non swimmers should not be allowed on any serious
rapid (grade III +/IV)/ or hard section.
Familiarization Runs: One or two familiarization runs before operating
commercially each season or on new rivers is recommended. Rivers
should not be run commercially at flood levels.
Senior Guide: A senior guide must have spent at least three
consecutive seasons on any of the above three rivers with a
minimum of sixty days on the river per season. He must have all
requisite first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
qualifications and must have a clean safety record. A senior guide
must have river- running experience on at least three different rivers.
Safety Kayaker: A safety and rescue kayaker must be thoroughly
trained and experienced in all safety norms, river rescue and first
aid/cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification. A minimum of
thirty days on the river is mandatory before kayaking with
commercial trips.
For River Rafting/Kayaking adventurism activity, ―Uttarakhand River
Rafting/Kayaking Regulations, 2014‖ implemented by Department of
Tourism must be strictly followed.
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5.5.3.4 Paragliding
In case of solo flights the pilot should have undergone two full days
ground training consisting theoretical and practical training and
instructor should satisfy
himself of the first launch
both in hill and winch
launched paragliding. For
first 15 launches height
should be restricted to max.
500 feet and student should
be radio guided. After
demonstrated capability for
180 degree stable turns, five spot (20 mtrs) landings and after the
theory paper is cleared, the student may be allowed to carry out
free fly. The student pilot must have a valid registration with a club
recognised by the Aero Club of India.
Tandem pilots must have a tandem pilots license issued by the
competent authority, which will be issued after the following:
a. 150 logged flights.
b. 35 hrs + logged.
c. Pass theory paper.
All instructors must be current pilots having sufficient knowledge and
experience in the sport.
Operator must have access to safe and open take off points in case
of hill launches. The take-off point should be free from obstructions in
the take-off path and should not have rock or crops which could
injure the participant. Cliff take-off points must strictly not to be used.
The operator must have free and clear access to a designated
landing ground free of obstructions such as tall trees, buildings,
electric wires etc.
Wind conditions should be strictly monitored and the activity must be
done within the weather conditions stipulated by the equipment
manufacturer.
Paragliding wings must have APCUL DHV or CEN certification. Such
certification should be stitched on the wing and visible for inspection.
Harness should be with back protection and harness must be fitted
with round type certified rescue parachute.
Helmets and Ankle shoes must be compulsory.
Proper log books must be maintained for all equipment.
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Annual inspection and certification of equipment for air worthiness
must be carried out.
5.5.3.5 Parasailing
All operators shall be certified by the appropriate agency in terms of
their capability to conduct the activity on land or water, specifically
endorsed to allow multi-passenger flight operations.
In Flight Floatation Devices and helmets: At all times passengers
participating in parasailing activities over water, while in flight shall
wear a properly fitted approved life jacket. Over land, the
passengers must wear an ISI approved helmet.
Passenger Safety Briefing: All parasail participants shall be required to
view a Parasail Safety Briefing video and/ or be given a written
Parasail Safety Briefing hand-out. In addition, the crew shall give a
pre-flight verbal summary of the briefing before any parasail flight
activities commence, which should include the following:
a. A description of the activity itself.
b. Safety precautions while underway and in-flight.
c. Safety and life-saving equipment locations.
d. Warnings and Procedures for unexpected events, such as water
landings, equipment malfunctions, and towline separation.
e. Procedure in the event of an emergency on-board the vessel.
f. The proper use of signals.
g. Question and Answer period.
h. Exclusion of any participant that may be afraid or intimidated
prior to participation.
Wind restrictions: Operator should have a wind measurement device
and should not operate in winds exceeding 18 Kph.
Tow worthiness of parasailing vehicles. Under no circumstances shall
the operator and/or crew utilize any equipment outside the
parameter for which the parasailing equipment was designed and
must all times adhere to manufacturer‘s specifications.
Pre-Flight Weather Evaluation should be carried out.
5.5.3.6 Bungee Jumping
All parts of the jump line must be duplicated. This extends from the
connection of the bungee to the jumper and the connection to the
structure at the other end of the line. Normally the jumper should
have an attachment to ankle straps, and another to a body or sit
harness.
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Equipment (harnesses, karabiners) should be of sound construction
and suitable for this use. Mountaineering equipment from reputable
suppliers is appropriate. Karabiners should be of the screw gate type.
Braided ropes: At least 2 braided ropes should be used and
matched to the weight of the jumper; they should be to BS 3F 70
1991 specification for heavy duty braided rubber cord, or to a
demonstrably similar standard.
Unbraided ropes: Normally one unbraided rope is adequate
because of the in-built redundancy from its structure of
approximately one thousand individual strands bound together.
Each rope should have an examiners certificate from an
independent source and be selected according to the weight of the
jumper.
Rope log books should be kept, describing maximum load, and
numbers of jumps and drop tests undertaken, and in the case of
unbraided ropes, any other conditions required by the examiner
(e.g. length of time in sunlight). Ropes have a finite life and operators
should be able to demonstrate that this has not been exceeded.
There should be a written Operating Procedure. If not written,
elements will be more likely to be forgotten or short circuited. Both
operators and enforcement officers should be able to check that
safe procedures have been established and are being followed.
The Operating Procedure should cover at least:
a. medical enquiry;
b. age verification - if under 18, parental consent should be
required; and if under 14, they should not be allowed to jump;
c. weighing and rope selection: There should be a method of
checking that the weight of the jumper has been correctly
measured and recorded so as to ensure that the correct rope is
selected for each jumper;
d. attachment of each part of harness and ropes, and the
checking of each action by a second trained person;
e. briefing of jumper;
f. entry into and riding in cage;
g. re-instruction and jump; and
h. retrieval of jumper.
Use of mobile cranes: Use of mobile cranes is not recommended
allowed as this is too dangerous.
Other important elements: Training of personnel is of paramount
importance. Each job undertaken requires a different level of training
and experience. Those in charge should be able to demonstrate that
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everyone who is carrying out a task has enough experience to do so,
unless under direct supervision by another experienced person. There
should be a proper training schedule showing how a person
progresses from one level of competence to the next. The schedule
of work should clearly state, who carries out every safety critical
action and who checks it. Each person should know the tasks, which
they are permitted to carry out and those which they are not
authorised to do. To date, all known fatal accidents worldwide have
resulted from human error.
The person in overall charge should keep close control of the site.
Arrangements should be made to exclude spectators from the jump
zone for their own safety and to avoid distraction of the operators.
Anyone in a cage should be securely attached to it. Spectator
riding, especially by children, should be discouraged.
There should be a dead-weight drop test of the whole line at the
beginning of the day to ensure its integrity.
Spares for all the components in the jump line should be kept on site
so as to be available for immediate replacement of suspect
components.
An air bag should be used for jumps over land with unbraided ropes.
The purpose of the bag is to prevent a jumper striking the ground if
an incorrect rope selection is made. It is not to safeguard jumpers
who fall due to a failure to properly connect them to the supporting
structure. Braided ropes to BS 3F 70 have an outer covering which
tightens when stretched. Unbraided ropes do not, so there is more
risk of a jumper descending too far if a wrong rope selection is made.
If a jump is made over water with an unbraided rope, relying on the
water to perform the function of the airbag, steps should be taken to
ensure that there are no obstructions under the water surface. ln
addition, suitable arrangements should be made for rescue from the
water.
5.6 Guidelines for Developing Theme Parks
5.6.1 Introduction
Theme parks provide a place for relaxation as an outdoor centre providing
various rides, games and entertainment, live performances, food and
beverage, and retailing. Similar to an amusement park, a theme park
contains a variety of entertainment, food and beverage, and shops and
an environment that is designed around a key theme. According to the
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), a
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theme park is an amusement park that has themed attractions, be it food,
costumes, entertainment, retail stores and/or rides‘. The theme is the main
part of the visitors‘ experience which is chosen when the park is planned to
provide a focus for the design, development and operation of such a park.
Therefore the selection of the theme is extremely important to the
operations of the park.
Department of Tourism, GoUK intends to facilitate development of theme
parks in the State. These guidelines have been devised to assist entities in
setting up the theme parks in the state. Further, DoT aims to provide theme-
filled entertainment zones to the public, as a change from the routine
tourism spots that would have been visited several times.
5.6.2 Eligibility
To achieve these objective, entities, who could be well-equipped to
provide ―Tourism with a Difference‖ may be invited for setting up these
Theme Parks.
The entity could be:
a. Public sector: Government, Quasi-governmental organisations
b. Private sector: Multi-national organisations having interests in a
number of industries, e.g. Walt Disney Company with movies, media
and parks, Major leisure companies, Developers who include leisure
as part of mixed-use development, Small and medium-sized private
enterprises, Individual entrepreneurs
c. Voluntary sector: National bodies, Trusts, Local charities,
Cooperatives and NGOs.
DoT envisages to develop this concept of tourism across the following
themes:
a. Adventure - Excitement and Action, Frightening, Mysterious, Thrill
rides
b. Futurism - Advances in society and technology, Discovery,
Exploration of science and technology, Robotics, Scientific, Science
fiction
c. International - Flavours of the world, International village, Miniature
replicas, Scenic spots, World expositions
d. Nature – Animals, Floral displays, Horticultural gardens,
Landscaping, Marine life, Natural wonders, Ocean, Wildlife
e. Fantasy – Animation, Cartoon characters, Childhood enchantment,
Children‘s play park, Fairy tales, Magic, Make believe, Myths and
legends
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f. History and Culture – Authentic, Cultural heritage, Cultural village,
Historic ambience
g. Movies – Comedy, Motion pictures, Show business or any other such
theme as approved by the Approving Authority.
The development could be
a. wholly new purpose-built attractions on site New purpose-built
attractions developed on sites that were previously used as
attractions
b. Major new development at existing attractions designed to
rejuvenate or enhance the market appeal of the site
c. Improvement of facilities at existing attractions to enhance visitor
satisfaction or encourage secondary spending by visitors, such as
the provision of new retail outlets or themed catering at museums.
5.6.3 Other Requirements
To develop effective Theme Parks, DoT proposes certain other requirements
which need to be fulfilled. These are outlined below:
A detailed feasibility study would need to be submitted covering the
three major aspects:
a. Site feasibility - site selection, location, size and area of land, and
accessibility etc.
b. Market feasibility – appeal, attractiveness, potential visitor market
etc.
c. Financial feasibility – overall costs, revenue sources, pricing etc.
A detailed Safety Management Plan should be prepared covering the
following factors:
a. Environmental factors – e.g. illumination, gases, dust, noise
b. Hazardous supplies and materials – e.g. pool chemicals, cleaning
solvents
c. Power source equipment – e.g. pumps, motors
d. Electrical equipment – e.g. switches, control rooms
e. Personal protective equipment
f. Personal service and first aid equipment – e.g. restroom facilities
g. Fire protection systems – e.g. alarms, sprinklers, fire extinguishers
h. Walkways and roadways
i. Working structures – e.g. ladders, scaffolding
j. Transportation systems – e.g. cars, monorails, motorised service
vehicles
k. Warning and signalling devices
l. Storage facilities
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m. Rides and buildings
n. Location of dangerous machinery should be away or sectioned off
from the guests and common staff working areas
o. Fire exits to be provided in clearly visible locations
p. Provision of stairs, escalators, elevators, access for the physically
disabled to be provided for safe and easy access to various areas
and attractions in the park
q. Car park security system to be provided for guest and staff vehicles
r. Lockers to be provided for guest convenience and safekeeping of
belongings.
All applicable clearances should be taken from the concerned
authorities and submitted along with the proposal.
5.7 Guidelines for Developing Wayside Amenities
5.7.1 Introduction
Provision of wayside amenities is vital for comfort and convenience of the
tourists visiting any tourist destination. Well-designed wayside amenities are
instrumental to providing holistic experience to the visitors. Department of
Tourism, GoUK (DoT), intends to promote and facilitate development of
wayside amenities on all the major National Highways, State Highways, and
Major District Roads or at within a short distance from such roads
connecting the identified tourist destinations on the priority basis. These
amenities should include gender distinct toilets including barrier-free built-
environment compliant requirement met, cafeteria, mini store/pharmacy
and an information / souvenir booth. These amenities should be established
at intervals of about 20-30 km along the highways leading to major tourist
destinations. These guidelines have been devised to assist entities
interested in setting up the wayside amenities in and around the identified
tourist destinations and circuits.
5.7.2 Eligibility
To provide an enriching and fulfilling experience to all tourists visiting
Uttarakhand, DoT intends to develop wayside amenities by assisting/
facilitating private entrepreneurs / franchisees. These entities would
include:
Contractors of NHAI, PWD or any other Government agency
developing any of the State roads along which the wayside amenity is
proposed.
Private Land owners/Entrepreneurs.
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The land should be in effective possession of the legal entity developing/
implementing the project or could be handed over as through a contract
by the Government agency/department/authority implementing the road
project. DoT will identify locations for development of wayside facilities.
Priority would be given to the development of wayside amenities at the
identified locations by the government, while providing concessions. Apart
from the development of wayside amenities, DoT also aims to encourage
development of midway wayside facilities to be developed into resorts.
5.7.3 Other Requirements
In addition to basic facilities to improve the comfort of tourists, the
following mandatory facilities are required to be provided at every wayside
amenity and all these should be wheelchair accessible.
S. No. Facilities Requirement Remarks
1. AREA 2 acres (minimum)
2. PARKING Mandatory
a. Taxis / Private cars
b. Tourist Coaches /
Buses
3. AMENITIES
a. Fuel Station Petrol & Diesel refuelling stations. At least 2
machines of each fuel type.
Optional
b. Maintenance &
Repairs
Onsite mechanic. Basic repairs and services
such as car cleaning, puncture repair, etc.
Optional
c. Food Plaza /
Restaurant
To serve 50 – 100 persons at anytime Mandatory
d. Toilets and shower
room Separate complex for men and women.
Min. 6 toilets & 4 shower rooms for complex.
Provision for special toilets and showers for
old and disabled.
Mandatory
e. Conveyance store Stocked with basic groceries Optional
f. Coffee shop 24 x 7 Coffee shop
Optional
4. SOCIAL UTILITIES
a. Emergency /
Medical Facilities 24 x 7 Doctor on call.
Onsite First aid kit and 2 first aid trained/
paramedic personnel should be available 24
x 7
Onsite ambulance
Optional
b. Pharmacy 24 x 7 Optional
c. Sewage
Treatment Plant
(STP)
Onsite sewage treatment facility is to be
developed, as Package STP or Bio-digester
System (Gravity-flow based or Pumping System-
based with or without Energy Recovery)
Optional
5. HOTEL
a. Rooms Minimum 2 AC Double rooms Mandatory
b. Conference room At least one conference room with a capacity
to seat 20 people
Optional
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Dimensions for standard parking spaces and lodging / unloading bays
should be as follows:
Type of Parking Space Length
(m)
Width
(m)
Minimum
Headroom (m)
Private Cars and Taxis 5 2.5 2.4
Light Goods Vehicle (LGV) 7 3.5 3.6
Medium / Heavy Goods Vehicle (MGV/HGV) 11 3.5 4.7
Container Vehicle 16 3.5 4.7
Coaches & Buses 12 3.5 3.8
Light Buses 8 3.0 3.3
Notes:
i) Buses mean a motor vehicle constructed or adapted for the carriage of more than
16 passengers and their personal effects.
ii) Light buses mean a motor vehicle having permitted gross vehicle weight not
exceeding 4 tonnes which is constructed or adapted for use solely for the
carriage of not more than 16 passengers and their personal effects, but does not
include an invalid carriage, motorcycle, motor tricycle, private car and taxi.
iii) Minimum headroom means the clearance between the floor and the lowest
projection from the ceiling, including any lighting units, ventilation duct,
conduits or similar installations.
The proposed facility should be as per the design and architectural
standards specified by DoT.
A Signage Board/Hoarding indicating ‗Sponsored by DoT‘ should be
provided at the entrance at strategic location and should be clearly
visible from a minimum of 250 mts from the access road.
There should be two lane entries and exit road of good quality built as
per NH, SH standards for easy access into the amenity. Traffic from both
directions must have separate access roads.
Clear visible signage indicating the location and distance from the
wayside amenity should be placed at distance of 5 kms, 2 kms, 1 km ,
750 mtrs, 500 mtrs and 250 mtrs from the access road.
Provision of 24 x 7 power supply and water facilities and generator
backup must be available. Use of renewable energy should be
encouraged to be built-up in design, as felt feasible.
Hygiene, Responsible Standards, Environment-friendly Practices: There
should be a provision of facility for segregation of garbage into
biodegradable (kitchen waste from food stall, etc.), non-bio-degradable
(aluminum foil, cigarettes, etc) & recyclable (newspapers, bottles, cans,
plastics etc). Two standard pattern garbage covered receptacles / bins
for bio-degradable and non-degradable waste should be provided.
Environmentally-friendly practices will be eligible for availing additional
incentives. The same shall be based on the discretion of the Committee
appointed by the DoT.
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5.8 Guidelines for Tourist Rest Houses/Yatri Niwas with Dormitories, and Youth
Hostels
5.8.1 Introduction
In the year 2012, the projected tourist arrival, as per Uttarakhand Tourist
Development Master Plan, UNWTO, 2008, was 20.56 million but the actual
tourist arrivals recorded was 28.43 million. Also, the said Master Plan has
projected the tourist arrivals by the year 2022 as 69.72 million. The pride of a
State, vests in its ability to provide quality, comfort and safe
accommodation to tourists across various income groups. This requires
augmentation of tourist accommodation facilities across the states through
various means such as hotels, home stays, Tourist Rest Houses (TRHs of
GMVN and/or Tourist Reception Centers-TRCs of KMVN)/Yatri Niwas along
with dormitories, and hostels. These guidelines have been proposed to
assist and facilitate development of quality and affordable TRHs/Yatri
Niwas along with dormitories in the State with the intent to provide tourists
an affordable, comfortable and convenient option for accommodation.
5.8.2 Eligibility
DoT intends to develop and post-Disaster of June 2013
reconstruct/rehabilitate or retrofit the TRHs/Yatri Niwas and dormitories by
assisting/facilitating private entrepreneurs / franchisees and has set out the
following eligibility criteria for entities opting to enter this tourism segment.
These entities could be:
Existing reputed private hoteliers, Yatri Niwas owners.
Private Land owners/ Entrepreneurs.
Priority will be given to those entities which are:
Already in the tourism sector with a prior expertise in operations and
management of similar projects.
Owners of Land suitable for development of such facilities around the
identified tourist destinations.
Existing Yatri Niwas who intend to upgrade their facilities to avail
incentives. In such cases the incentive will be provided for the up
gradation works.
5.8.3 Requirements for Yatri Niwas
The site area on which Yatri Niwas is located should be at least 0.5 acre.
Ownership/lease of land and land use should be in order.
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Should be located on National Highway, State Highway or Main District
Road (MDR) or within distance of 1.5 kms, 1 km or 0.5 km. respectively
from such highways/MDR.
The facility must be wheelchair accessible.
Should have at least 10 lettable rooms and 100% of lettable rooms
should have attached bathrooms. 4 out every 10 rooms must be
wheelchair accessible and have attached bathrooms that can be
used by disabled persons and/or senior citizens.
Should have at least 2 dormitory rooms one for women and one for
men as per the requirements specified for constructing dormitories
under these guidelines.
Should have restaurant/dining hall with sitting area of minimum 30 sq.
mtrs (excluding kitchen, storage).
The double room and single room should have minimum carpet area of
12 sq.mtrs and 10 sq.mtrs respectively.
Rooms should have adequate furniture, fixtures, linen, and AC
(wherever required as per climatic conditions).
Bathroom carpet area should admeasure at least 4 sq.mtrs.
Attached toilets for each Dormitory / Room: Bathroom fittings should be
of branded company with ISI mark. Use of low-flow/aerated-flow
faucets, low-flush cisterns should be encouraged.
Should have telephone with STD facility.
Internet and wi-fi facility must be available in all rooms.
Should have a separate public toilets for men and women and first aid
centre. Should have at least one common public toilet meeting barrier-
free friendly built-environment compliant requirements.
The following facilities must be provided for:
a. Front Desk
b. Visitors sitting area and lobby
c. Tourism ‗Info‘ booth
d. Souvenir Shop
e. For every three lettable rooms one car parking must be provided of
minimum 5 sq. mtrs.
f. Free internet service for all guests.
g. All rooms should have telephone connectivity
At least one electrician, plumber, sweeper, etc. to be available for
general service and maintenance on a 24 hrs basis.
24 hrs security and CCTV surveillance at reception and corridors. At
least one female security personnel must be present at all times.
Power back-up system is to be provided in the entire facility to provide
uninterrupted power supply for all the appliances in the facility
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24 hour uninterrupted hot and cold water supply.
Provision of well lit, dedicated visitor parking area is to be provided in
the facility for parking of tourist vehicles. These areas should be paved
(use of environment-friendly permeable pavements should be
encouraged, and paved area be planned & marked as per barrier-
free built-environment compliant requirements) and fenced to suit the
type of facility. These areas should have security to ensure safety of the
vehicles.
Staff should be in uniform, well groomed and properly trained. Number
of workers should be proportionate to the capacity of the unit in all
services provided.
Staffs should be trained local residents specialised in the respective
fields of operation.
Staff should be hospitable and capable to effectively respond to Tourist
requirements and should have a fair idea of the places of tourist
interest in the State.
Front desk staff should be well versed in English and other regional
languages to communicate with tourists from different regions of the
country and abroad There should be provision of solid waste
management with incinerators and rain water harvesting. Additional
incentives will be given for provision of STP/Bio-digester System with or
without energy recovery, use of renewable energy, etc.
5.8.4 Requirements for Youth Hostels
The entities developing Youth Hostels could be:
a. NGOs, Educational Institutes, Sports Academy, and Associations etc.
can take up the development and management.
b. Priority will be given to those entities which are:
Already in the tourism sector with a prior expertise in operations and
management of similar projects.
Owners of Land suitable for development of such facilities around
the identified tourist destinations. However, a partnership between
land owners and the above mentioned entities will be given higher
priority.
Other guidelines for setting up the facility include:
Youth hostel should be built on minimum 2 acres of land.
The facility must be wheelchair accessible.
Rooms can be single, double or on triple occupancy basis. Single,
double and triple rooms should have minimum carpet area of 10
sq.mtrs, 12 sq.mtrs and 16 sq.mtrs respectively.
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If a youth hostel has dormitories the requirements for dormitories will also
apply.
There must be a minimum of 15 rooms (single, double, triple or
dormitory would all be considered as a single room) with a capacity of
at least 30 persons and all rooms should have attached bathrooms.
Rooms should have adequate furniture, fixtures and linen.
Bathroom carpet area should admeasure at least 4 sq.mtrs.
Bathroom fittings should be of branded company with ISI mark. Use of
low-flow/aerated-flow faucets, low-flush cisterns should be
encouraged.
Should have a dining hall with a canteen / mess with sufficient
capacity.
Should have separate public toilets for men and women and first aid
centre.
Provision of anodised aluminium/wooden doors and windows.
Provision of well lit, dedicated visitor parking area should be provided in
the facility for parking of tourist vehicles. These areas should be paved
(use of environment-friendly permeable pavements should be
encouraged, and paved area be planned & marked as per barrier-
free built-environment compliant requirements) and fenced to suit the
type of facility. These areas should also have security to ensure safety of
the vehicles.
The following facilities should be provided for:
a. Recreation Room
b. Front Desk
c. Visitors sitting area and lobby
d. Tourism ‗Info‘ booth
e. Souvenir Shop
f. Free internet service for all guests
g. Parking for at least 4 cars and 2 buses for every 30 persons
h. All rooms should have telephone connectivity.
At least one electrician, plumber, sweeper, etc. should be available for
general service and maintenance on a 24 hrs basis.
24 hrs security and CCTV surveillance at reception, corridors and all
entry and exit points should be provided. At least one female security
personnel should be present at all times.
Power back-up system should be provided in the entire facility to
provide uninterrupted power supply for all the appliances in the facility.
Provision of 24 hour uninterrupted hot and cold water supply is essential.
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Staff should be in uniform, well groomed and properly trained. Number
of workers should be proportionate to the capacity of the unit in all
services provided.
Staffs should be trained local residents specialised in the respective
fields of operation.
Staff should be hospitable and capable of responding effectively to
Tourist requirements and should have a fair idea of the places of tourist
interest in the State.
Front desk staff should be well versed in English and other regional
languages to communicate with tourists from different regions of the
country and abroad.
There should be provision of solid waste management with incinerators
and rain water harvesting. Additional incentives would be given for
provision of STP/Bio-digester System with or without energy recovery,
use of renewable energy etc.
5.8.5 Requirements for Dormitories
Dormitory should be gender specific and constructed as part of
TRHs/Yatri Nivas and Youth Hostels. Dormitories by themselves will not be
considered a tourism product.
There should not be more than 12 beds in 1 dormitory room with
adequate furniture, fixtures and linen.
A standard of space requirement of 5 sq.mtrs per person must be
maintained while building a dormitory. For example if the dormitory
capacity is 12 beds the dormitory carpet area must be at least 60 sq.
Mtrs. Minimum vertical clearances / height of the ceiling from the floor
level shall be 10 feet.
Each dormitory room should have attached shower rooms (3 nos.) and
toilets (4 nos., including 1 toilet for differently-abled persons). If the
number of beds in a dormitory is less than 12 the number of shower
rooms and toilets can be relaxed proportionality.
Shower/Toilet/Bathroom carpet area should measure at least 3 sq. mtrs.
All bathroom fittings should be of branded company with ISI mark. Use
of low-flow/aerated-flow faucets, low-flush cisterns should be
encouraged.
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5.9 Guidelines for Developing Tourist Information Centre and Interpretation
Centre
5.9.1 Introduction
Uttarakhand is gifted with myriad options of natural endowment ranging
from mystical hill stations to serene beaches. It is home to several forts,
architectural marvels and is blessed with rich heritage of over 500 years.
The experiences generated by visual arts, culture and heritage of
Uttarakhand are unique. Other diverse and vibrant aspects of Uttarakhand
tourism products include pilgrim, river run, wildlife, pristine, and scenic to
offer to its tourists. The State has also made rapid strides in Eco Tourism,
Wellness Tourism – Alternate Lifestyle/Yoga, Voluntary Tourism and
Adventure Tourism.
There is great need for development of Tourist Information Centres,
Interpretation Centres and Information Kiosks to assist and sensitize tourists
visiting the state. In order to project the various facets of the State to large
number of visitors, there is a strong urge to develop visitor centres to assist
the tourists in planning their visits and having a holistic experience.
A Tourist Information Centre (TIC) is a dedicated space within a building for
interpretive displays, programs, services, and information. TICs generally
have support facilities and conveniences for the travelling public and
provide the necessary information for visitors to have a safe and enjoyable
visit. Large TICs may also include exhibition/small auditorium facility with
proper audi-visual presentations, café, souvenir kiosks etc.
An Interpretation Centre is a space where a combination of educational
activities designed to reveal meanings and relationships through the use of
presentations, original objects, first-hand experience, graphic illustrations,
activities, or media designed to help people understand, appreciate, and
care for the natural and cultural environment. The primary purpose of an
Interpretation centre is to provide interpretive and educational information
to the visitors (including those with physical, sensory, and cognitive
impairments) about tourism in Uttarakhand, its diverse products, culture,
heritage, the various tourist projects/destinations and its facilities, visitor
security and safety, the geographic area where the project is located, and
the cultural and natural resources of the area. The interpretive objectives of
Interpretation centres are to enhance the public‘s understanding of
tourism & its contribution to the State, understanding of the archaeological,
historical, human-made, natural, and cultural features of the State which
should lead to:
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Developing public appreciation for the proper and safe use of
project resources;
Fostering the spirit of personal stewardship of public lands;
Orienting the visitor to the tourism destinations, products and its
recreational opportunities; and
Aiding project personnel in accomplishing management objectives.
5.9.2 Eligibility
DoT intends to develop the Tourist Information Centres, Interpretation
Centres and Information Kiosks by assisting/facilitating interested entities.
These entities could be:
NGOs, Educational Institutes, private entrepreneurs, Government
Agencies, Trusts and Associations etc can take up the development
and management.
Priority will be given to those entities which are:
a. Already in the tourism sector with a prior expertise in operations and
management of similar projects.
b. Owners of Land suitable for development of such facilities around
the identified tourist destinations. However, a partnership between
land owners and the above mentioned entities will be given higher
priority.
5.9.3 Requirements for Tourist Information Centre (TIC)
Other guidelines for setting up the facility include:
The intention of setting up of the TIC is to provide quick information to
the visitors on the region, attractions, timings, availability of amenities
etc. Hence the entities having prior experience of setting-up and
operating such centres with the help of the locals would be given
preference.
The entities would need to exhibit capability of designing the centres
keeping in mind tourism security and crime prevention principles such
that the centre facility is functional, aesthetically pleasing and tourist
friendly.
The centre proposed/designed by the entities would need to meet the
following minimum criteria:
a. Well-designed centre of at least 10 m x 10 m size which would make
the visitors feel welcome and safe without necessitating formation
of long queues of visitors exposing them to potential hazards
b. Provision of monitored security cameras in vulnerable areas like
corners, entrance/exits, blind corners etc.
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c. Sufficient safety aspects should be incorporated in planning and
designing of windows/doors to avoid any kind of harm from
projectiles during public unrest or similar situations
d. Should have provisions for well lit, quiet and functional spaces
including rest-rooms, public phones, nursing rooms etc. in the public
area
e. Hallways should be designed with consideration for both rescue
and evacuation needs, along with minimum accessibility
requirements
f. No restricted area in the TIC should have an access to the general
public
g. Should exhibit an efficient functional planning having physically
separated public and non-public areas (including employee work
areas, storage rooms, or any area that is not intended for public
access)
h. Where access control screening has been deemed necessary, it
should be performed by trained personnel, with proper access
screening equipment, and supported by written procedures.
As personal service would be the main motto of the TIC, employees
and contractors who come in regular contact with visitors should wear
visible identification badges/cards and provide impartial services to all
the tourists/visitors.
The entities must demonstrate a well-trained workforce with
experienced advisors having the ability to interpret body language,
probe to find out what people really want, help plan itineraries, give
advice and make recommendations, explain how to get there with the
aid of a map etc.
The TIC must have in place an efficient information management
system including a comprehensive database of visitors, places, facilities
etc.
Each TIC must have a master plan that addresses the visitor centre
facilities and program requirements, including compliance with
accessibility standards. The master plan must address each of the items
listed below:
a. An inventory and analysis of current visitors and projected visitation
levels;
b. An inventory and analysis of existing resources to be interpreted in
the visitor centre;
c. The layout of the visitor centre including visitors flow/circulation plan
with entrance and emergency exists;
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d. Interpretive themes and goals and a description of the method that
will be used to achieve effective communication;
e. Detailed recommendations for proposed interpretive exhibits and
programs (universally accessible for persons with mobility, hearing,
speech, sight, or cognitive disabilities);
f. A staffing plan to operate the visitor centre, taking into
consideration whether, and how, volunteers will be used;
g. Equipment needed to support exhibits and programs;
h. Budget required for operation and management;
i. Use of fees, if authorized;
j. Any partnerships supporting the visitor centre;
k. Visitor centre review schedules; and
l. Security measures and procedures at the visitor centre, including
any necessary physical and technical upgrades.
5.9.4 Requirements for Tourist Interpretation Centre
Other guidelines for setting up the facility include:
The interpretation centres should provide routine, non-sensitive
information regarding the tourism offerings in Uttarakhand, recreation
opportunities, and cultural and natural resources to the public. If
available, this information should be provided to visitors in alternative
formats to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities.
Consideration needs to be given to the information being
communicated while determining effective formats to be developed
nd used to communicate with the public.
The interpretation centre and equipment used in relation to it, both
inside the centre and on the surrounding grounds, are subject to the
highest standards of maintenance. All equipment used in interpretation
centres must be selected for dependability, ease of maintenance,
accessibility, longevity, and low operating cost. For equipment that is
critical to the visitor‘s experience, a backup must be on hand, if
possible.
Audio- and visual- equipment purchased or upgraded must be highly
dependable, fully accessible, off-the-shelf equipment that can be
easily and cost effectively maintained, repaired, or replaced.
Interpretation centres and their exhibits should be formally reviewed
once every 5 years by the agency appointed by the Department of
Tourism. The purpose of the review should be to ensure that all facilities
are safe, secure, accessible, and adequate; equipments are in
operating condition; and audio-visual presentations, photographs,
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taped messages, and other interpretive materials are accurate,
current, and communicated effectively. The review team should
prepare a report that details its findings, including any
recommendations for facility improvements or repairs or for updating
exhibits. The official directly responsible for managing the Interpretation
centre would be responsible for determining what actions to take, in
consultation with the regional office and review team, as a result of the
review.
Items made available to the public may be sold, where authorized.
Examples of appropriate sale items include project memorabilia,
educational materials, maps, food and beverages, film, and other
customary supplies to support a safe and enjoyable recreation visit.
Interpretation centres, tour routes, and other public access areas
should be periodically assessed for security-related risks. Public and
non-public access areas and applicable physical security measures to
separate those areas.
a. Tour and evacuation routes and assembly points.
b. Parking areas/structures. Lighting and signage.
c. The type of information that is presented to the public.
d. Security and standard operating procedures for visitor
management.
e. Facility Security Plan coverage of visitor security.
f. Integration of security procedures with the Emergency Action Plan.
g. Tour guide and security officers familiarity of emergency
procedures.
The other planning and designing criteria for the Interpretation Centre
would be same as TIC (except that the minimum size of the centre should
be 80 m x 80 m).
5.10 Guidelines for Media, Communication and Promotional Activities
5.10.1 Introduction
The development of tourism cannot be realized in the absence of
promotion activities. Marketing is a vital tool to build successful tourism.
Print Media and Electronic Media are essential in promoting tourism
products and services, to highlight the exceptional tourism opportunities
that Uttarakhand has to offer. Department of Tourism, Government of
Uttarakhand (DoT) intends to incentivize any such initiatives through
media, communication and promotional activities targeted to promote
tourism related activities and services.
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5.10.2 Eligibility
Individuals, printing and publishing houses, Community based
organizations, NGOs, trusts, entities involved in tourism wanting to
promote their tourism products/services, corporate and private sector
are all eligible for the incentives. They include the following:
Tourist Guides
Tourist Maps
Travel and Tourism Books
Information brochures and Pamphlets
Coffee table books
Blogs and Websites
Audio Guides
Documentaries.
5.10.3 Other Requirements
The content of the print media/electronic media should promote
and generate awareness on tourism in Uttarakhand, and restore
tourist confidence for visitation to Uttarahand post-Disaster of June
2013.
The material should pertain exclusively to Uttarakhand or to
destinations that are in Uttarakhand.
Information produced in the media should be accurate and verified.
Coffee table books and Documentaries, besides covering the tourist
destinations, should also focus on global topics of Uttarakhand such
as its flora, fauna, heritage, festivals, and local culture to stimulate
readers and develop the demand for tourist products and services.
Specific Requirements for Tourist Maps and Guides: Standardised
tourist guides and maps should be made available to the tourists as
these are the first and foremost tools that would be utilised by visitors
to acquaint themselves with the tourism features that Uttarakhand
has to offer.
a. Maps should be north-aligned and show location of all tourist
locations identified by DoT.
b. Additional facilities such as coffee shops, public toilets, public
transport, police stations, etc. should also be highlighted in the
maps.
c. Maps and guides should provide accurate information on
destinations including timings and entry fee for the tourist facility
wherever applicable.
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d. These should be regularly updated to provide latest/accurate
information.
e. Audio Guides: There is abundant scope for usage of audio guides
at tourist destinations, information centres, interpretation centres
etc. Hence, the content for these audio guides should have
clarity and should be prepared keeping in mind the place and
purpose for which they would be used.
f. Audio guides should be available in English and Hindi as a basic
minimum requirement at the tourist destination.
g. All audio guides must be accompanied with the corresponding
print materials.
5.11 Guidelines for Event-based tourism
5.11.1 Introduction
Events can be defined as experiences that are unique, as they have the
ability to create time and space to convey specific objectives for a
specific audience. Events can, stimulate tourism competitiveness
particularly in backward regions. The use of events as a local and
regional development strategy requires efficient management and the
support of a proper tourism policy, to result in positive impact for local
communities. Interesting strategies need to be developed to develop
events as tourism products. The singularity, uniqueness, authenticity and
local participation of Uttarakhand need to be tapped to develop
exceptional Event-based tourism products.
5.11.2 Eligibility
Department of Tourism (GoUK) intends to promote any such initiatives
targeted to promote tourism related activities and services through
events based tourism products by assisting/facilitating interested entities.
These entities could be:
Individuals, event organizers, Community-based organizations,
NGOs, trusts, art and culture foundations, Non-profits, youth
associations, student groups and clubs, theatre troupes, etc.
Apart from the above, the following print media will be eligible for
incentives.
a. Festivals
b. Fairs
c. Theatre and cinema
d. Concerts
e. Light and Sound Shows
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f. Cultural festivals.
Events in destinations and involving local communities will be given
priority.
Priority will be given to entities with prior experience in event based
tourism to develop new event based tourism products.
Entities with existing events that satisfy all requirements can also
apply for the incentive after registration.
5.11.3 Other Requirements
The event must generate interest and increase footfall from domestic
and international tourists.
All events should link to local community.
Frequency, duration, timings and description of the event should be
clearly stated. An estimate of annual tourist footfalls that the event
will generate should be provided.
Provisions need to be made for safety and Security of the tourists
present at all events.
There must be provision for parking of cars and buses during the
event in the following ratio:
a. for every 4 persons there must be one car parking available; and
b. for every 60 persons 1 bus parking must be provided.
The parking area meeting barrier-free built-environment compliant
requirements must be easily accessible from the main road and
there should be clear signage indicating entry and exit points, and
accessible spaces for differently-abled parking users.
Hygiene, Responsible Standards, Environment-friendly Practices:
Responsible tourism-friendly policy should be adopted for sustainable
growth Use of eco-friendly practices and local products should be
encouraged. There should be a provision within the facility for
segregation of garbage into bio-degradable (kitchen waste etc.),
non-bio-degradable (thermo-coal products, aluminium foil, cigarette
stubs, etc.) & recyclable (newspapers, bottles, cans etc.) material.
Two standard pattern garbage covered receptacles / bins for bio-
degradable and non-degradable waste should be provided.
Festivals and Fair: All products sold at festivals and fairs should be
sourced from Uttarakhand and result in economic benefit to the
local community.
Light and Sound Show: The content of light and sound show must be
historic in nature pertaining to the destination/historic building or site
where it is held. All prior clearances needed must be procured in
advance from the respective authorities.
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5.12 Guidelines for Heritage Trails and Nature Trails
5.12.1 Introduction
Uttarakhand has immense potential for development of Heritage trails as
well as Natural trails. The Government believes that heritage Trails are a
way of encouraging people to get the best out of visiting environments
of particular cultural, natural, social and historical interest.
Similarly, a nature trail through a forest, wildlife preserve, beach, etc.
could be specifically designed to provide opportunities for observing
and learning about flora and fauna, understanding the eco-system,
appreciation of nature and local culture and practices.
Apart from the various possible trails around the tourist destinations,
Department of Tourism (DoT), GoUK intends to develop heritage and
nature trails in select areas on a priority basis:
a. Historical and Heritage locations.
b. Forest areas.
5.12.2 Eligibility
Department of Tourism (GoUK) intends to incentivize development of
heritage trails and nature trails to promote tourism by assisting/
facilitating interested entities in developing such trails. These entities
could be:
a. Individual Entrepreneurs or a Company. Trained guides / naturalist
should be present in the group or be employed.
b. Developed the Trail and should have been in operation for at least
one year from the date of application.
5.12.3 Other Requirements
Other general requirements for the applicant to be eligible for incentives
are:
All Trail rails should be guided. Every group must be accompanied by
a certified guide / naturalist. Guide / naturalist to tourist ratio should
be 1 for every 10 persons in a group.
Group size should not exceed 20 persons per trail.
Transportation must be included as part of the trail if it is not a
walking trail.
Trails should incorporate plaques or signs on particular structures to
provide additional information. There should be a sign indicating the
starting point of the trail.
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Trails should be thematic to target the interest of certain groups.
A trail designed to arouse interest in conservation could include a
number of conserved buildings and places, with accompanying
material on the local history, architectural forms, conservation
practice, etc.
If a heritage trail is created for a specific user group, the presentation
of that trail would have to be designed to cater to the interests of
that group. For example, a guided tour for senior citizens should be
undertaken at a relaxed pace, with frequent rest stops and a large
degree of audience participation.
The trail should be accompanied by information kits, preferably with
an audio guide. At the starting point of the trail, the following facilities
should be provided:
a. Drinking water
b. Changing room
c. Toilets
d. Provision should be made for all of the above mentioned
facilities, except changing rooms, after every 4 kms of the trail.
For nature trails, the facilities should be made of eco-friendly
materials that are harmonious with the surroundings.
A Trail brochure should be prepared as promotional material to
inform tourists of the nature of the trail.
The brochure should contain the following information:
a. Length/duration of the trail and means of transport
b. Contents and theme of the trail.
c. Transportation information.
d. Information on how to reach the starting point of the trail.
e. Timings for the trail Map of the trail: Maps are a simple and
effective way of showing the configuration of the trail and should
be included in the brochure with attention to the following
details:
They should preferably be drawn by a draftsperson and
should show a north point facing up the page. Additionally
for a nature trail, satellite could be used to develop the map.
Show the start and end location of the tour along with all rest
points along the trail.
Identify and number each item / point of interest in the trail
Show the location of car parks, cafes and public toilets for
heritage walks.
Regular capacity building sessions will be provided free of cost by
the government to the guides.
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At the end of the trail, feedback from the tourist should be obtained
through questionnaires.
5.12.4 Additional Requirements for Nature Trails
Since nature trails are often identified in protected habitats, it is
important that the trail is sustainable. The following requirements should
be met and sustainability assessment would need to be carried out to:
a. Support current and future use with minimal impact to the area‘s
natural systems.
b. Produce negligible soil loss or movement while allowing vegetation
to inhabit the area.
c. Recognize that pruning or removal of certain plants may be
necessary for proper trail construction and maintenance.
d. Should not adversely affect the area‘s wildlife.
e. Minimal rerouting and trail maintenance.
f. Areas of wet or poorly drained soils should be avoided.
g. All permits should be obtained prior to application. For nature trails if
the trail is through a protected area, all requirements under eco-
tourism should be complied with.
5.13 Guidelines for Heritage Property Conservation & Revitalization
5.13.1 Introduction
Places of cultural significance and heritage sites enrich people‘s lives,
often providing a deep and inspirational sense of connection to
community and landscape, to the past and to lived experiences. They
are historical records that are important as tangible expressions of
Uttarakhand identity and experience. Places of cultural significance
reflect the diversity of our communities, telling us about who we are and
the past that has formed us, and the Uttarakhand landscape. They are
irreplaceable and precious. These heritage sites must be conserved for
present and future generations.
In conservation of Heritage Buildings/Sites the practices set out in Burra
Charter23 and Indian ICOMOS publication may also be referred and
followed. ―The Burra Charter, 1999‖ provides guidance for the
conservation and management of places of cultural / heritage
23 The Burra Charter defines the basic principles and procedures to be followed in the conservation of
Australian heritage places. In 1979, the Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of
Cultural Significance was adopted at a meeting of Australia ICOMOS (International Council on
Monuments and Sites) at the historic mining town of Burra, South Australia. It was given the short title
of The Burra Charter. The latest charter was published and adopted in November, 1999.
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significance and is based on the knowledge and experience of Australia
ICOMOS24 members. As per The Burra Charter, ―Places of cultural
significance enrich people‘s lives, often providing a deep and
inspirational sense of connection to community and landscape, to the
past and to lived experiences… These places of cultural significance
must be conserved for present and future generations.‖ The Burra
Charter advocates a cautious approach to change: do as much as
necessary to care for the place and to make it useable, but otherwise
change it as little as possible so that its cultural significance is retained.
While changes may be necessary to adapt heritage buildings to new
uses, it is important to ensure that these changes during restoration and
restoration of the heritage places do not compromise the heritage
significance of the item.
5.13.2 Conservation & Revitalization Process
1) The guidelines given in subsequent subsections will assist in planning
to undertake conservation work on a heritage building/site.
Research & Documentation
The first process is to undertake proper research & documentation
as below:
a. Documentation and Survey
Prior to execution of any work in a historic place, sufficient
studies must be undertaken to be reasonably assured that:
the historic place, its development and significance are
adequately understood;
nothing of significant value is likely to be damaged or
destroyed; and
work is appropriately designed and specified.
The studies comprise the preliminary stages of the conservation
process and include detailed documentation, condition
mapping, survey, research, investigation and evaluation. This
would include documenting interventions made in the past
(including repairs and alterations made to the physical fabric). It
is absolutely essential to record thoroughly, with drawings and
photographs, the parameters and the status of the historic
places before commencement of any work. Information about
each historic place must be recorded in a preliminary inventory
24 International Council on Monument and Sites (ICOMOS)
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form and a detailed ‗historic building information system‘
format. Drawings, written accounts and records of research /
investigations should be kept up-to-date and maintained as
part of the permanent documentation of the building. This is
important more so because undertaking these is expensive, and
therefore valuable for future.
The minimum drawings required for documentation include
plans of all levels, all external elevations, and sectional
elevations through all main spaces of the historic place. In cases
where a project entails only a part of the building to be
conserved, a general documentation of the entire site would be
acceptable along with detail of the part prioritized for such
project.
Physical documentation (with drawings and photographs) must
be carried out before, during and after any development or
conservation work is executed on the historic place. If
adequate funds are available, state-of-the-art recording
techniques such as photogrammetry must be employed. Any
material removed from the historic places (after approval from
the technical ‗expert committee‘) must be recorded by
photographs and drawings for archival purposes. All material
and debris removed from the place must be stored and marked
in a methodical system. The documentation process should be
non-destructive to the physical existence of the historic place.
Topographical Survey/Total Station Survey of the historic place
(site and setting) must be undertaken in the preliminary stages
of the project. The extents of the survey must be defined in
consultation with qualified experts, who would determine the
setting of specific historic places as their ecological boundary /
historical use pattern / geographical boundary / archaeological
boundary, etc.
Survey Grid: The contour interval should be 0.5 mtr., and spacing
between two spot levels must be minimum 5 mtrs.
b. Research and Investigation
This document contains preliminary research about the region
and historic places. Further research must be encouraged so as
to update the document and reinforce the significance
attached to the places. This includes literary research on social,
historical and architectural aspects, as well as systematic
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investigative testing which must be carefully recorded.
Research should be based on primary and secondary
information and references from other sources. Research other
than archival, such as oral history, folklore, etc. should also be
considered for sieving authentic information.
It is critical to investigate the source of deterioration in the built
fabric in order to plan the intervention for reducing it, based on
this understanding. Material testing and analysis, and research
into aspects related to art and construction techniques are
recommended to inform the conservation intervention detail
plan. Preliminary investigation may lead to unexpected
discoveries during the course of building operations.
Investigations must be as non-destructive as possible.
c. Archaeological Excavations
Excavations must be carried out to avoid conjecture in case of
unavailability of information. A thorough documentation is
recommended of all findings during the excavation. The
location and validity of archaeological excavations in historic
places must be as per the advice and recommendations of
expert archaeologists.
Proper understanding and interpretation of history depends
crucially on the evidence of primary sources, including original
documents, artefacts and the results of archaeological
investigation. Excavations must have minimum impact on the
historic fabric, and must be supervised by the technical ‗expert
committee.‘
2) Significance
a. Statement of Significance
Thorough research, documentation and investigations, followed
by their analysis lead to the assessment of significance of a
historic place. Various levels and kinds of significance are
evaluated: historical, architectural, archaeological, art/
aesthetics related, associational/ social, religious/ spiritual, and
natural. Thereafter, a statement of significance is arrived at,
which encompasses the entire assessment. The statement of
significance should highlight the key architectural features,
historical/traditional usage, users, events, notional linkages,
socio-physical changes of the place or the legendary figure
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associated with the place. It should also define the interpretive
quality of parallel history.
It will be mandatory to identify obligations arising from
significance (refer The Burra Charter, 1999). The statement of
significance should be given the highest priority throughout the
entire process of conservation, revitalization and management
of historic places. Any development must uphold the
significance of the historic place. Prior to execution of work,
further research is essential and must be followed by analysis
and lead to supplementing the significance.
b. Historic Fabric
Respect must be exercised towards the historic fabric by users,
staff, visitors, owners, managers, local authorities and those
involved in work in the historic places. The management must
ensure constant vigilance for strict control to prevent any act of
vandalism or defacement to the historic fabric, both during the
course of any work as well as during general visitorship. Any
activity concerned with interpretation, promotion or tourism
must not impact the historic fabric of the places.
3) Site Planning
a. Development History of the Place
Development history of the historic place must be researched
and traced as it will determine the morphological character,
patterns of development & change, referential changes, and
inform about abrupt/ abnormal changes, etc. These would be
useful for planning and reaching decisions concerning
interventions in the historic place.
b. Views and Setting
The views of the historic places from various directions are
significant attributes and are therefore recommended to be
preserved. Significant views of and from the historic places must
be identified and documented. As part of the detailed
conservation management plan of each individual historic
place, guidelines/bye-laws must be prepared in consultation
with the appropriate local authority to protect these views and
prevent any development that obstructs them. These include
land use control, formulation of specific building guidelines,
improvement of connectivity, and improvement of the overall
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visual character of the area. No superstructure must be allowed
to be constructed that may hinder the views of the historic
places. Construction of basement is prohibited unless the
technical ‗expert committee‘ approves after investigative tests
and archaeological excavations in the historic place.
The historical, architectural and visual relationship between the
historic places and their surroundings should be preserved. The
landscape features that form an important part of the wider
landscape of the area must be protected.
c. Landmark Quality
The further specific guidelines/bye-laws to be prepared must
retain and enhance the landmark quality of the historic places.
These would include guidelines for any development in the
vicinity of the historic places; for example, new structures and
signage in the area should be permitted only after they have
been considered carefully and approved by the technical
‗expert committee.‘ This is to ensure that the scenic qualities
and attributes of the historic places that make them local
landmarks are not undermined.
4) Access and Infrastructure
a. Public Access and Transportation
All historic places need to have complete public access.
Spaces that have been demarcated for proposed public uses in
the historic places must be accessible to the general public at
designated timings. Sufficient and adequately experienced or
trained staff who supervise and manage public access must be
present at all times during public visiting hours to the historic
places. These culturally significant historic places must have
proper pedestrian and vehicular links for easy access of visitors.
The circulation flow planning must cater to easy movement of
the visitors to the various cultural edifices of the places.
Vehicular access and approach roads must be supported with
sufficient parking areas that do not hinder views or interfere with
significant spaces of the historic places.
In the process of planning, respect must be exercised for
religious tradition and solemnity in spaces associated with
pilgrimage or any other cultural sensitivities. Adequate security
measures and staff must be provided and reviewed regularly.
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Fire safety and emergency vehicular access (EVA) requirements
must be adhered to in a sensitive manner, without causing any
impact to the significant values of the place.
b. Visitor Numbers and Management
The number of visitors to each historic place should be
managed keeping in mind the mechanical wear and tear,
structural stability and impact on the micro-environment within
the buildings. The environmental impact of visitors should be
continuously monitored. The carrying capacity should be
determined for each site and the visitor numbers within the site
should thereby be regulated. Safety of both the visitors and the
place must be ensured. Necessary steps must be taken to
prevent harassment of visitors by hawkers, untrained guides, etc.
Visitor management for tourists as well as for the general public
is essential especially on important calendar days.
c. Visitor Information
It is recommended that an information centre be provided in an
accessible and central place of each city/town of the
proposed trail. These information centres must have available
facts and information regarding the individual historic places
and the entire tourism circuits. Aesthetically harmonized
information points must be provided within the historic places to
facilitate a visitor-friendly environment and to link the individual
site to the other historic places and the entire circuit. The
interpretative material about the place must not impact the
features of significant value in the historic place.
d. Infrastructure for Visitors
Suitable infrastructure must be provided for facilitating visitors.
This includes toilets, drinking water points, first-aid facilities,
refreshment kiosks and space for belongings. The equipment
and maintenance procedures of such facilities must not infringe
into the historic places or their setting. Safety of visitors must be
ensured within all places. The design and location of facilities
must respect the cultural value and aesthetics of the historic
places.
The broad objectives of infrastructure development planning at
heritage sites are:
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to improve site environment conditions (removal of
garbage, cables, and encroachments that degrade the
heritage place);
improvement of access and approach roads, providing for
visitor parking facilities, developing wayside amenities,
development of transit nodes, and up-gradation and
management of transport modes;
visitor information centres, and providing signage and other
interpretive visual communication systems at appropriate
places;
orientation and incentives to the hospitality industry;
providing visitor amenities like toilets, drinking water facilities,
etc.;
solid waste management and waste water management in
and around the sites;
improving the overall visitor experience (street furniture,
pedestrian walkways, planting trees, improving signages,
organising retail activities, etc.);
providing for furniture and structural equipments for
temporary exhibitions, festivals, etc.; and
re-strengthening the physical and notional links to places
and people.
e. Universal Access (Access for Persons with Disabilities)
There must be provision for access to the historic places by
persons with disabilities. All public facilities must be accessible to
the disabled/also termed as differently-abled. The design and
location of access for the physically challenged must respect
the cultural value and aesthetics of the historic places and must
not be intrusive to the significant aspects of the places. Ramps
with supporting rails or elevators must be incorporated. Apart
from providing gender specific toilets, barrier-free friendly built-
environment compliant toilets shall also be provisioned in
infrastructure design. Not only physical access but intellectual
access too should be maximized for the disabled. Importantly,
such interventions should ensure that physical damage is
minimal and the aesthetics of the place is not compromised.
[Refer ―Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier-Free Built-
Environment for Disabled and Elderly Persons, 1998,‖ CPWD, GoI
as national best practice, while ―2010 ADA (American Disability
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Act) Standards for Accessible Design‖ may be considered as
an international best practice for universal access compliance.]
5) Conservation Management Planning
a. Conservation Management Plan
Each historic place needs a ‗Conservation Management Plan‘
to be prepared before embarking on the project, and its copies
must be placed in public and government department libraries.
Its availability to the public and departments would ensure
enabling them to refer to the recommended procedures and
guidelines that uphold the significance of historic places in
course of any future work proposed. The conservation
management plan is prepared on the basis of the principles
outlined in this document as part of the conservation and
historic places revitalization guidelines. The conservation
management plan broadly consists of:
gathering information (by way of documentation, research,
condition assessment, investigation, etc.);
analysis of information;
assessment of significance;
developing policies/ guidelines for conservation and
revitalization;
planning a strategy for implementing policies/ guidelines;
and
outlining a management framework for the project and
future of the historic place.
A conservation management plan is required to streamline the
process of conservation and development, and ensure efficient
use of resources. The objectives of a project must be identified
and balanced in principle before attempting to resolve issues
which can arise in practice.
b. Conservation Intervention
The main aim is to conserve the historic place in accordance
with the ‗Conservation Management Plan‘ to ensure that the
cultural value is preserved. The objective is that the historic
place is conserved by internationally accepted standards, and
made safe for users, staff, visitors and those involved in work.
Details and levels of intervention must be decided on a case-
by-case basis and based on the significance, condition and
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potential. These should collectively be in the interest of
conserving the value of the historic places. The priority and
phasing of interventions must be stated in the conservation
management plan. The materials used in the interventions must
be compatible with the original materials of the historic places
in terms of material behaviour (chemical and physical),
composition, texture, colour, strength, etc.
c. Reversibility
Reversibility is the concept of work to a building, part of a
building or artefact being carried out in such a way that it can
be reversed at some future time, without any significant
damage having being done. Principle of ‗reversibility‘ must be
followed in all conservation planning and development works to
any part of the historic place. All interventions must be
reversible at any stage without causing any harm to the historic
fabric.
d. Consolidation of Dilapidated Building Fabric
Consolidation denotes physical intervention in the actual fabric
of a building to ensure its continued structural integrity. The parts
of existing fabric of the historic places that are in a dilapidated
condition must be consolidated to prevent further damage and
deterioration. This applies to those spaces that are not
designated for restoration or reconstruction as per the
conservation management plan. Public safety must be ensured
during the process of structural consolidation.
e. Emergency Stabilization
The portions in historic places that are in a serious state of near-
collapse must be given urgent attention. These must be dealt
with on a priority basis in consultation with qualified
conservation professionals in order to prevent any further loss of
historic fabric.
f. New Elements and Materials
An appraisal of the aesthetic objectives of the project must be
done prior to deciding the conservation approach. The
principles of minimum intervention and conservative repair must
be followed. The technical ‗expert committee‘ must decide on
case by case basis whether specific new works are to be
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distinguishable from the existing features, or are to match the
original.
In cases where replicas of any architectural feature or element
of a historic place must be distinguishable from the original,
care must be executed not to create a false sense of history.
The combined result should be a well-integrated whole and not
draw attention disproportionately. Any new work that is
matched to the old for aesthetic reasons should be recorded
and should be finished in such a way that it can be
differentiated from the original by discreet dating or other
means. Matching should not be merely in terms of colour and
appearance, but of physical and chemical characteristics of
materials, and their composition, breathability, ageing, species,
source and method of processing, as appropriate. The use of
modern substitutes or synthetic ‗look-alike‘ materials is
prohibited. Use of state-of-the-art technology is encouraged
while incorporating traditional materials and traditional
techniques.
g. Additions and Alterations
The spatial character of the historic places must not be altered
by additions/ alterations except in the case of reuse wherein the
adaptation will be in accordance with the Conservation
management plan of the historic place. Additions and
alterations needed for the purpose of emergency, safety,
security or connectivity etc. may be allowed, but only after
approval by the technical ‗expert committee‘. Any work in and
around the historic places must be carried out under the
supervision of the approved technical monitoring body/ expert
committee in accordance with the Conservation Management
Plan.
With consultation and approval of the technical ‗expert
committee‘, previous alterations and repairs, which are
established of low significance, may be removed. Modern
materials should be used only where it is demonstrated and
proved that traditional materials cannot achieve a satisfactory
outcome. Where required, new means of achieving structural
stability in the historic places must be justified case-by-case, and
must be in harmony with the significance. All features of the
historic place must be thoroughly documented in the form of
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drawings, photographs etc. of architectural details and
construction techniques, before removal. No significant historic
fabric must be disturbed in the process, and pending
recommended repair work must be carried out along with the
alteration procedure. New work in alterations should be of
appropriate quality and design, and should contribute to the
architectural integrity of the altered historic place as a whole,
(judged by the technical ‗expert committee‘). All approved
new works in terms of additions and alterations must conform to
conservation & revitalization guidelines.
All interventions must be reversible in nature. Additions and
alterations should be removable and the historic place
reinstated to its previous state without further damage to the
pre-existing fabric (such as foundations, etc.). This is particularly
recommended in the installation of services, where the life of
the services is likely to be short compared with that of the
building as a whole. Expert advice must be sought before
extension in a historic place is designed, and research,
investigation, monitoring and/ or excavation must be
undertaken. After additions, the historic place should have
architectural integrity as a whole and in its setting. Additions
should not dominate, cover or detract architecturally or visually
from the historic fabric.
h. Adaptive Reuse
Undertaking adaptation or designating adaptive reuse means
adapting a historic place to requirements of a new sustainable
compatible use, while respecting its significance and historic
fabric. The recommended use of a historic place must not be
contradictory to its associational/ intangible value.
In case of historic places that are designated to be reused, the
objectives are to have appropriate uses which would:
be in the spirit of the unique history of its original owners;
utilize the potential of the space while causing minimum
changes to the significant components;
be socially acceptable by the local community and address
their requirements and expectations;
contribute to the value of the place;
be of social and cultural value to the present and future
generations; and
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have a healthy and safe environment for all the occupants,
users, visitors and staff on the site.
The approved interventions in the process of reuse of the
buildings must not be detrimental to their historic fabric and
must not compromise with their structural stability. Decisions
regarding compatible additions, alterations, elements and
materials in the course of adaptive reuse must be taken by the
technical ‗expert committee‘ and must conform to guidelines
and certain aspects must be taken into consideration while
designating and designing for adaptive reuse. Dead load and
proposed live load constraints in each space must be strictly
followed considering the condition and significant value of the
space. The ground levels of new development must be
designed strictly in accordance with existing building levels, so
as to prevent problems of water/drainage flow. It is
recommended that covered space requirements during any
development be met by adaptive reuse of spaces, keeping in
mind their level of significance.
The adaptive reuse proposal must provide for the required
infrastructure facilities for users, staff and visitors to the places.
This includes adequate parking, toilets, refreshment kiosks, first-
aid facilities, space for belongings and information about the
place. Guided tours and shows in the historic places must not
disrupt the designated functions therein. Use of the historic
places for special events may be allowed provided it is in
compliance with the rules laid down by the management
(which must be in the interest of conservation). Strict rules must
also be laid down regarding installation of electrical equipment,
plumbing and water management services as well as in the
erection of temporary structures in historic places.
The reuse for the historic places in a project is predefined by an
appropriate plan that shall be prepared according to the
methodology for compatible reuse as described below:
Client‘s brief
Functional needs
Functional organization
Morphological analysis
Characteristics analysis
Requirements for retention of significance
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Constraints of physical condition
Reuse planning principles
New building principles.
Based on these standards a reuse strategy should be formulated
for historic places keeping in mind the nature and impacts of
the uses. Following are the salient features which define the kind
of usage:
that need minimum intervention in historic structure
that have optimal service requirements
that generate lesser waste
that confirm to building safety regulations
that do not have negative impact on the cultural value of
the place
which require minimal interior refurbishment
which require minimum installations of heavy machineries &
gadgets which can cause environmental problems and
structural destruction
that are compatible in functional requirement
that can facilitate universal access (access for persons with
disabilities).
It may be noted that it is not allowed to use a historic place or a
part of it merely for administrative purpose, which is not
connected to its designated adaptive reuse as per the overall
reuse plan.
i. Impact Assessment
The conservation management plan outlines the process of
achieving the project aims while respecting the significance of
the heritage place. An impact assessment is carried out to
deduce the outcomes of the specified actions, prior to
executing them. It should be the effort of the conservation
advisors to maximize the beneficial impacts and reduce the
adverse ones, especially considering impacts on the
significance.
In an integrated tourism development-heritage conservation
project, the extent of promotion, intervention and activities
designated in a historic place must be based on assessment of
the impacts versus the potential and capacity of the place. The
development must be such so as to ensure sustainability of the
historic place while causing minimum cultural shock to the local
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population. It must be established that the predicted effects
(whether physical or intangible) and the scope of reducing
them are properly understood by the public, the implementing
agency and the authority before it makes its decision.
j. Professional Experts
A technical ‗expert committee‘ must be appointed to guide the
planning, implementation and maintenance plan for the historic
places. This committee must comprise qualified multi-disciplinary
specialists from the field of heritage conservation and
management, and all work must be carried out in conjunction
with this guideline document.
k. Monitoring
Monitoring entails responsibility within the project and thereby
ensures better quality. Milestones and timelines must be
decided upon before work commencement, and they must
comply with the project objectives. The assessor must be
familiarized with the historic place and the contents of its
conservation management plan, conservation manual, log
book and previous inspection reports. It is preferable for the
assessor to have some continuing responsibility for the care and
conservation of the historic place.
6) New Proposals and Interventions
a. Design in Context
The principle that must be followed while undertaking design of
any new building/site feature in context of a historic setting
would be: to respect the past and embrace the present without
creating a false sense of history. The design should embody the
spirit of the place, may it be freedom or sanctity. The technical
‗expert committee‘ must give careful consideration to all
designs in historic places and precincts. Some factors to
consider for designing in context are:
It is mandatory to delineate zones for development and
revitalization in the case of historic precincts according to
their area of influence and character of usage.
Development guidelines would need to be framed case-by-
case for each zone. These guidelines must be devised to
retain the landmark quality of the historic places.
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Consistency and continuity are vital virtues while designing in
the context of historic settings. Modern structures in
traditional guises fail to produce architecture of good
repute. New buildings should not draw undue attention.
Proposals for new development in and adjacent to a historic
place must respect its historic context in mass/volume,
scale, form, materials, quality, grain and general character.
A new building in a historic area should be in harmony with,
or complementary to, adjacent historic buildings in terms of
pattern, rhythm, detail, style, scale, continuity and
composition. This does not indicate that new building
designs should merely imitate the features of historic
buildings. This sensitivity of new design must be judged by
the technical ‗expert committee‘.
No development or building activity must be permitted in
close proximity to the historic buildings or abut the historic
fabric of the historic places. The distance between new
development and historic fabric is to be determined by the
technical ‗expert committee‘ for each individual historic
place, and must be substantiated by archaeological
evidence. There should be no archaeological disturbance.
The design of a new building must be capable of alteration
and adaptation in response to changing needs in the future.
The architecture of any new building in a historic place /
precinct must be influenced by its site.
Additions and alterations in heritage places must be
sensitive to the historic fabric and compatible in terms of
finishes, character of elements and size of new structures. All
externally visible elements must especially be considered
while evaluation, such as entrances, openings, columns,
arches, staircases, balconies, parapets and finishes.
Removal of any part or feature of a historic place must not
be permitted unless the technical ‗expert committee‘
confirms it as an impending hazard that cannot have
practicable repairs. Improvements can be achieved
through removal/relocation of negative factors, such as
obtrusive hoardings, unsightly poles and overhead wires.
Enhancement proposals should always be informed by
extensive historical research.
Any new building element to be introduced in the historic
places must be of sympathetic scale with respect to the
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original elements and must be approved by the technical
‗expert committee.‘ It is recommended that traditional
building materials be used in the construction of the new
buildings. This would provide training ground for the use of
traditional materials. Introduction of new elements and
materials must conform to guidelines.
Occupiers and owners in a historic area/precinct should be
informed about architectural features that are important to
the character and appearance of the area (through local
media). This would make them aware of valuable
architectural details that must be preserved. They should
also be informed about where appropriate advice on new
development, additions and alterations can be sought i.e.
the technical ‗expert committee‘ must be accessible to the
general public.
b. Design Controls
The technical ‗expert committee‘ must give careful
consideration in the process of granting approval to any design
in historic places and precincts. Some considerations while
formulating design control guidelines for historic places are:
Development should not create problems of traffic, parking,
noise or environmental degradation in the historic area.
The setting and significant views of historic places must not
be compromised or obstructed by any new development or
construction, as discussed in guidelines. This includes
erecting new equipment such as satellite dishes, mobile
phone towers, electrical towers/ posts, etc.
In commercial areas, the proximity of activities requiring
heavy traffic, loading/unloading of goods, storage and
trade of inflammable materials, etc. should be carefully
judged with respect to historic fabric before giving
necessary approvals. An advertisement control system must
be adopted sensitively because outdoor advertising is
essential to commercial activity.
‗Façadism‘ (i.e. rebuilding behind the front façade of a
historic building) should not be promoted unless the structure
is beyond reasonable repair, because the conflict between
interiors and exterior is evident in such cases. The character
of an area depends not just on the street frontages of its
buildings, but on their integrity as historic structures and the
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contribution which they make in all dimensions. The interior is
integral to the exterior of a historic place, and the
decoration, furniture, fittings, fixtures and services may be
historically significant features that should be preserved.
Therefore, every effort should be made to find means of
utilising the buildings essentially in their historic form, to
ensure their continued beneficial use rather than to
maximise their redevelopment value.
Historic settlement patterns, plot boundaries and curtilage,
pedestrian routes and enclosures must be respected.
Site planning and development regulations must be
formulated for each zone around a historic place in
compliance with the existing legal framework (development
guidelines, bye laws, special area development plan, etc.).
These regulations are meant to:
o Control the type and character of development, and
the land use;
o Maintain hierarchy of space and usage sensitive to the
heritage environment;
o Contain the cultural spirit & historical aspects;
o Determine building guidelines (Floor Area Ratio-F.A.R.,
Floor Space Indes-F.S.I., height regulations, ground
coverage, setbacks, building use); and
o Ensure quality visitor experience and management of
the site.
c. Building Services
Utilities such as electricity lines/cables and water supply /
wastewater disposal pipes must be located and designed in a
manner so as to prevent damage to the historic fabric of sites
and so they do not obstruct views and setting.
The existing drainage and rainwater disposal system of the
historic place must be studied in detail, and it should be
upgraded to minimize, if not completely prevent, ingress of
water. It is critical to locate the source of dampness in the built
fabric and plan the intervention for reducing it based on this
understanding. New plumbing and rainwater pipes must be
unobtrusive to the historic fabric, and their location and
materials must be approved by the technical ‗expert
committee.‘
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The water supply system must be investigated in the historic
places. In order to meet the additional infrastructural
requirements, a plan must be devised to use optimum quantity
of water while recharging resources. It is recommended that
rainwater harvesting be practiced with guidance from
landscape architects, geo-technical experts, structural
engineers, archaeologists and other experts.
Any changes to the present electrical system and lighting
arrangements should have minimal impact on the historic fabric
and, in fact, must enhance the architectural and aesthetic
qualities of the historic place. The techniques and materials for
these should be approved by the technical ‗expert committee.‘
d. Finishes
After condition assessment of the historic places, the aim of the
conservation process must be to preserve the original finishes to
the maximum. The conservation work must be carried out in
accordance with the guidelines. Exterior and interior surfaces
that were not painted in history should remain unpainted. Tests
and analysis of paint layers should be carried out to supplement
researched information gathered about finishes. The finishes
specified in the new development works must not hamper the
historic fabric in any way and must be approved by the
technical ‗expert committee‘.
In the historic places that are proposed to be reused, the
internal finishes must not have a negative impact on the historic
building fabric. The selection of materials should be based on
compatibility in texture, colour, composition and material
behaviour (chemical and physical) and must be approved by
the technical ‗expert committee.‘
e. Landscape
The landscape features that form an important part of the wider
landscape of the area must be protected. Historic landscapes
cannot be isolated from their own particular environment,
whether urban or rural, artificial or natural. Any excavation
within and around the historic place would need to be closely
monitored by landscape architects, geo-technical experts,
structural engineers, archaeologists and other experts.
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All existing plants and trees must be surveyed on a case-by-case
basis with a qualified landscape professional, conservation
architect and structural engineer. Thereafter, any vegetation
notified by the experts to be discarded due to its negative
impact on structural stability of the historic place should be
removed along with roots and an approved herbicide must be
used. Any damage caused to the historic fabric by plant
removal must be minimal, and approved remedial measures
must be adopted immediately. Trees identified to be of cultural
significance must be preserved and maintained with advice
from qualified landscape professionals. Revival of any historic
garden or its features must be based on authentic evidence in
consultation with qualified landscape and conservation
professionals, and must conform to the principles of the Florence
Charter, 198225.
f. Illumination
Illumination required to upgrade the environment of the historic
place must have minimal impact on the historic fabric. The
position of lighting equipment and techniques deployed for
installation must be approved by the technical ‗expert
committee.‘ The lighting must enhance the architectural and
aesthetic qualities of the historic place.
For illumination of any ancient painted surfaces or frescoes, only
soft illumination should be resorted to, like fibre optic white
lighting. Use of camera flash should not be permitted thereafter.
7) Environment Upgradation
a. Street Furniture and Paving
Street furniture and paving in historic places need to be
sensitively designed and should be integrated into the design of
the street as a whole. The aim should be to minimise physical
obstruction and visual clutter. They should demonstrate the spirit
25
The 1982 ICOMOS Florence Charter on Historic Gardens (Florence Charter) was developed at a meeting
of the members of the ICOMOS IFLA International Committee for Historic Gardens (now known as the
ICOMOS IFLA International Scientific Committee on Cultural Landscapes) in Florence on 21 May 1981.
The Florence Charter, a document addressing a specific field of garden preservation within preservation
of historic resources, was registered by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) as
an addendum to the Venice Charter on 15 December 1982. The drafting and acceptance of this
charter as an addition to guiding documents in the preservation of cultural heritage signalled an
enlargement of the realm of preservation from consideration of significant architecture and monuments
to include historic gardens and parks in a range of sizes, which may be associated with a building or a
property important for a significant landscape.
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of the place and could be inspired by the design elements of
the particular historic place or style but should not be mere
imitations.
[If possible, a historic paving with exceptional architectural
value should be first attempted to be restored, prior to any other
intervention in this regard.]
Street furniture like lamp-posts, bollards, seating, garbage
disposal bins, hydrants and water points must be designed in
harmony with the existing historic places, and must not be just
utilitarian structures. Appropriate street lighting of simple design
or a design reflecting the local style should be preferred.
b. Signage
Signage must be incorporated into the design of buildings as a
whole and must be compatible in form, scale and materials to
the context. Hoardings and advertisement displays must be
regulated (in terms of location, size and fixing) through design
controls and guidelines for individual historic places. The
technical ‗expert committee‘ should publish advice about
design and position of suitable displays (whether attached to
buildings or freestanding) with respect to the character and
appearance of the area. Road signs also have a significant
effect on the appearance of a historic place, and they should
be of character appropriate to their context.
[A national best practice example of historic place, context
specific signage that may be referred is the different types of
signage (monument sign/informational sign/directional sign) as
integrated with the landscaping/streetscape installed as part of
the work of Revitalization of the Gardens of Emperor Humayun’s
Tomb (a World Heritage Site), New Delhi undertaken through
the joint efforts of The Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) and the
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the aegis of the
National Culture Fund, and completed in 2003.]
8) Site Practices
a. Training and Capacity Building
Training and capacity building programs for the local and
regional skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled artisans must be
undertaken as part of the conservation program. This is
necessary as it has been found that the knowledge of the use of
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traditional materials needs to be revived. Knowledge of the
local artisans‘ especially master crafts persons must be
documented and integrated in the training program. The use of
traditional materials would also provide livelihood for the local
unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled artisans.
The general care, maintenance and repair of historic places
depend mainly on labour and skill. Such work requires
dedication, skill, care and craftsmanship to various degrees, the
results of which are often visible. All those who are to be
involved in any work in the historic places must be sensitized
about handling and significance through printed information
(by the technical ‗expert committee‘) and through
demonstration workshops prior to start of work.
b. Workmanship
The selection of the workers must be given careful
considerations. The contractors and supervisors must have prior
experience in handling historic fabric. In case the workforce is
not experienced with historic places, they must go through
proper training and sensitizing prior to start of work.
The structural stability of the historic place must not be
compromised due to modern building activity. Scaffolding or
other building material must not be stacked next to historic
fabric during any investigation, conservation or building process.
c. Dismantling
The necessity of dismantling any element in a historic place must
be established satisfactorily to the technical ‗expert
committee.‘ Where necessary, dismantling of the historic fabric
must be carried out in a systematic manner by marking at the
back of each dismantled element and storing it methodically.
The accumulated debris should be stored for reuse of the
historic material. An attempt must be made to reuse maximum
historic material under the supervision of the technical ‗expert
committee‘. The maximum safety possible under the
circumstances must be provided to the workers on site. It is
recommended that the management provide insurance cover
to workers in cases where condition of the built fabric is
precarious.
9) Interpretation, Promotion, Tourism, & Community Participation
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a. Interpretation
The most important aspect of a tourism circuit covering historic
places is that it brings to life the distant and forgotten past.
Interpretative material thus becomes key to dissemination of
information, and therefore it must be compiled following
thorough research. The enjoyment derived from visiting and
understanding historic places can be enhanced by the
availability of interpretative information. Its value will depend on
its accessibility and reliability, and how well it interprets and
communicates the significance, it is recommended that an
information centre be provided in an accessible and central
place of each city/town of the proposed circuits. Each historic
place must have adequate interpretative material about the
place itself and its context in the tourism circuit. The location
and design of the interpretative material must not interfere with
the appearance of the historic place itself, especially the
features of significant value.
Guided tours and publication of literature must be undertaken
for various sections of local society in order to inculcate interest.
This researched information must be forwarded to local schools
to be included in the curriculum and kept in relevant public
places, so as to impart a sense of personal attachment to
historic places among the natives. Training for effective guiding
must be organized periodically among locals in order to convey
appropriate information as well as provide employment
opportunities to the inhabitants.
b. Promotion
Outreach must be generated so as to create interest in the
general public regarding the historic places and the entire trails.
Promotion must be undertaken through various tools of the
electronic and print media. Public awareness campaigns impart
a sense of ownership and appreciation among the local
inhabitants about their heritage. Awareness needs to be
generated in public regarding heritage and significance of
historic places. Awareness must be increased in communities
about their own assets especially among those that have
association with the tourism and hospitality sector, such as hotel
personnel, taxi drivers, bus conductors, policemen and local
food vendors. Opportunities must be sought to develop cultural
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activities such as festivals, plays, historic narratives with the aid
of the local population to complement selected circuit sites.
Local handicrafts and folk arts must be promoted to augment
the local economy.
c. Tourism
All tourism development should provide maximum benefit to the
local community and not exploit the cultural resource. An
impact assessment must be carried out prior to implementation
of any plans for the historic places, as discussed earlier. The
emphasis should be on integrated development as described in
this document, and thereby support the economic growth of
the region.
Tourism promotion includes the information dissemination system
for visitors. There will be assessment of sectoral benefits of
promotion and outreach and these will be responsive to the
user groups. These will include the location, their subject of
focus, etc. This sector will stress on developing interactive tools
for visitor information located on the sites and circuits.
Promotion, outreach and interpretation could engage activities
such as:
creating a brand and market it through print and electronic
media;
creating decentralized system of information dissemination
throughout the country and abroad;
uploading destination websites carrying first-hand
information about the city and their significant destinations;
production and marketing of limited range of merchandise
items (postcards, posters, T-shirts, souvenirs, etc.) through
private sector;
providing for global booking & reservation centres at
international airports, major railway stations, commercial
centres, etc., and packaging tours and itinerary;
developing and enhancing the cultural capital experience
by promoting festivals, fairs, concerts, plays, guided
narratives, etc.;
promoting local arts, crafts, cuisine, culture and way of
living;
identifying, organising and marketing the local skills;
training for effective guided tours in historic places; and
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setting up interpretation centres and interactive information
kiosks for visitors.
d. Participation
Active participation of the immediate community goes a long
way in the success and sustenance of a project. Therefore
public consultation process should be undertaken and their
opinion must be sought and incorporated in the initial stages of
the projects. Open discussions must be encouraged between
the local population and the authorities for contributions at
certain important milestones in the project. Transparency of
decisions and accessibility of the executing agencies to the
locals would encourage participation.
10) Management of Historic Places
a. Management Framework
Historic places should be managed to sustain their significance.
A clear structure should be defined for those involved in
decision-making, execution, maintenance and any other work
involving the historic places. This will help in demarcation of
responsibility and increase efficiency. A management
framework must be put in place prior to start of site-work to
ensure continuity and accountability. The Conservation
Management Plan must be reviewed every five years in
consultation with conservation professionals, to incorporate any
new information or changes (following further research); the
responsibility for reviewing the plan must lie with the
management.
b. Risk Assessment and Disaster Management
Risk assessment must be carried out and a comprehensive risk-
preparedness plan made for each historic place. Since loss of
authentic fabric is irretrievable, early elimination of major risks
must be carried out by the preparation of a risk management
plan. The plan would include safeguards against both natural
(earthquake etc.) and manmade (fire etc.) disasters. It would
include measures to minimize damage in the event of disasters
and a scheme for emergency evacuation. Preventive
measures, such as prohibiting smoking and open fires, must be
taken, especially near significant areas of the historic places.
Appropriate advice must be sought regarding insurance cover.
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Professional advice must be sought on fire precautions for the
individual historic places. Specific measures such as the
following must be observed, without causing any detrimental
effect to the historic fabric:
ensuring all works of the project and future contracts comply
with fire safety norms;
establishment of a written fire safety policy;
appointment of a named person to be responsible for all fire
matters, and formation of a damage control team;
preparation of a fire safety manual;
installation of a fire detection and alarm system;
obtaining a fire safety certificate and complying with its
requirements;
provision and maintenance of appropriate first-aid and fire-
fighting equipment, and ensuring their access to all parts of
the historic place;
fire training for all staff;
keeping link with the local fire station;
copies of records stored off-site;
installation of lightning protection where necessary; and
regular inspection and maintenance of all heating systems,
electrical wiring and equipment.
The management must assign a team for the task of disaster
management to take charge in case of any calamity. Actions
to be taken in case of emergency must be determined
beforehand, and these instructions must be in the log book kept
in the historic place. Current information of key people,
including emergency numbers, must also be listed in the log
book.
11) Maintenance and Repair
a. Maintenance
Regular maintenance and early action can often prevent
decay and avert the need for major intervention and high
expenditure later. Any maintenance and repair measures for
the historic places must be sensitive to the significant features
and in accordance with best practices as outlined in this
guideline document. Good housekeeping protects a place
from avoidable damage or decay. Easy and safe access must
be ensured to all parts of the historic place for maintenance
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purposes. All building services must be regularly inspected for
timely identification of faults, for example, drainage gutters and
down-take pipes should be regularly checked for blockages
and cleared out. Regular inspections must be carried out by the
management to ensure effective maintenance.
All housekeeping staff in the historic places, including
landscape, should be adequately instructed regarding the
significant features of the place and the sensitivity required in
their upkeep. A brief description of the items of cleaning and
cleaning methods and materials should be kept in the
administration office dealing with housekeeping. This would
ensure continuity in case of changing staff.
b. Conservation Manual
A Conservation Manual should be prepared and made
available to all maintenance and management staff of the
historic places. The purpose of the manual is to inform the
owners and managers of historic places about the importance
of the place as well as describe a housekeeping and
management regime.
The manual should contain essential information about the
historic place, including its history, significance, architecture,
materials, construction and services. It should be accompanied
by architectural description and drawings along with service
installation diagrams. Routine housekeeping, management and
maintenance procedures should be mentioned and regularly
updated in the manual in accordance with the research
undertaken on causes of decay in the materials of the historic
place. It should also contain guidance on constraints to be
applied to any repair or alteration work. Guidelines must also be
prepared for maintenance and cleaning of decorative features
and embellishments, and these must be followed by all those
involved in such activities.
c. Repair
A conservative approach to repair is fundamental to good
conservation. In the historic places, all repair work undertaken in
the current projects as well as future repairs must be in
accordance with the Conservation Management Plan. A
systematic record of maintenance and repair activities must be
kept in a log book for understanding of the pattern of building
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defects in future. This practice will help plan a long-term
approach to repairs as well as aid in future research.
Previous repair works that are intrusive to the historic fabric or
are now showing signs of decay must be replaced with repairs
techniques that are in harmony with the historic fabric. The
technical ‗expert committee‘ must monitor the materials,
techniques and suitability of repair works. New repairs should
follow traditional methods and materials.
d. Log Book
A log book should be maintained in which a record of events,
procedures carried out and work undertaken should be entered
routinely. Current information of key people, including
emergency numbers, must be listed in the log book. It should
contain concise instructions on maintenance and inspection
routines and on actions to take in an emergency. Regular
inspections and their outcome, along with notes of any work
carried out in the historic place, should be recorded in the log
book. Completed log books should not be destroyed, and
should be kept as part of the permanent record of the historic
place. Digital copies of log books should be kept if possible.
All building services must be regularly inspected and their
records kept, with a section on urgent and desirable
recommendations. These must be documented
photographically. A systematic record of maintenance and
repair activities must be kept for understanding of the pattern of
building defects in future. The log book should include
procedures such as:
checking, testing and servicing of building services
installation;
regular checking and cleaning of roofs, gutters, drains,
rainwater disposal systems;
inspecting all spaces of the historic place, especially less
frequented areas like storage areas; and
checking and cleaning windows and other natural
ventilation systems.
e. Periodic Inspections
The condition of a historic place must be assessed every five
years. Accordingly, the content of the conservation manual
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must be reviewed every five years. The assessor must be
familiarized with the historic place and the contents of its
conservation management plan, conservation manual, log
book and previous inspection reports. It is preferable for the
assessor to have some continuing responsibility for the care and
conservation of the historic place.
The inspection must include general condition of all visible parts
of the place and recommendations for repairs and other works,
in order of priority (immediate, urgent, necessary and desirable).
The progress of repairs carried out since the previous inspection
must be recorded. The inspections must be carried out in a fairly
consistent sequence. A large or complex historic place can be
divided into wings or sections. Generally the exterior of the
building should be inspected first, and from top to bottom,
starting from the same point on the floor plan at each level and
working clockwise from room to room and within each space.
Condition and defects must be recorded concisely and with
photographs.
5.13.3 On-site issues
a. Site
It is not just the main building on the site that is important from a
heritage point of view. Other elements of the site, such as
landscaping, fences and gates, lamp standards, paving, garden
furniture and outbuildings, may all make their own contributions to
the heritage significance of the place, and should be considered in
evaluation prior to carrying out any work. Where there is the
likelihood of disturbing archaeological relics, such as the foundations
of an earlier building, be careful with the use of heavy equipment. If
it is proposed to excavate, and relics over 50 years old are involved,
approval needed from the Archaeological Survey of India or any
other authority, as applicable, to proceed. New underground
services may have to be re-located to avoid ground which contains
significant archaeological material.
b. Structure
Stabilize, consolidate or repair surviving structural members and
systems. Supplement or replace only unsound material. Avoid repairs
which are stronger than the existing fabric and may lead to
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differential stress cracking. Avoid disturbing existing footings with new
excavations that could weaken the structure.
c. Masonry
Clean masonry surfaces only in order to remove harmful substances
and to reveal deterioration. Use a gentle method, such as low
pressure water spray and soft natural bristle brushes. Don‘t use too
much water - it can cause efflorescence and hasten deterioration of
the stone. Don‘t use acid - particularly on marble or limestone. If
stains are difficult to remove, you should consult specialist cleaning
companies with conservation/restoration work experience.
d. Metal
Form or recast and replace only the missing or unsound elements.
Maintain protective coatings on ferrous metals. Do not alter the
colour, texture, tone or patina of the metal by inappropriate
cleaning. All metal cleaners are abrasive to some degree. Remove
the cause of corrosion. If not, use the mildest cleaning agent, then a
reversible sealant. Conserve foundry nameplates or stencilled
trademarks. Cast iron replacement is available. Aluminium casting is
acceptable but should be of the right profile.
e. Roofing
Corrugated Roofing
Corrugated iron is a traditional material and therefore one should
not refrain from using it where it‘s appropriate. Use sheets of the
same length as the roof under repairing, rather than the current
practice of using full length sheets. Traditional springhead nails
should be used for fixings.
Slate
It is important to know why a slate roof is failing before taking
action. Is the slate itself failing, or is the problem due to the failure
of the fixing nails or the timber structure? If it's the latter, the slate
can be lifted off and replaced when the framework has been
repaired. If the slate itself is failing, part or all of it will need to be
replaced. If there is a need to replace only some of the roofing
material, use the best slate on the most visible profile of the
building. Ensure slates are the correct size (usually 610 mm x 305
mm, 508 mm x 254 mm and 406 mm x 203 mm) and from the
same place of origin.
Tiles
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Use Terracotta Marseilles to replace the original profile. Cement
tiles are not appropriate for heritage buildings.
Timber Shingles
Split shingles were traditionally used in early buildings and are still
available. And it is authentic to use them, but they do not have a
long life. It is worth considering that a later material, such as
corrugated iron, may have been associated with the building for
a much longer period and may be more important in heritage
terms. Corrugated iron also has the advantage of being
structural, lightweight and cheaper.
Sawn shingles and Red Cedar shingles are only appropriate
where there is clear evidence that they were previously used,
such as in vertical facade detailing on Federation interwar
buildings.
Roof Plumbing
Use the correct guttering and downpipes. Downpipes on older
buildings are usually round. Gutter profiles come in half round,
ogee and quad forms. Check old photographs or profiles in
paintwork to find out which is the correct shape for the building.
Cast iron plumbing can be purchased or specially cast to order. If
downpipes were recessed in the original building, maintain them,
but ensure they are watertight.
Skylights
Take great care with the location of skylights. P.V.C. skylights are
generally inappropriate, as they introduce unsympathetic
modern shapes and materials into the roof line. Flat wired glass
skylights are preferable.
f. Timber and Joinery
Repair, rather than replace, unsound timber. An example of this
approach is splicing new timber into a verandah post. It is usually
more cost effective to do repair work rather than complete
dismantling and rebuilding. When timber is structurally weakened, by
termite damage for example, consider using epoxy resin for repairs.
Although it is expensive, it avoids the problems encountered with the
removal and replacement of timber. Retain all hardware, replacing
only deteriorated or missing elements with matching elements. The
selection of the timber species is not critical in heritage terms where
timber is to be painted or stained.
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g. Paints and other finishes
Carefully evaluate whether existing early paint finishes are significant
and should be retained before they are painted. Where there has
been overpainting, and it is practical for to do so, take paint scrapes
to find out the original colours and also any decoration used, such as
stencilling. Stencilling is easy to learn.
If there is insufficient evidence of the original paint scheme, it is
better to adopt a simple sympathetic colour scheme rather than
attempt to reproduce the original. Generally, modern high gloss or
satin paint finishes are inappropriate. Use an appropriate paint for
the job. It is better to use water based paint on masonry buildings
because it breathes more than oil paint.
Carpet and linoleum may also be significant and should be
conserved where this is practical. Traditional oil, wax, varnish and
shellac finishes are generally more appropriate for timber than
polyurethane, which is an impervious inflexible finish. Where
polyurethane is necessary, use a satin finish in a 1:1 mix with thinner.
Avoid damaging original finishes, such as wallpapers, decorative
plasterwork, etc. Expert cleaning may be appropriate if they are
significant and relatively intact. Carefully clean wallpaper using the
gentlest method. Consider reproducing early wallpaper to complete
an overall pattern. Protect vulnerable surfaces.
h. Damp, Drainage and Ventilation
Keeping a building dry is extremely important. It reduces the need for
costly maintenance and is also an insurance against the
development of serious structural problems. Ensure the building is
water and weather tight by using sound roofing, flashing and damp
proofing methods which also allow the building to ―breathe.‖ Damp
is a major cause of deterioration and should be remedied. Find the
cause of damp and to try to correct this first before engaging a
damp-proof repair firm to carry out work which may be unnecessary
and expensive. The problem may be caused by leaking roofs or
plumbing, or an incomplete damp-proof course in the walls.
Excessive watering in garden beds close to the building may be
another cause. In this case the simplest solution is to move the
garden beds. Storm water and surface water must be drained well
away from the building. Paving must fall away from the building.
Prevent rainwater falling from roofs on to hard paving and splashing
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against walls. If the damp-proof course is bridged by the raised
ground level, this ground should be lowered. Sometimes the render
on a building crosses the damp course. One solution is to cut a deep
groove through the render at the level of the damp course so that
the contact is broken. Sub-floor spaces should be well cross-
ventilated. You may need to install additional wall vents, or insert
them into internal sub-floor walls. It is also possible to vent into rooms
through floor grills.
i. Structural Movement
Cracking, deflection, bulging or failure of walls may require the
expert advice of a structural engineer experienced with
strengthening old buildings. Use tie rods, props and cables as
appropriate, but protect the building's surfaces from localised
stresses and puncturing.
j. Services and Safety Requirements
Install new services (ductwork, pipework, wiring conduits, air
conditioners and TV antennae, etc.) inconspicuously to cause least
damage to the fabric. Use sub-floor or roof spaces or bury them
underground. Pull cord switches are a viable alternative to chasing
electrical wiring. Floor mounted power points are an alternative to
damaging skirtings. It is preferable for fittings to be unobtrusive.
Rewire existing electrical services to minimise the risk of fire. Avoid
powerful heating and cooling systems, which may cause dryness
and cracking or internal condensation. Supplementary humidity
control may be appropriate. Standard solutions to the requirement
for new services and safety features can be detrimental to heritage
buildings.
k. Advertising Signs
Conserve existing signs if they are of heritage significance. Standard
modern signs of product suppliers may be obtrusive on historic
commercial buildings. Traditional and appropriate locations for
signage include:
parapet panels above and below the cornice;
front and side fascia of the verandah, or hanging below;
string course bands and on other small individual elements;
spandrel panels below windows and on ground floor;
piers (including plaques beside entries);
ground and first floor windows, or glass; and
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side walls, upper storey, and panels on fences.
There are no standard sizes. Use appropriate colours and lettering
styles. Skysigns or signs projecting over parapets or roof lines should
not be used. For site signs, monument sign type signage at ground
level integrated with landscaping and located at the entrance of
premises can also be used.
l. Landscape, Planting and Gardens
Approach the conservation and alteration of significant landscapes,
gardens and other planting in the same manner as for buildings -
research the documentary evidence first. Planting near to buildings
may cause damage. Structural and horticultural advice may be
needed. Creeper roots may be destructive in walls and should be
removed by severing. Creeper leaves may also damage walls by
keeping them damp. After removing vegetation, delay structural
works until the ground has stabilised. Surviving early garden elements
are rare and should be carefully conserved. These include garden
walls, paving, steps, furniture, edgings and garden structures.
m. Fences and Gates
Apply a similar approach to the repair of fences as for buildings.
Retain as much of the original fence material as possible and
replace only what is absolutely necessary. The precise replication of
historic detail is not generally appropriate.
For instance, timber fences usually deteriorate near the ground. This
can be fixed by splicing in new timber or strengthening the posts with
metal braces.
Timber picket fences may be readily repaired or unsound elements
replaced. It is possible to obtain pickets cut to any pattern.
If privacy or sound isolation is required, a hedge may be grown
behind the fence. This is generally preferable to a solid masonry
fence.
Cast iron palisade fences on masonry plinths are expensive and
difficult to replicate accurately. Aluminium or steel metal hollow
section fencing is generally an inappropriate substitute for wrought
and -iron fencing.
Early rural timber fences, post and rail fences, dry stone walls, and
other patent metal fences are rare and should be carefully
conserved.
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n. Land Subdivision
Outbuildings, gardens, fences and surrounding gardens or farmland
are often intrinsic elements of the heritage significance of a place. It
is therefore preferable for a complex of heritage buildings and its
setting not to be sub-divided.
o. Maintenance
Any building is an asset and should be looked after accordingly,
whether it is old or new. It is essential that regular inspections by a
conservation architect or experienced builder and a cyclical
maintenance program be carried out for every building. Generally,
5-yearly defect inspections are adequate, but some structural
elements, such as roof gutters and downpipes, need more frequent
inspection. Fire, security and electrical systems should be inspected
by experts during the 5-yearly inspection. Significant interiors and
contents should be inspected annually by a conservator.
p. Ruins
Ruins are important as relics of earlier structures on the site. They have
an important role as evidence of the past, even though they may no
longer have a functional use. After ensuring structural stability and
site drainage, stabilise ruins by protecting exposed horizontal surfaces
from water penetration. This is often achieved by capping masonry
structures with lead or other material.
5.13.4 Minor Additions
Additions should retain the building's cultural significance and be
sympathetic to its character. The addition should generally be simpler
and more contemporary in design so that the existing building
predominates. The traditional construction system used on the original
building should be continued in any additions. In particular, new roof
material should match the existing material, or be a historically
appropriate substitute. Distinguish old from new work by: setting back
the new wall line a minimum of 100 mm from the existing wall; or
creating a clear visual break (e.g. an expansion joint, recess, or a full
height opening). Avoid flat roofs.
5.13.5 Major Additions
These are additions which are of a bulk comparable to or greater than
that of the existing building. Generally, treat a major addition as a visual
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entity by separating it from the existing building, joining the two with an
unobtrusive link. This emphasises their discrete character.
a. Siting
As a general rule, attach the addition to the less significant
elevations of the existing building. This maintains its visual dominance.
Preserve existing views of the building and its setting. In a confined
space such as a continuous streetscape, rear additions should not
be visible from across the street. Where existing buildings are
detached or isolated, rear additions should preferably be contained
within a wedge-shaped envelope. Additions should not overhang
the existing building.
b. Visual Distinction from Existing Building
Set the addition back, or form a break or rebate between the two, in
order to provide a strong shadow-line between them, relative to their
scale. This visual break should generally emphasise the separateness
of the existing building from the addition. This may be achieved by
compatible contemporary design.
c. Scale and Dimensions
The addition should be sympathetic in scale and bulk to the existing
building. The scale of the addition should not dominate the heritage
item. The eave height, roof height, overall width and bay dimension
should relate to those of the existing building.
d. Plan and Form
Plan form, roof massing and pitch should relate to the existing
building. Continue existing bay grids and axes. Where additions are
considerably larger than the existing building, their bulk should be
broken up to reduce the scale.
5.13.5.1 Style
Whilst it may reflect the main stylistic characteristics of the existing
building, additions should not attempt to replicate decorative detail
of heritage buildings. Good contemporary design should be capable
of satisfying all of the requirements for major additions without copying
the original building design.
5.13.5.2 Materials and Colours
No attempts should be made to replicate existing materials. It is
preferable to use different but compatible materials. For example, an
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addition to a sandstone building could be carried out in rendered
brickwork. Use paler paint colours on additions than those on the
heritage building. This will reinforce its visual dominance.
5.13.5.3 Construction System, Cladding and Window Pattern
The construction system should appear to be similar to the existing
building. Generally, frame construction or curtain walls should not be
added to load bearing construction with small openings. The window
pattern should relate to the heritage building in size, proportion,
rhythm and opening pattern. Mirror glass is inappropriate.
5.14 Museum Management and Special Experiences
Based on an unpublished document prepared by ADB TA as Consultant to
an earlier project viz. ―Implementation Guidelines‖ as Part of DPR for
Conservation and Revitalization of Rambagh Garden (2007-08), Amritsar,
Punjab, which integrates the aspects of museum management and
special experiences, certain design guidelines related
recommendations/suggestions are given below:
5.14.1 Objectives of Museum Management and Special Experiences
To retain the vision of the institution based on special significance,
theme or narration.
To develop, encourage and harness the relationship of objects of
interpretation to the audience.
For mitigating, limiting or prohibiting physical damages to the valuable
collections.
For disseminating the authenticity and significance to the audience in
an ordered manner.
To establish the best viewing experiences for the audience.
To maintain the physiological character and context of the objects in
display.
To establish operational standards those have minimum impact on the
optimal requirements for both the object and the audience.
To propagate accurate and comprehensive information for the site or
objects of significance.
5.14.2 Guidelines and Directives for Design of Museum and Special Experiences
5.14.2.1 Exhibition Content
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(a) Exhibitions must make exhibit content accessible at multiple
intellectual levels and present it through more than one sensory
channel.
o Offer a programmatic path for traveling through the exhibition.
o Present information to all the senses.
(b) Exhibitions must include the experiences of people with disabilities
within their content and presentation.
o Include people with disabilities in exhibition topics,
photographs, and presentations of perspective.
o Use the voice of people with disabilities.
o Include people with disabilities appropriately.
o Exhibition labels must use appropriate language
when discussing issues related to people with disabilities.
5.14.2.2 Exhibition Items
(a) Items in exhibitions (e.g. artifacts, graphics, props) must be visually
accessible to people.
o Mount small items (to center line) at no higher than 1015 mm
(40 in.) above the floor.
A male adult who uses a wheelchair has an average eye level
of between 1090 mm (43 in.) and 1295 mm (51 in.) above the
finished floor see. Objects placed above 1015 mm (40 in.) will
be seen only from below by most seated and short viewers.
o Design simple backdrops for items.
Objects mounted against complex backgrounds (e.g. a vessel
mounted against an enlarged photograph of an
archaeological dig) are difficult to see for people with low
vision and for those with figure-ground perceptual problems.
(Figure-ground problems cause difficulty in sorting foreground
from background. People with this disability, then, have
difficulty finding, for example, their keys atop a desk covered
with a variety of office objects.) Multiple objects staggered
from the front to the back of a case may also cause visual
clutter and foreground- background discrimination problems
for some people.
o Construct the top of a case at a maximum of 915 mm (36 in.)
above the finished floor for items that are mounted flat on a
pedestal or deck. For larger items, maintain the minimum case
height possible.
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If the case floor is low but the glass is high, viewing the interior
of a bowl or the overall design of a textile is blocked for both
visitors with visual and mobility impairments. The standing visitor
with low vision cannot get close enough to the object to see
the details; the seated visitor cannot see the object's top or
interior at all. Shallow cases better serve both types of visitors.
o Construct exhibition barriers (e.g. railings) at a maximum height
of 915 mm (36 in.).
Items placed below an average-height exhibit barrier (1065
mm; 42 in.) cannot be seen by people who are short or seated.
However, caution must be used when placing objects inside
spaces protected by barriers. Items mounted immediately
inside the barriers, if the barriers are label rails, cannot be seen
over the tops of the angled labels.
o Create color contrast between the items and the background,
particularly when the items are displayed in lower light levels.
Objects mounted in front of a solid, contrasting (colour)
background are most easily perceived. A 70% contrast
between foreground and background is recommended. The
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Standards for Accessible
Design offers the following formula for determining contrast
percentage:
Contrast = [(B1-B2)/B1] x 100
where B1 = light reflectance value (LRV) of the lighter area
where B2 = light reflectance value (LRV) of the darker area
Note that in any application both white and black are never
absolute; thus B1 never equals 100 and B2 is always greater
than 0.
o Place small items in the front portion of a case, with larger
items behind.
People who have low vision often will be able to see small
items that are closer.
o Avoid shadows falling directly on items. Items placed in
shadows will be lost for people with low vision.
o When not prohibited from doing so by conservation
requirements, provide at least 100 lux (10 foot-candles) of light
on an object.
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This is the minimum light level at which someone with low vision
can see an object.
o If displaying sensitive materials that require a maximum of 50
lux (5 foot-candles), then:
1) position the items to allow the visitor to approach them as
closely as possible.
2) light the environment with even light (i.e. do not spotlight
the object and provide low-level ambient light in the
gallery).
3) provide the highest contrasting background to make
objects stand out.
4) present the objects in an alternate format, such as a
reproduction or a brochure, that can be viewed in a
brighter location.
o Provide photographs within an exhibition space to give
accessibility to objects that require a high-mounting position
and/or low-lighting. Laminated, high-contrast photographs,
located near the individual exhibits or centrally set within the
exhibition, are effective in serving those with low-vision as well
as those who use wheelchairs. People can hold the
photographs as close as needed, at whatever angle limits
glare, and in the best quality light offered within the space.
(b) Items essential to the exhibition's main theme must be accessible
to people by tactile examination (e.g. touching artifacts,
reproduction, models) and/or comprehensive audio description.
o When objects are being selected for inclusion in an exhibition,
consider those that may be touched or reproduced for tactile
examination.
Tactile experiences are essential to people with visual
impairments and greatly assist many people with cognitive
disabilities. Tactile experiences should be included in every
exhibition.
o Select tactile objects so that they provide a coherent
explanation of the exhibition topic.
Touchable objects must be related to each other--by context
and in space--in order to provide true access to exhibition
content for people who have visual impairments.
o Whenever possible allow objects to be touched by all visitors,
not just those who have low vision or are blind.
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Tactile access to all visitors may not always be possible (e.g. if
actual works of art are used, and only limited touching by
those to whom it is essential can be allowed). However,
isolating individuals may embarrass those who first must identify
themselves and then must handle objects in front of others. The
restriction also puts an unfair burden on the guards and
docents who must identify "legitimate" users. It also deprives
many who could benefit by the accommodation.
o Include touchable objects, such as models and reproductions,
within the actual exhibition space.
This allows people with visual impairments equal access to the
objects without having to separate from their friends or family
who are not blind or have low-vision.
o Provide audio description for those objects that cannot be
touched or that offer little information through touch (e.g.
watercolors).
Audio description fills in what persons with low vision may not
be able to see completely; it provides details and compares
new objects to familiar ones for people who are blind. When
tactile examination is possible, audio description can serve as
a valuable complement.
(c) Items must not be placed in locations such that they create a
hazard to visitors.
o Mount objects so they do not protrude more than 100 mm (4
in.) from a surface and do not present head-clearance
problems.
Objects that are wall mounted must protrude no more than
100 mm (4 in.) from the wall unless their bottom edges are
cane detectable (less than 685 mm [27 in.] above the floor) or
more than 2030 mm (80 in.) above the floor.
Objects hanging from above must have lower edges between
685 mm (27 in.) or above 2030 mm (80 in.). This is a critical
factor when the object or work of art has features that make it
dangerous.
o Mount objects so that they are not tripping hazards.
Low-height (less than 305 mm (12 in.) above the floor) objects
mounted on floors can be missed by people with limited fields
of vision. If these objects must be floor mounted, they must be
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placed out of the path of circulation, be well lighted, and
have a surface color of high contrast to the floor.
o Ensure that platforms for objects are not tripping hazards.
Platforms should have colors that are of high contrast to the
floors and walls, should not have sharp corners, and should not
project unpredictably into the path of travel.
5.14.2.3 Label Design and Text
(a) Essential information in exhibition label text must be accessible to
people who have difficulty reading English.
o Avoid the use of colloquial and complex dialect, jargon, and
technical language in text panels unless such language is
explained within the text or in supplementary handouts.
o Use the active voice in text panels; limit sentence label length.
o Use a line length for text that facilitates reading.
Text containing too many characters on a line is difficult to
read. Exhibit text should have a maximum of 55 characters
(average) per line. Narrower columns, with 45-50 characters
per line, are preferable.
o Provide a short overview paragraph at the beginning of
introductory and thematic label panels.
People with reading difficulties as well as those with low vision
tire easily from the effort of seeing and reading a great number
of printed words. An overview sentence or two--set in clear,
large print--allows these visitors to gather key information
without having to read all of the text.
o Carefully link sentences and paragraphs.
Avoid pronouns that are more than a few words away from
their antecedents. Try to limit a sentence or paragraph to one
idea. Be sure that when making comparisons, the points of
comparison are obvious.
o Provide line drawings, silhouettes, and photographs that
complement label text to aid comprehension for those with
reading difficulties.
(b) Label design must present main exhibition copy legibly for all
visitors. Such exhibition label information must be available within
the galleries in alternative formats (e.g. Braille, audio) for people
who cannot read print.
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o Use typefaces that are readily legible.
The typefaces that are easiest for people who have low vision,
language problems, or cognitive disabilities are sans serif or
simple serif.
Accessible faces have the following characteristics:
1) proportions that contribute to legibility
2) a clear extension for lowercase b, d, g, h, j, k, l, p, q, t, and
y
3) easily legible numbers (e.g. distinguishable 5, 6, and 8).
The following characteristics of type make reading difficult for
this audience:
1) condensed, extended, or relatively light typefaces
2) a wide variation in stroke width
3) thin strokes that fade, break, or disappear
4) letter and numbers that closely resemble each other (e.g.
the shapes of "d" and "a" or "6" and "8").
o Do not set text in all caps.
Type set in all caps is more difficult to read and should be
limited to items such as titles and decorative heads.
o Avoid use of script and italic type for essential information.
These styles are inaccessible to people with low-vision. Oblique
type is, however, generally legible. Alternatives to italic type for
book citations, artwork titles, foreign words, and quotations
such as underlining, bold face, quotation marks, or another
colour should be used whenever possible. If an exhibition title is
presented in an ornate or decorative type (and, thus, serves
more as a graphic than as legible type), it should be repeated
in a clearer type at an accessible location near the exhibition
entrance.
o Provide alternative forms of labels (e.g. Braille, audio, large
print) within the exhibition space.
They should be located near a well-lighted seating area in an
easy-to-use format to facilitate use by visitors with visual
impairments.
o Select type size appropriate to the viewing distance.
People who have low vision will need larger type than other
visitors at every distance. When calculating distance, consider
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also the effects of crowds on actual viewing distance. Type on
signs mounted 2030 mm (80 in.) above the floor should have
upper case letters at least 75 mm (3 in.) high. Minimum type
size, at even the shortest distance, is an x-height of 4.5 mm
(3/16 in.)
o Provide sufficient leading.
Leading, the space between lines (measured from baseline to
baseline) should be at least 20 percent greater than the font
size used. Wide column widths and typefaces with a high x-
height usually require a higher ratio of type size to leading.
o Provide consistent letter spacing and word spacing.
Consistent spaces between letters and words facilitate reading
of text passages. If kerning between letters is adjusted do not
allow letters to touch each other.
o Justify the left margin and keep a ragged right margin.
Do not center more than three lines of label text. A predictable
beginning point, line after line, and evenly spaced words are
much easier to read for people with low-vision and for people
with cognitive disabilities. Justified text can work only if normal
word and letter spacing can be preserved.
o Provide high contrast between text and background.
Contrast is an essential element for people with low vision.
Research shows that dark on light works marginally better than
light on dark for headlines. Light on dark text is acceptable for
back-lit labels when light intensity is moderated. A 70% light
reflectance value contrast is most effective.
Lighter type weight and greater letter spacing is required when
type is reversed out of the background to ensure legibility.
For outdoor signage, light type reversed out of a dark field may
be desirable to offset glare.
o Print only on a solid background.
Overprinting (type on an imaged background) is unreadable
for people with low vision and perceptual difficulties. The most
minimal contrast--5% contrast to the background--overprinted
with the darkest type available, may present legible text.
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Print on a surface that is textured or that has differing colors
and tones (e.g. faux marble, wood grain) can result in the
same illegibility as overprinting.
o Diminish glare on all label surfaces.
Glare makes text unreadable for many people with low-vision.
Labels should be printed on eggshell, matte, or other non-glare
surfaces.
o Avoid distorting type.
Labels should be silk-screened on clear plexiglass with another
background color screened directly onto the back of the
plexiglass. Clear plexiglass labels mounted on a solid surface
have letter shadows that make them unreadable.
o Mount labels so that visitors can get very close to read them.
People with low vision often must be within 75 mm (3 in.) of a
label to read it. Label and location should be situated so that
the reader does not block his own light. Label location should
be out of the way of barriers, protruding objects, stairs, or the
swing of a door.
o Keep in mind the natural line of sight when mounting labels.
Labels mounted at 45 degree angles to the front of a case or
vitrine are more accessible to people who have low-vision
than those that are mounted flat on the floor of the case.
Labels should also be as close to the front of the case as
possible. Labels on the back wall of a case or behind a vitrine
are impossible for many people to read.
o Define labels with colour or a raised surface.
These elements serve as clues to finding the labels for people
with low vision. Type silk-screened on walls often goes
undiscovered and, thus, unread by people who have low
vision.
o Mount wall labels at a height that is comfortable for both those
seated and standing.
Wall labels mounted between 1220 mm (48 in.) and 1675 mm
(67 in.) are in a comfortable viewing location for both those
seated and standing. Wall labels mounted with a centerline at
1370 mm (54 in.) above the floor are at optimum height for
everyone.
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o Mount label rails so that the top of the label is at approximately
1015 mm (40 in.) above the floor.
At this height the labels are low enough for those seated but
not too low for people with low vision who are standing. Labels
mounted lower, particularly in label wells at 305 mm (12 in.) or
less above the floor, require that people who have low vision
kneel to be close enough to the type.
o Locate labels in consistent locations throughout an exhibition.
Labels that appear in a different location at each work of art
or within each case are difficult to find for people with low-
vision and people with cognitive disabilities.
o Provide sufficient light to read labels.
For text to be readable by people with low vision, lighting on
the label must be between 100 lux and 300 lux (10 foot-candles
to 30 foot-candles). Light must be at the same level as the light
in the area immediately surrounding the label and must be
uniform across the label and the rail.
o Avoid shadows on labels.
Shadows from nearby objects or from portions of the exhibit
case lower the contrast of type to background. The possibility
of shadows should be considered carefully so that text does
not become illegible for people with low vision.
Notes on 'Legibility' and 'Readability':
Legibility and readability are different concepts. "Legibility" refers
to how the design of letter forms that make up a particular font
influences word recognition. Legibility contributes to "readability,"
or the ease of reading, which is determined by the combined
impact of type size, kerning, line and word spacing, and line
length.
A particular font may evoke a certain mood or time period, but
may not be very legible if used for text. For instance, a designer
who wishes to display a letter in a script font to suggest it was
written with a quill pen should treat the letter as an illustration,
rather than as text. If the letter contains important information, a
transcription in a legible font should be provided.
5.14.2. Audio-Visuals and Interactives
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(a) All exhibition interactives, audio-only programs (e.g. music with
lyrics and texts of speeches), and audio-visuals with soundtracks
produced by a Renowned Museum Institution must be either open
or closed captioned.
If an audio presentation not produced by the Renowned Museum
Institution is shown in the exhibition for more than three months it
must be open or closed captioned. If an audio presentation not
produced by the Renowned Museum Institution is shown for fewer
than three months it may be accompanied by a verbatim script
mounted directly next to it. Soundtracks of ambient sounds must
be identified whether captioning or a script is used. Sounds may
also be identified in label text.
o Provide all audio narration in a print format.
For people who are deaf or hard of hearing to understand
presentations with a narrative soundtrack, they need a print
translation of the narration. This print can either be open or
closed captioning or a verbatim transcript. Audio-only
programs require a printed text; ambient soundtracks should
be described in a label.
Captioning is, by far, the most effective method of presenting
narration in print. It allows people to watch the images and the
text simultaneously. A script requires a back-and-forth effort
between the screen and the script. It also requires a minimum
of 16-point type, visual cuing to scenes and key points, and
sufficient lighting for reading. A script is a last-resort solution.
Open captioning translates the audio portion of a video or film
program into visible subtitles. Viewing does not require special
equipment; the captions are present on the screen at all times.
Closed captioning requires a decoding capability for display
on a standard television receiver and can be switched on and
off by the visitor on demand.
o For non-narrated audio programs, provide visitor-operated
volume controls. People who are hard of hearing can hear
music at above-average volume. Individual volume controls
on hand-held audio receivers provide access to music for this
audience.
(b) Interactives and audiovisuals that do not have soundtracks must
carry labels stating that fact to assure deaf and hard-of-hearing
people that they are not missing information.
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(c) Audio-visual programs and computer interactives that present
information with images and print must be audio described.
Audio description (audible description of visuals fit into pauses in
the soundtrack) presents information about the on-screen images
and action to people with visual impairments. Provide audio
description either on the general soundtrack or on a separate
track accessed at the interactive site.
(d) Instructions for proper use of interactives must be accessible to all
visitors.
Write instructions for interactives in a short-sentence, step-by-step
format. People who have difficulty reading can perform the
activities if they can get beyond the barrier of complex written
instructions.
Instructions are more effective for people with cognitive disabilities
if participant action is required after each direction rather than
after a string of directions. This step-action-step format assists
people who have short-term memory problems.
Add illustrations and demonstrations to support verbal instructions.
Any support to the reading process can contribute to the
interactive's overall effectiveness.
Present written instructions in:
o 70% contrast
o sans serif or simple serif type
o type that has a minimum 4.5 mm (3/16 in.) x-height
o lighting at a minimum of 100 lux (10 foot-candles)
o Present all instructions in both an audio and printed format.
People who are blind and those who cannot read need
instructions presented orally. Those who are deaf or hard of
hearing require the instructions in print.
(e) Controls for and operation of all interactives must be accessible
and usable by all visitors.
o Interactives must be within reach range of people who are
short or those who use wheelchairs as well as of those who are
standing.
Locate controls (e.g. levers, buttons, track balls) so that they
are within reach range of a wheelchair user and unobstructed
by shelves or furniture. If the controls are to be used from a
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forward approach in a wheelchair, they can be no higher than
1220 mm (48 in.) and no lower than 380 mm (15 in.) above the
floor. If the controls are to be used from a parallel approach,
they can be no higher than 1370 mm (54 in.) and no lower
than 230 mm (9 in.) above the floor.
Some people who use wheelchairs cannot extend their arms
to full length and cannot use interactives from a side
approach. Front-reach range height at a maximum of 1220
mm (48 in.) above the floor is preferred.
Some people who are of short stature may not be able to
reach controls above 915 mm (36 in.) above the floor.
o Lower the reach height for controls that must be located over
obstacles.
To accommodate forward reach over a table top of between
510 mm to 635 mm (20 in. to 25 in.), the maximum reach height
should be 1120 mm (44 in.) above the floor.
If a person using a wheelchair must make a side reach over an
obstacle (of a maximum 610 mm [24 in.] depth and 865 mm
[34 in.] height) to use a control, the controls can be no higher
than 1170 mm (46 in.) above the floor to be usable.
o Eliminate glare on the interactive's instructional surfaces.
Glare on surfaces such as a monitor screen or a plexiglass
protective panel obscures viewing of the audio-visual's images
and instructions for people with low vision.
o Eliminate reflection and glare for those who are seated or short
as well as for those who are standing.
When working to redirect the negative effects of lights, it is
important to consider such effects from the perspective of
people who are short or seated.
o Provide tactile characters and Braille on or directly below the
controls to indicate the function of the controls unless they
form a standard computer keyboard (i.e. in QWERTY format).
Blind people and some people with low vision need tactile
characters (at a 70% colour contrast against their background)
or Braille to identify the location and function of various
controls. People with some residual vision need the markings to
be in colors contrasting to the controls. A QWERTY format
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keyboard (where the first keys of the top line of letters are Q-W-
E-R-T-Y) is universally understood and may not need additional
markings.
o Provide touch-sensitive areas in predictable locations (e.g. on
all of the four corners of the screen).
o People with visual impairments or cognitive disabilities need
touch screen programs that have touch areas where they can
find them. This eliminates the need to run one's hand across the
screen to locate the touch area, or to have to reorient oneself
repeatedly to touch areas on each new screen.
Provide touch-sensitive areas that are at least 75 mm (3 in.) in
diameter.
Small touch areas require fine muscle control. If areas are too
small, people with cerebral palsy or other mobility impairments
often activate unwanted areas instead of or in addition to
those selected.
o For activities that require speaking into a specific area, provide
equipment that is adjustable for height.
In order for a wheelchair user or someone who is short to use
them, manipulative requiring a person to speak directly into
them can be no higher than 1015 mm (40 in.) above the floor.
If the devices are adjustable in height, people in wheelchairs
who sit at different heights and people who are tall and
cannot bend can use them equally well.
o For activities that require listening at a specific area, provide
equipment that is adjustable for height.
In order for a wheelchair user or someone who is short to use
them, manipulative requiring a person to place his ear next to
the object to listen can be no higher than 1017 mm (40 in.)
above the floor. If the devices are adjustable in height, people
in wheelchairs who sit at different heights and people who are
tall and cannot bend can use them equally well.
o For activities that require viewing in a specific area, provide
equipment that is adjustable for height.
In order for a wheelchair user or someone who is short to use
them, manipulatives requiring a person to look into a specified
area (e.g. a microscope) can be no higher than 915 mm (36
in.) above the floor. If the devices are adjustable in height and
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angle, people in wheelchairs who sit at different heights and
people who are tall and cannot bend can use them equally
well.
o Prevent sound from overlapping between interactive areas.
Some people who are hard of hearing or have difficulty
filtering a lot of stimuli cannot separate foreground from
background noise. For that reason, it is important that there is
little overlap of sound from different sources at any one point in
an exhibition. Good acoustical environments are essential.
o Interactive elements must be operable by people who have
limited muscle and hand control and by those who have only
one hand. For controls and operating mechanisms to be
accessible, these devices must:
1) be fully operable with only one hand
2) require no tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist
(e.g. lever handles)
3) require no more than 5 lbs. of force to operate
4) be at least 75 mm (3 in.) in their smallest dimension
5) be covered with non-slip surfaces (e.g. rubber or ridges on
a trackball).
o Provide a place to rest one's hand while using the controls.
Some people may need additional support for hands or arms
(e.g. table extension or wrist rests) in order to use controls
effectively.
(f) Use of interactives must be from a location accessible to people
using wheelchairs or other assistive devices (e.g. canes, crutches);
interactives must not be blocked by furniture or other obstacles.
o Locate the interactive so that everyone can get to it.
For the interactive to be accessible, it must be on an
accessible route that meets all of the requirements of the
Renowned Museum Institution for Accessible Design for
Facilities and Sites.
o Provide sufficient space at and around the interactive so that
everyone can use it.
The minimum clear floor space required by a wheelchair is 760
mm (30 in.) wide by 1220 mm (48 in.) long. Therefore, a space
at least that size that overlaps the accessible route is necessary
in order for a wheelchair user to work at an interactive.
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Unless the activity requires only minimal interaction by the
participant, that floor space must adjoin the interactive in a
way that allows forward (not side) access to the activity.
In order for the space to be usable, no more than 485 mm (19
in.) of the clear space (760 mm [30 in.] by 1220 mm [48 in.]) is
under the table.
To work at a station, a wheelchair user must have knee space
at the interactive of at least 685 (27 in.) high by 760 mm (30 in.)
wide by 485 mm (19 in.) deep.
To work at a station, a wheelchair user must have the top of
the work surface at between 710 mm (28 in.) and 865 mm (34
in.) above the floor.
To make a 180 degree turn out of a station area, a wheelchair
user must have either a minimum 1525 mm (60 in.) turning
diameter or a 915 mm (36 in.) T-shaped area.
5.14.2.5 Circulation Route
(a) The circulation route within the exhibition must be accessible
according to the requirements of the guidelines for Accessible
Design for Facilities and Sites.
Create an accessible route with the following characteristics:
To be accessible to people using wheelchairs and other mobility-
oriented assistive devices, the circulation route must be at least
915 mm (36 in.) wide for one-way traffic. For two-way routes, the
minimum width is 1525 mm (60 in.). It is recommended that even
one-way traffic routes be a minimum of 1525 mm (60 in.) to allow
wheelchair users to stop to look at cases without blocking the
route.
All entrances, gates, and doors must meet accessibility
requirements (e.g. width, hardware, opening force, thresholds).
A wheelchair user's clear floor space is approximately 760 mm (30
in.) by 1220 mm (48 in.). At least this amount of floor space is
necessary on all viewing sides of exhibit cases and vitrines.
People need to be able to get to the viewing space from the
circulation route. Therefore, this clear floor space must overlap the
accessible circulation route through the exhibition space.
If a person in a wheelchair must make a turn around an
obstruction, the minimum clear width of the accessible route shall
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be as appropriate. Where the circulation route makes a U-turn
around an object that is less than 1220 mm (48 in.) wide, the
pathway width increases to at least 1065 mm (42 in.) on the
approach and 1220 mm (48 in.) in the turn.
Where the circulation route branches off to allow viewing of cases
or objects, the end of the branch provides either a minimum 1525
mm (60 in.) diameter circle or a 915 mm (36 in.) T-shaped turning
space.
People in wheelchairs should not have to back-up out of spaces
more than 915 mm (36 in.) deep, particularly crowded ones. The
circle or T-shape allows someone using a wheelchair the necessary
turning space to return easily to the circulation route.
If the circulation route is less than 1525 mm (60 in.) wide, there
should be passing spaces at least 1525 mm (60 in.) wide and 1525
mm (60 in.) long at reasonable intervals not exceeding 61 m (200
ft.).
OR
If the circulation route is less than 1525 mm (60 in.) wide, there are
T-shaped intersections of two pathways--each a minimum of 915
mm (36 in.) wide--within reasonable intervals not exceeding 61 m
(200 ft.).
Clear floor spaces (approximately 760 mm [30 in.] by 1220 mm [48
in.]) should be planned to allow a person using a wheelchair to
either move parallel to the case and then proceed in a forward
motion or to move perpendicular to a case and then back away
easily. Cases and vitrines should be positioned to avoid dead ends
at walls. When this is impossible, a minimum 1525 mm (60 in.)
diameter turnaround space must be allowed at the end.
There must be at least 2030 mm (80 in.) of clear head room along
the circulation route. Obstacles to be avoided include
overhanging works of art, exhibit props, ceiling-mounted signs,
plants, and low space under escalators.
If the head room is less than 2030 mm (80 in.) in a space next to
the circulation route, there is a cane-detectable barrier within 685
mm (27 in.) of the ground. This maximum height for the barrier
gives someone who has low-vision and using a cane the time to
stop before his body hits that overhead object.
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A cane-detectable barrier can be double guardrails, large potted
plants, or other solid surfaces. Stanchions with a single woven strip
or a velvet rope between vertical posts are not acceptable
because the horizontal barrier is above 685 mm (27 in.) and the
vertical posts are too far apart to be detected in a cane sweep.
Changes in surface texture (i.e. detectable warnings) are useful for
alerting people to upcoming barriers when used in the context of
an established, consistent warning system. However, they do not
give sufficient warning for barriers overhead. A person using a
cane will detect the change and slow his forward movement to
determine the message it gives. If the cane detects nothing on the
ground, the person will proceed and still hit his head on the object
above. Also, dog guides do not interpret texture changes. They will
proceed forward, and their masters will bump into the objects
above.
If objects mounted on the wall parallel to the pathway have
bottom edges between 685 mm (27 in.) and 2030 mm (80 in.) from
the floor, they must project less than 100 mm (4 in.) into the
pathway. Wall-mounted objects with bottom edges below 685
mm (27 in.) may project any amount so long as they do not
reduce the required minimum clear width of the circulation route
(915 mm [36 in.]). This includes wall-mounted cases, wall-mounted
signage that is installed perpendicular to the wall, video monitors,
and other equipment that is cantilevered from the wall.
Objects on the floor that rise less than 305 mm (12 in.), are tripping
hazards. The problem worsens if the object's color does not
contrast with the floor or if the lighting is poor.
The circulation route surface must be stable, firm, and slip-resistant.
The slope of the circulation route must be no more than 5%. If the
slope exceeds 5%, then it becomes a ramp and must meet
requirements for a ramp. (See ramps in the guidelines for
Accessible Design for Facilities and Sites.) Any cross slope (a slope
that is perpendicular to the path of travel) of the circulation route
must be no more than 2%.
When circulation route levels change, the vertical difference must
be less than 6.5 mm (1/4 in.). When there is a change in level of
between 6.5 mm (1/4 in.) and 13 mm (1/2 in.), the edge must be
beveled with a slope of 1:2. Any change greater than 13 mm (1/2
in.) must be ramped.
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The circulation route must be free of steps and stairs or include
ramps or elevators adjacent to those steps and stairs. Ramps and
elevators must meet the guidelines for Accessible Design for
Facilities and Sites accessibility requirements.
If carpet or carpet tile is used on the floor, it must be securely
attached.
Carpet must have a level, low pile and a firm pad or no pad at all
underneath it (maximum pile thickness is 13 mm [1/2 in.]).
Artificial carpet surfaces and some natural surfaces (e.g.
"Astroturf," exterior rubber mats used to clean shoes and cocoa
mat) are extremely difficult for wheelchair users. Such surfaces
cause the wheelchair wheels to pull to one side or to sink into the
surface.
(b) The circulation route must be clearly defined, well lighted, and
easy to follow.
o Provide sufficient lighting on circulation routes.
A minimum of 50 to 100 lux (5 to 10 foot-candles) of quality light
on the circulation route is necessary for people with visual and
perceptual difficulties to negotiate the path.
o Provide nonverbal way finding assistance along the circulation
route.
Colour coding, changes in surface texture, symbols or other
nonverbal techniques assist people with cognitive disabilities in
finding their way through complex environments. Colour
contrast (of 70%) between carpet path and edge is also an
effective way to define paths for people with low vision or
cognitive disabilities.
o Visually define the walls, floors, and pedestals.
Some people with low vision have difficulty with depth
perception. Colour contrast (70%) and directed lighting can
differentiate horizontal from vertical surfaces on paths.
o Design areas so that floor surfaces at and around accessible
seating areas are level, stable, firm, and slip-resistant.
o Provide an accessible floor plan to aid visitors in wayfinding.
A floor plan that meets requirements for accessible printed
and raised-line materials can assist people with visual
impairments and cognitive disabilities to plan travel through
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complex exhibitions. These should be available at entries to
exhibitions, information desks, and/or other central locations.
o Provide more than one exit from an exhibition.
Mid-point exits from exhibitions (particularly large exhibitions)
assist those who become tired, confused, or overwhelmed
when in an exhibition.
5.14.2.6 Furniture
(a) All cases must provide viewing access to people who are short or
seated as well as to those who are standing.
o Design cases and pedestals so they display objects within
viewing distance of people who are short, seated, or standing.
o Design cases and vitrines so they are as shallow as possible,
allowing all visitors to see objects up close and from above.
(b) Cases and vitrines must not present a safety hazard to any visitor.
o Design wall-mounted cases so that their lower edges are at or
below 685 mm (27 in.) above the floor.
This height allows a cane-detectable barrier for people with
visual impairments. If the lower edge is maintained at 685 mm
(27 in.), it also provides knee clearance for a wheelchair user
who wants to move close to a case. Depending on the size of
the case, a cane-detectable platform that matches the
footprint of the case may work if placed on the floor directly
below. This will, however, eliminate knee clearance for
wheelchair users.
o Long, horizontal cases that have legs only at the four corners
(more than 305 mm [12 in.] apart) should be designed so they
have a cane-detectable barrier at no higher than 685 mm (27
in.) above the floor.
A cane user will detect objects within a sweep that extends
approximately 150 mm (6 in.) to either side of his shoulders.
Therefore, cases that are, for example, 1830 mm (72 in.) long
with a lower edge higher than 685 mm (27 in.) could easily be
hit at midsection by a person's body. Horizontal supports may
provide a cane-detectable barrier.
o Maintain a predictable border on both sides of circulation
routes.
Cases that jut unpredictably into routes--especially if the cases
are not well lighted and have little colour contrast to the floor
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and walls--are very dangerous to people with low vision. This
problem is heightened if the cases have sharp angles, corners,
or edges.
o Design cases so they are distinguishable from wall openings.
Floor-to-ceiling wall cases, with glass fronts of 1830 mm (72 in.)
or more in height, can be mistaken for wall openings by
people with low vision. Good case lighting, clearly defined
case edges, and floors of a different material and colour than
the floor outside the case limit this problem.
o Design vitrines and plexiglass barriers so they are easily
detectable.
Plexiglass and glass case tops or half-plexiglass walls in front of
objects can go undetected by people with low vision. Edges
and corners must be rounded. An edging of another material
or even a tint at the seams and edges aids detection.
(c) Seating must be provided in each exhibition. 50% of the seats must
be accessible. Single-gallery exhibitions must have seating
nearby, in a corridor or in an adjacent gallery space.
o Provide accessible seating in gallery spaces.
For seating to be accessible, seats should be firm and between
430 mm (17 in.) and 510 mm (19 in.) above the floor. Chairs or
benches should have both arm and back support. This support
is essential for people who have mobility impairments: arms
and backs offer people support points when lowering
themselves into as well as when rising out of seats. Seat backs
should be firm and have an upper edge of no less than 455
mm (18 in.) above the seat; arm heights should be roughly
proportionate to the back heights.
o Provide seats that are not tripping hazards or obstacles.
For people with low vision, seating is best located where it is
not a tripping hazard and where it is clearly visible due to
colour contrast and good lighting. Benches should not be
placed under text on walls. This presents an obstacle and a
potential hazard to people who must get very close to text to
read.
Seating cannot be a barrier to people with mobility
impairments. It must not block passage between areas or
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block the clear floor space needed to operate controls or to
use equipment.
o Provide seating that can be used by people who use
wheelchairs as well as by their companions.
Benches and fixed seating need at one end a minimum 760
mm (30 in.) by 1220 mm (48 in.) space to allow a person in a
wheelchair to sit next to someone on the bench or to transfer
onto the seating itself.
5.14.2.7 Colour
(a) Gallery colours (floors, walls, furniture) must create an environment
that is clearly articulated, comfortable, and safe.
o Choose colours so that floors are visually separated from the
walls and furniture.
People with low-vision and visual perceptual difficulties require
at least a 70% contrast in colours to negotiate a space. If the
walls, floor, pedestals, and benches are all basically the same
hue, all pieces of the room blend together. At minimum,
contrasting baseboard strips are necessary. For floors and
furniture, shadows from toe kicks and glare off of metal legs
provide some assistance in detection. However, furniture that is
seen primarily from above (e.g. benches) will still blend with the
floors unless the colour contrasts.
o Select light gallery colours if object conservation requires low
lighting.
Dark wall and floor colours absorb light. If a gallery requires low
lighting for conservation reasons, the gallery colours should
compensate by being light. This will counteract the low-light
effects on negotiating the circulation route, seeing the objects,
and reading the labels.
o Design well-lighted spaces with limited imagery and few
objects in several places within an exhibition.
A lack of solid background in exhibit spaces forces people
reading sign language to sort sign movements out of busy
surroundings. This quickly becomes tiring on the reader's eyes.
Well-lighted, visually quiet areas serve as respite stations for sign
language tours and conversations.
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(b) The colours and patterns of exhibition floor surfaces must give
accurate information about the depth, height, and condition of the
floor surface.
o Avoid patterned carpets and floor tiles on uneven surfaces
and in low-lit areas.
Highly patterned coverings misinform people with low-vision
about changing heights of the surface. This is a particular
problem when the pattern is combined with pools of light and
shadow or with high polish and glare. Dark colours and
shadows are read as sunken; light colours and pools of light are
read as raised; glare and sheen are read as wet. At minimum,
more and even lighting should be provided in a gallery where
patterned floors are a pre-existing condition.
(c) Colours within cases must provide clear visual access to items
inside.
o Select background colours that contrast with the items in a
case.
(d) Colours for labels must have a high contrast between text and
background.
o Select label colour combinations that provide sufficient
contrast between print and background. (Refer "Label Design
and Text" section earlier.)
5.14.2.8 Lighting
(a) The safety of visitors (particularly those with low vision and visual
perceptual difficulties) must receive equal consideration with
conservation issues and exhibition design issues.
o Accessible Lighting Levels
Description Range in lux Range in foot-candle
Ambient lighting 50-300 lx 5-30 fc
Text panels 100-300 lx 10-30 fc
Controls 100 lx 10 fc
Directional signage 200-300 lx 20-30 fc
Specimens, objects 100-300 lx 10-30 fc
Ramps, stairs 100-300 lx 10-30 fc
Visitor pathways 100-300 lx 10-30 fc
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(b) Light and colour must combine to produce a clearly delineated
circulation route into, through, and out of every exhibition space.
This is a particular requirement whenever there are changes in
level or unexpected turns or obstacles in the route.
o Limit changes in light level within a gallery and between
galleries.
When they must occur, stepping light levels up or down should
be gradual. The eyes of people with low-vision adjust more
slowly than those without impairment. Spotlighted objects in
darkened galleries or dark galleries contiguous with brightly
lighted galleries are very difficult to negotiate.
o Provide sufficient light on the circulation route.
People with low-vision need at minimum 100 lux (10 foot-
candles) of light to negotiate a clear path that has good
colour contrast and no obstacles.
Avoid creating pools of light and shadow that create false
impressions of depth and height on floor surfaces. (Refer
"Colour" section earlier.)
(c) There must be sufficient light on objects to make them visible to all
visitors unless the light level will do substantial damage to the
objects.
(d) There must be sufficient light on labels to make them readable by
all visitors.
o Avoid shadows on label text or objects. (Refer ―Label Design
and Text‖ section earlier.)
(e) The elimination of glare from cases must be considered for those
visitors who are seated as well as for those standing.
(f) Sufficient light to accommodate speech reading and sign
language conversation must be provided in locations throughout
the exhibition space.
o Provide even, high-quality light in selected areas of galleries.
People who speech read or read sign language need good
light to complete the task without eye strain. At least a 100 lux
(10 foot-candles) level of light between the speaker and
receiver is needed. (Refer "Colour" section earlier.)
5.14.2.9 Public Programming Spaces
(a) In places of assembly with fixed seating, there must be a number
of wheelchair locations provided in compliance with the
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requirements of Accessible Design for Facilities and Sites. These
locations must be dispersed throughout the seating area.
o Provide seating areas that are accessible to people using
wheelchairs.
The requirements for wheelchair locations for Accessible
Design for Facilities and Sites are as follows:
Capacity of Overall Seating No. of Wheelchair Spaces
4-25 1
26-50 2
51-75 3
76-100 4
101-150 5
151-200 6
200-300 7
301-400 8
401-500 9
501-1000 2% of total
over 1000 20, plus 1 for each additional 100
o Locate spaces for wheelchair users so that they adjoin, but do
not block, an accessible route that also serves as a means of
egress in an emergency.
o Disperse seating for wheelchair users throughout the space.
People using wheelchairs do not always want to sit at the very
back or the very front of a public programming space; it is
uncomfortable, psychologically isolating, and, if in front,
obstructive in that it blocks the view of others. Spaces for
people using wheelchairs must be an integral part of the
seating plan and must always be near fixed seating.
o Spaces for wheelchair users can be filled temporarily by
removable chairs when not needed by people with disabilities.
However, those removable seats must be easily removable,
preferably by the person using a wheelchair. Removable seats
can be fixed seats that swing aside or they can be portable,
folding chairs.
o Design areas so that floor surfaces at and around accessible
seating areas are level, stable, firm, and slip-resistant.
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o If a person enters the wheelchair location from the side, the
spaces must be at least 1525 mm (60 in.) long.
o If a person using a wheelchair enters the space from the front
or back, the spaces are at least 1220 mm (48 in.) long.
o The width of a space for one wheelchair user is at least 760 mm
(30 in.). Space required for two wheelchair users together is at
least 1675 mm (66 in.) wide. One such pairing is desirable;
however, there is no requirement that spaces for wheelchair
users be paired.
(b) If seating is in the form of benches, the same number of benches
with arm and back support as wheelchair locations required for
Accessible Design for Facilities and Sites must be provided.
(c) Where there is fixed seating, there must also be aisle seats (one
percent of the total number, with no fewer than one) that have no
armrests, swing-away armrests, or removable armrests. These seats
must be dispersed throughout the programming space.
(d) Each seat without an armrest or with a removable or swing- away
armrest must be identified on the armrest by the international
symbol of access.
(e) Stages, dressing rooms, and other areas for performers associated
with public programming areas must be accessible, according to
the requirements Guidelines for Accessible Design for Facilities and
Sites.
o Provide an accessible route to all performance areas,
including stages (from both front and back stage, if
applicable), dressing rooms, and other spaces used by
performers.
o Design all stages, dressing rooms, and spaces used by
performers so they are fully accessible according to the
standards of the guidelines for Accessible Design for Facilities
and Sites.
(f) Assistive listening systems must be provided in all public
programming spaces.
o Provide a permanent assistive listening system if the area seats
50 or more people or, if the number is smaller, either a
permanent or a portable assistive listening system may be
provided.
o Provide assistive listening receivers in number equal to 4% of
the total number of seats (but no fewer than two receivers).
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o Provide signs indicating the availability of the assistive listening
system and the procedure for borrowing receivers. The signs
must meet accessibility requirements.
(g) If the programming space is always kept dark, assistive devices
(e.g. handrails, strip lighting) must be available to make
accessible the route in, through, and out of the space.
o Design handrails and lighting so that they assist people in
finding and following the route into and through a darkened
program area.
Handrails and lighting should start outside the entrance--where
it is still light--and continue into and through the space, and
then all the way back out to the exit.
(h) Seating colour and material choice must make seats visually
accessible to everyone.
o Design the space so that seating does not become a tripping
or bumping hazard.
Low-light, lack of contrast, step-up seats and unpredictable
rows of seats make public programming spaces difficult for
those with low vision. Seating in public programming space
should not be covered by the same carpeting that is on the
floor. Rather, the seats should be made of a material that
contrasts in colour and texture to the floor and surrounding
walls. Seats should be arranged in a configuration that
presents predictable row beginnings and ends.
Lighting or lights on the ends of rows of seats or benches assists
in locating the seating.
5.14.2.10 Emergency Egress
(a) There must be fully accessible emergency egress from the
exhibition spaces. Provide as many accessible emergency exits
from an exhibition space as the number of fire exits required by
the National Building Code (NBC).
o Provide areas of rescue assistance if the number of accessible
exits is insufficient.
They are safe waiting areas for people who cannot leave the
building by using stairs. Areas of rescue assistance are
equipped with intercom systems connected directly to the fire
control area, allowing a waiting person to inform firefighters of
his whereabouts and to receive instructions for safety.
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o Plan for emergency egress from areas where lifts have been
used for access.
The lifts should be connected to emergency power and should
be usable during fire emergencies.
(b) Design the exits from the exhibition to either lead back to the
accessible entry route or to lead directly to another accessible
egress route.
(c) Notification about locations of accessible egress from the gallery
must be available at key points in the museum.
o Provide signs with the international symbol of access at
accessible emergency exits. Inaccessible exits are required to
provide directions to those that are accessible or to areas of
rescue assistance.
o Make available at key points within the museum an exhibition
floor plan that meets accessibility requirements for printed
materials. Accessible egress routes should be clearly marked.
This can assist someone before the emergency happens.
Visitors can use the plan to familiarize themselves with the
exhibition layout as well as with how to get into and out of it
quickly.
(d) Both visual and audible fire alarm systems must be provided.
o Install visual as well as audible fire alarms to the standards.
5.14.2.11 Children‟s Environments
(a) Areas designed specifically for children must meet the children's
accessibility recommendations.
o Provide accessible routes meeting all standards and children's
requirements into, through, and out of all spaces.
o Provide a circulation route that is at least 1118 mm (44 in.) wide
for travel in a single direction.
Children are generally less adept at travel in a straight line than
are adults. Therefore, children's environments require a wider
circulation route.
o Provide a circulation route that is at least 2235 mm (88 in.) wide
for passage by two wheelchair users.
o Provide passing spaces of at least 1879 mm (74 in.) wide at no
more than 30 m (100 ft.) apart.
o Select carpets that have a maximum pile height of 6 mm (1/4
in.).
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o Design interactives so they are usable from a forward
approach with a maximum high reach of 915 mm (36 in.) and
a maximum low reach of 508 mm (20 in.).
o Design interactives so they are usable from a side approach
with a maximum high reach of 915 mm (36 in.) and maximum
low reach of 508 mm (20 in.).
o Design wall-mounted cases and other protrusions of 100 mm (4
in.) or deeper so their lower edges extend to the floor.
o Design wall protrusions of more than 25 mm (1 in.) deep and of
a height less than 760 mm (30 in.) so they extend all the way to
the floor.
o Design cane-detectable barriers for overhead hazards to be
no higher than 305 mm (12 in.) above the floor.
o Design seating for children with backs and arm support and
with seats at the following heights:
Pre-kindergarten 203 mm to 305 mm (8 to 12 in.)
Kindergarten and older 305 mm to 432 mm (12 to 17 in.)
o Provide tables, counters, and work surfaces with clear knee
space 610 mm (24 in.) high, 610 mm (24 in.) deep, and 760 mm
(30 in.) wide. Wherever possible, provide adjustable-height
work surfaces.
o Design cases, text, and mount labels to accommodate a child
wheelchair user's eye level.
A 6-to-9 year old wheelchair user's eye level is approximately
1036 mm (41 in.) above the floor.
o Mount directional signage at no higher than 1219 mm (48 in.)
above the floor.
5.15 Human Resource Development & Capacity Enhancement Interventions
It is expected that number of jobs will be created in the sector in coming
years, but the skills required for these jobs requires to be strengthened. To
address the skill gaps and provide better employment opportunities for the
people, the Government shall undertake the following actions:
Provide training to different stakeholder groups as well as support
community through customized capacity building programs, exposure
visits, vocational courses, short-term online courses and other tourism
related programs.
Promote Vocational Training Institutes at strategic locations, offering a
range of courses.
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Develop curriculum for job-oriented courses which can be offered
to school/college drop-outs.
5.15.1 Education and Awareness-Raising
i. Education and awareness-raising campaigns need to be addressed
to both the professional sectors and the general public and should
inform them about the impacts of tourism on biological diversity, and
good practices in this area. The private sector, and, especially, tour
operators, should provide information more widely to their clients—
the tourists—about tourism and biodiversity issues, and encourage
them to conserve, and avoid adverse impact on, biodiversity and
cultural heritage to respect national legislation of the Uttarakhand
State, as well as traditions of indigenous and local communities, and
to support actions in conformity with the present Guidelines.
ii. Raise awareness within the academic sector responsible for training
and research on issues regarding the interaction between biological
diversity and sustainable tourism, of the role that they can play
concerning public education, capacity-building and awareness-
raising on these issues.
iii. Awareness should also be increased within and outside government
that vulnerable ecosystems and habitats are often located within
lands and waters occupied or used by indigenous and local
communities.
iv. Education and awareness-raising is required at all levels of
government. This should include processes for increasing mutual
understanding between relevant ministries, including joint and
innovative approaches for dealing with tourism and environmental
issues.
5.15.2 Training / Capacity Building
i. The Government will collaborate with the expertise and resources
available with international tourism training organizations towards
developing a Uttarakhand Tourism Human Resources Strategy.
Training will be imparted to government officials, guides, hospitality
staff, including homestay hosts, tour operators, etc.
ii. A new category of skilled guides will be trained that will cater to the
upper echelon of tourists. Uttarakhand skill development society may
be roped in to introduce courses and training programs needed to
impart skills to the local youth and entrepreneurs required for
engagement in tourism industry.
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iii. Licensing and certification of tour guides in order to standardize their
services (through a competency test) and accreditation of travel
agents will be promoted.
iv. Education and enhancement of competencies for local
communities in the surroundings of a tourism clusters will be
encouraged, as a tool to catalyse economic opportunities from
tourism activities.
v. Training of tourism professionals in conservation and biodiversity
issues.
5.16 Do‟s and Don‟ts for Visitors
Awesome, serene and inspiring snow bound Himalayas are one of nature's
most beautiful gifts to mankind. In general, as a visitor, please make sure to
maintain harmony, and protect this majestic environment; and respect
local tradition and culture. Specific do‘s and don‘ts that visitors shall
respect as part of efforts made towards achieving a tourism development
that is safe, sustainable, and compatible with ecological sensitivity
requirements and leads towards meeting the objectives of climate-resilient
tourism development in a difficult & treacherous Himalayan terrain are
incorporated herewith (as consolidated from several do’s & don’ts
published currently by several departments as mentioned in the
Bibliography section):
Do‟s
o Appreciate the colours and sounds of nature, i.e. Please enjoy the
Nature without disturbing it and be an ambassador back home.
o Treat the protected area/wilderness area with respect.
o Help conserve habitats of flora and fauna, and any site–natural or
cultural, which may be affected by tourism.
o Limit deforestation, make no open fires, smoke or light campfires in
the forest areas, and discourage others from doing so (ensure
burning cigarette butts are extinguished, if any). Please extinguish
fire after cooking and any campfire. Accidental fires can destroy a
wonderful jungle in no time, and thus cause irreparable damage.
Please inform immediately about happening of fire incident to the
nearest Forest Department personnel and help them to curb it.
o Choose accommodation that uses kerosene or fuel efficient wood
stoves, and use of firewood should be minimized. Similarly, for
expeditions, the team shall ensure carriage of a sufficient quantity
of kerosene and LPG for cooking and heating purposes, as the use
of firewood is strictly prohibited during the expedition.
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o Dispose waste responsibly and help keep the protected areas
pollution-free. While trekking inside these protected areas, please
put your entire non-biodegradable litter (tin cans, plastic, glass
bottles, metal foils, and crush plastic water bottles and used
wrappers etc.) into your rucksack/any bag provided at designated
entrance/check-points, and dispose-off it on your way out (i.e.
leave campsites litter-free before departing/clean after use, as
remember that another party will be using the same camp site after
your departure). Deposit plastic etc. in your place of stay/Hotel or
at a plastic storage centre/plastic waste collection centers. Used
plastics should never be littered in mountains, disposed-off in
valleys, buried or burnt or washed away in rivers. Prevent water from
getting polluted. You shall undertake to abide by such terms &
conditions as may be further stipulated in this regard by the State
Government.
o Avoid using polythene. If you do, do not throw it away, but collect it
separately.
o This efforts of your shall be a big contribution in keeping the
Devbhumi clean and protected. You can definitely help in
conserving the Environment! You can do it!
“Arjuna, with me as the Supervisor, Nature brings forth the whole
creation both animate and inanimate: It is due to this cause that
the wheel of Samsara is revolving.” (Gita)
o Treat the mountains with respect. Do not attempt to 'conquer' them
or show-off physical fitness or over-exert. Fatigue can lead to cold
and more serious problems, especially at high altitudes.
o Walk at a steady, rhythmic pace. Walk with a companion as a
safety measure against sudden sickness and accidents.
o Keep away from high conical rocks.
o If at a lower altitude, take shelter under a lone tree or on top of a
hill. It is safer to sit out in the open.
o Carry enough heavy woolen clothes, including sweaters, trousers,
woolen thermal body warmers, mufflers monkey-caps and other
cold-resistant apparels. Also include windcheaters, sleeping bags,
raincoats, waterproof shoes with grips, blankets, small waterproof
tents, walking sticks and a torch with sufficient batteries should also
be carried. Females should wear the body hugging clothes. And
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remember to cover your head with the woolen clothes while at high
altitude to avoid hill-sickness and feeling of faintness.
o Avoid wearing one or two very thick woolen layers. Instead, wear
loose clothes in several layers with an outer wind covering.
o Get at least two pairs of good trekking shoes and practise walking
with these shoes before the high altitude mountain trekking for
adventure tourism or for pilgrimage/yatra.
o Wear two pairs of socks (cotton and woollen) inside the climbing
boots.
o Ensure to keep feet dry. Use dusting powder before wearing socks
and change into dry socks soon after reaching the transit camp.
Use of wet socks or wet shoes causes extreme discomfort, blisters
and skin ailments. It is therefore advisable to carry extra pairs of
socks.
o Wear well-fitting gloves to protect hands and fingers. Hands, feet,
ears and nose must be protected against extreme cold. Continuous
exposure of hands and feet can bring down the body temperature
drastically and cause high altitude pulmonary oedema.
o Carry dry eatables such as biscuits, candies, sugar, chocolates,
assorted dry fruits, milk powder, lemons, honey and tinned foods
and other items suiting your tastes. Also carry water bottles, cups,
spoons, saucers and plates.
o For Chardham Yatra tap water is available everywhere, but use
only boiled water. You can get boiled water from a local tea-shop
for free whilst trekking.
o Drink lot of water and fluids during trekking. Take liberal amounts of
hot, sweet fluids and enough nourishment to provide energy for
body.
o It‘s a good idea to keep sweet candy in your mouth and use some
sort of glucose with water whilst trekking.
o Carry sufficient money for your personal expenses during the trip
and it is always wise to carry your own personal medical and first
aid kit containing painkiller tablets, Vicks or Antiseptic Ointment,
Bandages and any other medicines prescribed by your doctor,
particularly if you suffer from high blood pressure or any other
medical problems.
o Use good quality tinted snow-glasses or dark sun-glasses to protect
eyes against snow blindness. Avoid use of cheap, poor quality sun-
glasses.
o Apply sun cream or calamine lotion to exposed parts of the body to
avoid sun burn, particularly during the trekking or Parikramas.
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o Take bath in a High Altitude Lake (e.g. Hemkunt Sahib, Mansarovar
etc.) only if body can sustain low temperature in the area.
o Take prompt treatment for minor cuts, blisters and ulcers.
o Move fingers, toes and facial muscles, and exercise limbs during
periods of immobility by wiggling the toes and fingers and wrinkling
the face muscles at intervals. Keep in motion to remain warm.
o Trek in small groups. If there is heavy snowfall or snow storms, stay
close to each other and avoid being separated.
o If you stand on the valley-side, you may be pushed down by the
pony coming from the opposite direction, which can cause serious
injury, so trek or stand on the hill-side only.
o Only an authorized pony-walla, dandy man or porter should be
hired as they are available for pre-fixed tariffs. Ponies carrying
belongings should remain with you at all times and ensure that you
are constantly in touch with your luggage carrying ponies to avoid
any loss of luggage and be sure to tie it on properly.
o Ensure that the batch commences the day's trekking early in the
morning and sticks to the departure time.
o Whilst trekking, move slowly and avoid any kind of walking
competition and maintain discipline.
o Follow instructions of the Liaison Officer properly for any adventure
tourism. Also, the commands of Yatra officer should be followed for
your own safety and respect the customs of the locals.
o Expedition teams shall abide by the relevant laws of the State
during their stay in Uttarakhand.
o It shall be mandatory for all expedition teams to travel only along
the permitted route. Permission for deviation from the permitted
route shall be given by the CWLW, only under exceptional
circumstances. The team leader must bring any such deviation to
the notice of the local DFO at the first opportunity.
o The expedition team shall refrain from polluting waters with human
and kitchen waste.
o The expedition team shall carry sufficient quantity of
bags/containers for bringing bag all non-biodegradable waste
back from transit camps and base camp to be deposited on return.
o The expedition team is advised to avail of all infrastructure facilities
(boarding, lodging and transport available with the State
Government, such as Tourist Rest Houses, Forest Rest House, and
Home Stay facilities available in the villages‘ enroute.
o Ecotourists should ensure your entry in the register of check-in and
check-out and take receipt against payment.
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o Of all the high altitude porters, helpers, and guides being used by
the expedition, ensure that at least 50% of them comprise local
persons.
o Observe the rules and regulations while visiting holy sites, and
observe the sanctity of holy sites (do not touch or remove religious
objects). Respect the natural and cultural heritage of the area, and
respect/follow local customs and local etiquette, and behave
decently with them. Your behaviour reflects your identity.
o Respect privacy of individuals, and ask permission and use restraint
in taking photographs of local inhabitants.
o Enter the protected areas (biosphere reserves, national park,
sanctuary, etc.) only after taking the necessary permits and follow
all the rules.
o Obtain services of Nature/Eco-Guides that the protected areas
authorities have trained for your benefit. They are of great help to
you in spotting wildlife and ensuring that you do not lose your way in
the forest. (e.g. Nature guide or Naturalist is compulsory on all
excursions within the Corbett Tiger Reserve).
o Visitors are required to switch-off lights, fans and water taps when
not in use (i.e. be fair while using water and energy), and park their
vehicles only at designated places in national
parks/sanctuaries/reserves.
o Drive slowly if permitted in the protected areas. In this way you can
see, observe and enjoy the most, without disturbing wildlife.
o For movement, keep to the specified roads and trails/trek paths
and thus stay on track while trekking (e.g. Visitors are prohibited
from taking vehicles off the designated routes in Corbett Tiger
Reserve). When driving/walking off-track you may trample growing
trees or other flora and/or cause disturbance to resting animals and
their young.
o Respect the wild animals, maintain a reasonably safe distance from
them, and do not provoke them. Remember, you are in their home
and they get first priority in their habitat.
o Listen to the music of the forest instead of your car stereo or
transistor. The quieter you are, the more the chances of your seeing
wildlife.
o The protected areas are not a zoo; so don‘t expect to see wildlife
everywhere. These protected areas are breath-taking even in their
scenery and serenity.
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o Do not be disappointed if you don‘t see a reserve animal that you
came particularly for. There are many other interesting creatures
that are to be seen and cherished.
o Please co-operate with Forest Department in environment
conservation activities following forest regulations.
o Propagate and pursue conservation by help to follow conservation
measures along with satisfactory visitor-experience in cooperation
with fellow tourists, tourist guides/eco-guides/mountain guides &
porters, etc. Do not allow cooks and porters to throw garbage in
streams or rivers.
o Allow the flora/fauna to flourish in its natural environment.
o Wear dull-coloured clothes, as bright colours alarm most wild
animals and they flee i.e. dress in colours that blend with the natural
environment (khaki, olive green or other dull colours).
o Strictly follow the guidelines for personal safety and security, and
always take your precautions and safety measures, i.e. Be cautious
about safety of yourself and your belongings. Tourism
Department/Forest Department/Any other Government will not be
responsible for any loss of yours.
Don‟ts
o Entry in reserved forest without permission from competent authority
is restricted.
o Do not pitch tents except at the earmarked site for the purpose.
o To go beyond the earmarked area for tourists inside forest area in
not advisable and restricted.
o Walking inside forest area from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 a.m. during winter
and from 7.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. during summer is not advisable and
restricted.
o Any act detrimental to environment conservation, flora and fauna
along with medicinal plant is restricted.
o Outsider trekking guides are not allowed.
o Don‘t litter the mountains while travelling.
o Don‘t leave any eatables along the road side for wild animals.
o Don‘t let the caterer of your travel agent leave any eatables
behind for wild animals. Make sure that utensils are not washed in
the stream but through collection water in a bucket or a jerry can.
Water gradient is not to wash-off the left over food.
o Don‘t spit in water stream while brushing.
o Don‘t try to wash hands or clothes in the rivers/streams/water springs
on the way. Avoid using pollutants such as detergents in rivers,
streams or springs. If no toilet facilities are available, try to relieve
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yourself at least 30 meters away from water sources and bury or
cover the waste. Never discharge saponified water in water
sources.
o Don‘t leave your undergarments behind after bath as the colours
and nylon, synthetic fiber in cloth is a pollutant.
o Don‘t defecate or urinate near river banks and spring beds.
o Don‘t throw wrappers of biscuits, candies etc. on the road/trek
paths during the expedition. It is better to use dustbins, if possible or
else keep them in your pocket and throw away when you find any
dustbin.
o Don‘t litter green pattal donas here and there. Bury them in soil.
o Don‘t litter plastic crockery like plates, donas, spoons and glasses.
Collect them in a big bag and dispose them in plastic storage
center/plastic waste collection centers.
o Don‘t dispose-off one time used rain coats, chappals and shoes in
valleys or mountain slopes. Collect them and dispose-off in plastic
storage/waste collection centers.
o Abstain from graffiti and contribute in keeping the environment
clean.
o Taking away plants/plant-cuttings, seeds and roots is illegal in many
parts of the Himalayas.
o Do not get separated from fellow pilgrims/yatris. If there is heavy
snowfall or snow storms, stay close to each other and avoid being
separated.
o Do not trek in one's or two's. Don't get separated from the main
group of trekking and ensure that the person in the front remains in
sight.
o Don‘t overstrain on sheer slopes, and places where caution signs
are fixed should not be used for taking a rest.
o Do not attract lightening during electric storms by putting up
pointed objects like ice-axes or wireless aerials.
o Do not neglect to consume sufficient food and fluids. Do remember
that pilgrims suffer from loss of appetite at high altitudes. So, per
force consume enough nourishment.
o Do not wear climbing boots that leak or are tight.
o Do not wear wet socks or permit socks to wrinkle inside the boots, as
this will cause blisters.
o Do not neglect minor injuries like cuts, blisters and ulcers as these
may become frost-bitten.
o Do not sleep with boots on.
o Do not carry too heavy a load.
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o Heavy jewellery should be avoided during the trip.
o Do not consume alcoholic beverages and non-vegetarian food
during the pilgrimage/yatra. Alcohol is strictly banned. Visitors are
not allowed to carry and use any kind of intoxicants, drugs, and
other narcotics etc.
o Don‘t carry guns. Feel free to shoot with a camera instead (i.e. take
pictures, but without disturbing wildlife). However, in case of any
heritage areas that possesses heat-sensitive historical painted
surfaces, avoid using camera flash.
o Don't break traffic regulations or overtake any vehicle or drive an
overloaded vehicle. And whatever you do, do not try to win or race
with the local vehicles or drivers whilst driving as they know the
territory better than you!
o Don‘t get off your vehicle at any point in the protected areas
except where it‘s allowed. This is for your own safety and the safety
of wildlife.
o Do not get out of the vehicle or approach wild animals in general
and specifically do not approach animals closer than 15 m or
disturb them while they are resting.
o Please do not disturb or chase wild animals for better look or an
‗ultimate photograph.‘
o Never come between a parent animal and its kids.
o When in a vehicle, remember wild animals have right of way. Keep
to the speed limit, don‘t use the horn, and do not startle animals,
including not talking loudly or playing loud music.
o To feed wild animals is not allowed.
o Please do not make noise inside forest and at camping site.
o Use of search light at camping site as well as inside forest area is
prohibited.
o The expedition team shall not carry any weapons and/or injurious
substances, which can injure, harm or kill any wildlife or destroy their
habitat. The visitors should be aware that carrying of guns, fire arms,
inflammable materials are strictly prohibited as per the provisions of
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and is punishable by law.
o The expedition team shall not poach; kindle fire or leave burning
embers; destroy, deface or remove any wildlife, trees, herbs, shrubs,
sign-posts etc. during the expedition.
Rules and Regulations for Tourists visiting Corbett Reserve have been
separately issued as ―A Set of 4-Directives/Rules and Regulations for
Corbett Tiger Reserve issued by CWLW Office, Camp-Dehradun,
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Uttarakhand vide No. 1638/15-1 dated 02 December 2013 that shall be
duly followed w.r.t.:
1) Directives for Nature Guide and Naturalist (Text in Hindi);
2) Directives for Registration of Light Vehicles for Tourism Management
(Text in Hindi);
3) Directives for Vehicle Operators for Tourism Management (Text in
Hindi); and
4) Rules and Regulations for Tourists visiting Corbett Tiger Reserve.
Though in general for tiger reserves, NTCA, 2012 Guidelines are
applicable, in case of Corbett Tiger Reserve separate Rules &
Regulations as mentioned-above have been prescribed in 2013, and
any stricter provisions under the same shall be applicable in Corbett
Tiger Reserve [e.g. driving inside the Tiger Reserve beyond the
prescribed timings is prohibited; vehicles shall not monopolize a wildlife
sighting for more than 5 (five) minutes; permit would be issued for a
maximum of three days only; permit is non-transferable; entry into the
restricted zone by the visitors is prohibited; maximum two adults and
two children (below 12 years) per rooms are allowed to stay in the
tourism zone (one extra bed per room can be provided on payment of
prescribed charges); cooking is not allowed in Tiger Reserve except at
designated places where canteen facility is not provided; pets are not
allowed in the Tiger Reserve; etc.]
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6 LIST OF OFFICIALS INTERACTED (MET / HAD TELECONVERSATION
WITH)
UEAP-PMU Program Director: Mr Amit Singh Negi, IAS, Secretary, PWD
Guidelines Owner: Dr Umakant Panwar, IAS, Secretary, Tourism
Guidelines Work Coordinator for:
o Data Collection: Mr Shiv Kumar Gupta, District Tourism Development
Officer, UTDB
o Guideline Document Compilation: Mr R K Joshi, Additional Project
Director, IDIPT-UK, UTDB assisting UEAP Work
S. No. Name of Officials Designation/Department Contact No.
1 Mr Amit Singh Negi, IAS Secretary, PWD, and Program
Director, UEAP-PMU (SDMA)
+91-135-2711439
+91-78953-12007
2 Dr Umakant Panwar, IAS Secretary, Tourism, and Chief
Executive Officer, UTDB
+91-135-2711227
2 Mr D S Garbiyal, IAS Secretary, Urban Development,
Housing and T&CP
+91-135-2712064
4 Mr Manoj Chandran, IFS Additional Secretary, Forest and
Environment
+91-135-2713810
5 Mr Vinod Fonia, Indian Foreign
Service
Secretary, Rural Development,
and Panchayati Raj
+91-135-2714113
6 Mr Rajiv Bhartari, IFS Chief Conservator of Forests (Eco-
tourism), Forest Department
+91-135-2669227
+91-94120-53603
7 Dr Dhananjai Mohan, IFS Chief Conservator of Forests
(Chief Wildlife Warden Office),
Forest Department
+91-135-2644691
+91-93581-03371
8 Mr R Meenakshi Sundaram, IAS Additional Secretary, Urban
Development
+91-135-2712012
9 Mr Omkar Singh Deputy Secretary, Urban
Development Section
-
10 Mr J P Maikhuri Section Officer, Urban
Development Section-2
-
11 Mr Subhash Gupta Deputy Director, Urban
Development Directorate
+91-94120-50008
12 Dr Shailesh Kumar Pant Deputy Secretary, Housing and
T&CP
-
13 Mr D N S Rana Under Secretary, Housing and
T&CP
-
14 Mr Narendra Singh Rawat Section Officer, Housing Section-2 -
15 Mr Vijay Kumar Project Director (ILSP), Rural
Development
+91-135-2773800
+91-94120-51152
16 Mr Rajeev Kumar Singhal Manager-Knowledge
Management and Innovations
+91-135-2773800
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(ILSP), Rural Development +91-96342-22849
17 Mr Prakash Chandra Bhatt Deputy Secretary, Tourism -
18 Mr Arun Kumar Section Officer, Tourism Section-1 +91-99276-99158
19 Mr C M S Bisht, IAS Secretary, Rural Engineering
Services
+91-135-2714246
20 Er B S Kaira Chief Engineer, Rural Engineering
Services
+91-135-2781556
+91-94120-88835
21 Er A K Pant Superintending Engineer, Rural
Engineering Services
+91-135-2781556
22 Mr Shekhar Chandra Pandey Section Officer, Disaster
Management Section
-
23 Mr Gopal Singh Rawat Section Officer, Irrigation Section-
2
-
24 Mr Rajesh Kumar Section Officer, Urban
Development Section-1
+91-99276-99137
25 Mr Kailash Sundriyal Assistant Tourism Officer, UTDB +91-94129-98379
26 Mr A K Dwivedi Additional Director Tourism, UTDB +91-94129-98502
27 Mr Manish Juyal Technical Expert-Tourism, giz-RED
Project on Sustainable Tourism,
GoUK
+91-94120-50217
28 Dr Raghav Langer, IAS District Magistrate, Rudraprayag-
cum-Chief Executive Officer,
Kedarnath Development
+91-1364-233300
+91-95576-39429
29 Mr Sanjay Bahti Technical Expert-Tourism, giz-RED
Project on Sustainable Tourism,
GoUK
+91-94129-98447
30 Mr Satish Bahuguna District Tourism Development
Officer, UTDB
+91-94129-98514
31 Dr R Rajesh Kumar, IAS Managing Director, GMVN and
Program Manager, UEAP-PIU
(Tourism), GMVN
+91-135-2742171
+91-94120-77700
32 Er Gambhir Singh Deputy General Manager (Civil),
GMVN and Specialist Engineering
Construction & Supervision, UEAP-
PIU(T), GMVN
+91-135-2742171
+91-94565-90706
33 Er S K Birla Superintending Engineer, UEAP-
PIU (PWD)
+91-94120-04992
+91-97562-04992
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7 BIBLIOGRAPHY
S.
No.
Departments and Relevant Reference Documents Collected/
Received
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State of Uttarakhand Departments
A Tourism Department
a) Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB)
1 2014, Excerpts (Text in Hindi) from Presentation to the Government of Uttarakhand dated 20 June 2014 by
UTDB on ―Details of Schemes being implemented for Tourism Development – Rural Tourism covering
Development of Infrastructure Facilities (Hardware Project) and Training (Software Project); and Financial
Progress of Schemes implemented under Rural Tourism under Hardware and Software Projects‖ and ―Hurdles
in Tourism Development‖ provided by UTDB
-
2 2014, ―Proceedings of the Meeting held between Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and Uttarakhand
Hotel Association with regards to Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade Registration Regulations – 2014 dated
15.05.2014‖ (Text in Hindi) issued under the authority of Additional Director Tourism, UTDB vide No. 352/2-7-
499/2014 dated 17 May 2014
-
3 2014, ―Do‘s and Don‘ts of Chardham Yatra 2014‖ issued by UTDB on Uttarakhand Tourism Website -
4 2014, ―Uttarakhand Tourism and Travel Trade Registration Regulations, 2014‖ (Text in Hindi), issued by Culture,
Tourism & Sports Section-1, Tourism Department vide No. 161/VI/2013-01(07)/2013(418) dated 24 January
2014, under Tourism Department website
-
5 2014, ―Uttarakhand River Rafting/Kayaking Regulations, 2014‖ (Text in Hindi), issued by Culture, Tourism &
Sports Section-1, Tourism Department vide No. 160/VI/2013-01(03)/2013 dated 24 January 2014, under Tourism
Department website
-
6 ―Uttarakhand Home Stay Rules – 2015 (Text in Hindi)" -
7 2012, ―Tourist Statistics of Important Tourist Places in Uttarakhand (2009-2012)‖, under Tourism Department
website
-
8 2012, ―Tourist Statistics of Uttarakhand (2000-2012), under Tourism Department website -
9 2011, ―General Information – Uttarakhand at a Glance,‖ under Tourism Department website -
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10 2009-10, ―List of Rural Tourism Schemes including Tourism Villages under CFA covering Schemes for 13 Villages
in 8 Districts, with 28 New Tourism Villages identified in 13 Districts‖ (Text in Hindi) provided by UTDB
-
11 2009, ―Proposed Revised Rates in Protected Areas and Outside Areas Forest Divisions for Ecotourism Facilities
of Camping and Angling‖ issued by CCE-ET vide G.O. No. 3917/X-2-2009-12(7)/2003, December 2009, under
Tourism Department website
-
12 2008, ―Uttarakhand Tourism Development Master Plan 2007 – 2022‖ issued in April 2008 by Government of
India, Government of Uttarakhand, United Nations Development Programme, and World Tourism
Organisation (Vol. I - Executive Summary, Vol. II - Main Report, and Vol. III - Appendices), under Tourism
Department website
-
13 2007, Tourism Policy of State of Uttarakhand, 2007, under Tourism Department website -
14 2007, ―Guidelines for Mountaineering Expeditions in Uttarakhand‖ along with Do‘s & Don‘ts, issued by UTDB,
2007, under Tourism Department website -
15 2006, ―Amendment to G.O. on Land Use Conversion and it‘s Rates from Lower Land Use to Upper Land Use-
category Development under Master Plan and Regional Plan‖ issued by Housing Section, Government of
Uttarakhand vide No. 1573/V-H-2006-11(LUC)/65 dated 10 September 2006, under Tourism Department
website
-
16 2006, Directives regarding ―Implementation of Facility for Single Window Contact and Time-bound
Information and Ease of Clearance for Investors and Entrepreneurs in Tourism Industry‖ issued by Tourism
Section, Government of Uttarakhand vide No. 539/VI/2006/12(8)2004 dated 11 May 2006, under Tourism
Department website
-
17 2006, ―Directives for establishing District Sector Planning‖ issued by Tourism Section, Government of
Uttarakhand vide No. 479/VI/2006 dated 25 April 2006, under Tourism Department website
-
18 2006, ―Directives for establishing State Sector Planning‖ issued by Tourism Section, Government of
Uttarakhand vide No. 478/VI/2006 dated 25 April 2006, under Tourism Department website
-
19 2005, ―Guidelines for Procuring Land for Tourism Investment by Private Investors in Uttarakhand State‖ issued
by Tourism Section vide No. 910/VI/2005-3(42)2005 dated 20 August 2005, under Tourism Department website
-
20 2003, ―Instructions related to temporary directives till the Permanent Regulations/Directives are prepared for
Aero Sports in Uttarakhand‖ issued by Tourism Section, Government of Uttarakhand vide No. 112/T.O./2003-47
Tourism/2003 dated 28 Mar 2003, under Tourism Department website
-
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21 2002, Directives for ―Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Paryatan Swarojgar Yojana‖ (Text in Hindi), introduced
dated 01 June 2002, under Tourism Department website
-
22 2001/2004, ―Uttaranchal Tourism Development Board Act, 2001‖ Notification dated 28 November 2001 and
Amended vide Notification dated 05 August 2004, under Tourism Department website
-
23 1999, ―Permission for River Rafting in the Forests of Hill Areas‖ issued by Forest Section-2, Government of Uttar
Pradesh vide letter dated 25 September 1999, under Tourism Department website
-
24 1994, ―Introduction of Paying Guest Scheme for Development of Tourism in the State‖ issued by Tourism
Department, the then State of Uttar Pradesh vide No. 2187/41-94-41/86 dated 08 August 1994, under Tourism
Department website
-
25 ____, ―Checklist for Eco-tourism units in Uttarakhand-related Directives for Establishment of Hotel / Resort / Spa
/ Amusement Park / Eco-Park / Ropeway etc.‖ issued by UTDB, under Tourism Department website
-
b) Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (GMVN)
1 ____, ―Do‘s and Don‘ts in Garhwal‖ under GMVN website -
c) Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (KMVN)
1 ____, ―Trekking Do‘s & Don‘ts …‖ under KMVN website -
B Forest Department
1 2010, MoEF, GoI communication F. No. 5-3/2007-FC dated 14 May 2010 under Subject ―Clarification
regarding the construction of permanent structures for Eco-Tourism in the forest areas‖ has clearly stated that
“,,, the Eco-tourism is regarded as non-forest activity. As such taking up of non-forest activity including
permanent structures amounts to violation of the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.‖
-
2 2005, ―Uttaranchal Van Panchayat Regulations, 2005‖ (Text in Hindi), vide Notification dated 23rd January
2006 by Forest & Environment Section-2, Forest Department website
-
3 1988/1989, National Forest Policy, 1988 with Amendment for Uttarakhand, 1989 (Text in Hindi), Forest
Department website
-
4 ____, Mountaineering Guidelines (Text in Hindi), Forest Department website -
5 ____, ―Protected Area Network‘ webpage on Uttarakhand Forest Department website that provides the
latest list of National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, and Biosphere Reserve
-
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a) Ecotourism Division
1 2011, ―Corbett National Park (1936-2011): Celebrating 75 Years Poster‖ providing information on its visions,
values, and tourism logistics, issued by Field Director, Corbett Tiger Reserve, Ramnagar, under Ecotourism
Menu on Forest Department‘s website
-
2 2003, ―Ecotourism Policy, 2003‖ (Text in Hindi) issued by Conservator of Forests-Ecotourism, Office of Principal
Conservator of Forests, Uttaranchal in August 2003, © Center for Ecotourism
-
3 ____, ―Ecotourism in Uttarakhand‖ issued by Ecotourism Division, under Ecotourism Menu on Forest
Department‘s website
-
4 ____, ―Ecotourism Map of Uttarakhand‖ issued by Ecotourism Division, under Eco-tourism Menu on Forest
Department‘s website
-
5 ____, ―Experience village life: Community-based Tourism (CBT)‖ issued by Ecotourism Division, under
Ecotourism Menu on Forest Department‘s website
-
6 ____, ―General Instruction for Ecotourists: Do‘s and Don‘ts‖ issued by Ecotourism Division, under Ecotourism
Menu on Forest Department‘s website
-
7 ____, ―Wildlife Ecotourism in Uttarakhand,‖ under Ecotourism Menu on Forest Department‘s website -
8 ____, ―Angling Rules for Mahaseer Conservation in Ram Ganga river through P.P.P. Mode in Uttarakhand‖
issued by Chief Wildlife Warden, Uttarakhand
-
b) Chief Wildlife Warden Office
1 2013, A Set of 4-Directives/Rules and Regulations for Corbett Tiger Reserve issued by CWLW Office, Camp-
Dehradun, Uttarakhand [vide No. 1638/15-1 dated 02 December 2013 w.r.t.–1) Directives for Nature Guide
and Naturalist (Text in Hindi); 2) Directives for Registration of Light Vehicles for Tourism Management (Text in
Hindi); 3) Directives for Vehicle Operators for Tourism Management (Text in Hindi); and 4) Rules and
Regulations for Tourists visiting Corbett Tiger Reserve]
-
2 2012, ―Guidance document for taking up non forestry activities in wildlife habitats‖ issued by the Office of the
Deputy Inspector General of Forests (WL), MoEF, GoI vide F. No. 6-10/2011 WL dated 19 December 2012
-
3 2012, ―Regarding Permission of Purchase of Land under the Clauses 154(4)(3)(a) & (b) of Zamindari Abolition
and Land Reforms Act in the area abutting 2 km from external limit of the Region of Corbett Tiger Reserve
declared under the Forest Act/Regarding Prohibiting Land-use Change under the Clauses 143 of Zamindari
-
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Abolition and Land Reforms Act for Land Parcels with reference to Agricultural Land situated in Areas under
Corbett Tiger Reserve‖ issued by Revenue Section-2 vide No. 2756/XXIII(2)/2012 dated 16 November 2012
under the authority of Principal Secretary, Revenue Department, Government of Uttarakhand
4 2012, ―Comprehensive Guidelines for Tiger Conservation and Tourism as provided under Section 38O (01) E of
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972‖, as per Notification dated 15th October 2012, NTCA
-
5 2008, Instructions/Directives (Text in Hindi) for the High Altitude ―Gangotri National Park‖ for the destination of
Gaumukh [Order No. 2930/37-1 dated 29 April 2008 issued by CWLW Office, Camp-Dehradun w.r.t.–1) To
establish the process for issuing permits to 150 numbers of pilgrims, tourists, and other visitors per day in
Gaumukh area; 2) For complete prohibition on movement of mules, horses, and other animals plying under
commercial purposes; 3) Directives to reduce the number of mountaineers in Gaumukh area; 4) Research-
related Instructions in Gangotri National Park; and 5) Arrangements to regulate onward travel from Gangotri
(with entry prohibited at 500 m peripheral distance from the Gaumukh)]
-
6 2006/2009, MoEF, GoI issued EIA Notification, S.O. 1533 (E) dated 14 September 2006, and its Amendment S.O.
3067 (E) dated 01 December 2009
-
7 2004, ―Guidelines for mountaineering expeditions in Uttaranchal‖ published by Government of Uttaranchal,
03 July 2004
-
8 1998, ―Ecotourism in India: Policy & Guidelines, 1998‖ issued by Ministry of Tourism, GoI, provided by CCF-
CWLW
-
c) Corbett National Park/Corbett Tiger Reserve
1 ____, ―Eco-development‖ under Park Management & Conservation, Corbett National Park website -
2 ____, ―Tourism‖ under Park Management & Conservation, Corbett National Park website -
3 ____, ―Do‘s and Don‘ts‖ for visitation to Tiger Reserve under Corbett Tiger Reserve website -
C Urban Development, Housing and T&CP Departments
a) Urban Development Department
1 2013, Directions (Text in Hindi) passed regarding to ―The Order passed by The High Court of Uttarakhand at
Nainital on Writ Petition (PIL) No. 25 of 2013 stating–The State of Uttarakhand, through its Chief Secretary, is
directed to ensure that, henceforth, no construction of permanent nature is permitted within 200 meters from
the bank of any flowing river in the State, Order dated 26th August 2013‖ for the implementation of this High
-
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Court Order, and issued by Urban Development Section-2 under the authority of Principal Secretary, Urban
Development Department, Government of Uttarakhand vide No. 1247/IV(2)-UD-13-38(Court Case)/13, dated
19 September 2013 communicated to Heads of All Nagar Nigams and Nagar Palika Parishads (NPP)/Nagar
Panchayats (NP)
2 ____, ―List of All Urban Local Bodies – 72 No‘s in State of Uttarakhand,‖ (Text in Hindi) provided by Urban
Development Section-1, Urban Development Department, Government of Uttarakhand
-
b) Housing Department
1 2013, Master Plan-2025 of Dehradun including Revised Proposed Land Use Map, Amended Notification (Text
in Hindi) issued by Housing Section-2, Government of Uttarakhand vide No. 1856/V-H-2013-94(H)/2010 dated
28 November 2013, under MDDA website
-
2 2013, Master Plan-2025 of Dehradun–―Amendment to Building Construction and Development
Byelaws/Regulations–2011‖ (Text in Hindi) issued by Housing Section-2, Government of Uttarakhand vide No.
739/V-2013-24(H)/2009 dated 28 May 2013, under MDDA website
-
3 2011, Master Plan-2025 of Dehradun –―Building Construction and Development Byelaws/Regulations–2011
(including Annexure I & II),‖ (Text in Hindi) issued by MDDA vide Letter No. 447/UB-BCDB-2011 dated 29
November 2011, under MDDA website
-
4 2011, Signed Copy of ―Building Construction and Development Byelaws/Regulations–2011‖ (Text in Hindi)
issued by Housing Section-2 vide No. 2009/V-2011-55(H)/2006-TC, dated 17 November 2011 under the
authority of Principal Secretary, Housing Department, Government of Uttarakhand and communicated to
Development Authority – Dehradun/Haridwar/Tehri (These Byelaws/Regulations are applicable for all
Regulated Areas, Development Areas & Special Development Areas located in the State; and areas located
outside these in the whole State)
-
5 ____, MDDA Guidelines/Checklist for Processing of Building Layout Application Letter and Supporting
Documents (Text in Hindi), under MDDA Website
-
c) T&CP Department
1 2013, ―Amendment to Building Construction and Development Byelaws/Regulations–2011‖ (Text in Hindi)
issued by Housing Department, Government of Uttarakhand vide No. 46/V/H-2013-55(H)/06-TC dated 15
January 2013
-
2 2011, ―Building Construction and Development Byelaws/Regulations–2011‖ (Text in Hindi) issued by Housing -
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Department, Government of Uttarakhand, under T&CP website
3 ____, List of Master Plans applicable in Uttarakhand, prepared by Town and Country Planning Department,
Government of Uttarakhand, under T&CP website
-
D Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department
a) IFAD–ILSP (International Fund for Agricultural Development–Integrated Livelihood Support Project) under UGVS
(Uttarakhand Gramya Vikas Samiti)
1 2014, ―Rural Tourism – A Snapshot in Uttarakhand – UGVS View‖ prepared by ILSP, UGVS, March 2014
(including the Home Stay Standards, and ―Draft Guidelines & Notification for Uttarakhand Homestay, 2012
(inclusive of Annexures Ito III),‖ and two-videos on Bhatoli and Gaul Village respectively)
-
2 Uttarakhand Homestay Rules 2015 -
E Irrigation Department
1 2013, Directions passed regarding to ―Loss of Lives-Money due to Natural Disaster in State, Rescue and Relief
Works and Reconstruction‖ that ―no permission to be given until G.O. is issued with regards to any
reconstruction on river banks,‖ (Text in Hindi) issued by Irrigation Section under the authority of Principal
Secretary, Irrigation Department, Government of Uttarakhand vide No. 1973/11-2013-17(12)/2013, dated 03
July 2013
-
Government of India Ministries/Departments
A Tourism Department, Ministry of Tourism
1 2013, ―Amendment in the existing Guidelines for Classification/Re-classification of Hotels‖ issued by H&R
Division vide No. 8-TH-I(3)/2013 dated 04 September 2013, Ministry of Tourism website
-
2 2012, ―Amendment in the existing Guidelines for Classification/Re-classification of Hotels‖ issued by H&R
Division vide No. 8-TH-I(03)/07-Vol. IV dated 28 June 2012, Ministry of Tourism website
-
3 2012, Interim Report-Uttarakhand on ―Identification of Tourism Circuits across India,‖ April 2012 submitted by
IL&FS Infrastructure Development Corporation (IL&FS IDC), Ministry of Tourism website
-
4 2012, ―Guidelines for Recognition/Renewal or Extension as an Approved Adventure Tour Operator (ATO)‖
revised with effect from 2nd January 2012, issued by MOT, GoI on Ministry of Tourism website
-
5 2011, ―Rural Tourism Scheme for Infrastructure Development – Scheme Guidelines (Revised)‖ issued by Rural -
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Tourism Division vide File No. 6-A&RT(10)/08-Pt. dated 09 December 2011, Ministry of Tourism website
6 2011, ―Report of The Working Group on Tourism for 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17)‖ prepared by Ministry of
Tourism, Government of India dated 07 October 2011, under Ministry of Tourism website
-
7 2010, ―Training Programme to Create Employable Skills (Hunar Se Rozgar) under The CBSP Scheme of The
Ministry of Tourism – Extension Thereof through Hotels – Guidelines‖ w.e.f. 11 November 2010, Ministry of
Tourism website
-
8 2009, ―Guidelines for Approval of Guest Houses (Revised)‖ issued by H&R Division in December 2009, Ministry
of Tourism website
-
9 2002, ―National Tourism Policy, 2002‖ published by Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism & Culture,
Government of India, Ministry of Tourism website
-
10 ____, ―Strategic Action Plan‖ of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Ministry of Tourism website -
11 ____, ―A Compendium on Hunar Se Rozgar Tak (A training initiative to create employable skills),‖ Ministry of
Tourism website
-
12 ____, ―Guidelines for Approval and Registration of Incredible India Bed & Breakfast/Homestay
Establishments,‖ H&R Division, Ministry of Tourism website
-
13 ____, Revised Guidelines of Scheme for Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure
Development, Ministry of Tourism website
-
14 ____, Specific Guidelines for Financial Assistance to States/Union Territories for Construction of Heliports under
the Scheme of Product/Infrastructure Development for Destinations and Circuits, Ministry of Tourism website
-
15 ____, Revised Guidelines of Scheme for Product/Infrastructure Development for Destinations and Circuits,
Ministry of Tourism website
-
16 ____, ―Guidelines for Approval & Classification/Re-classification of Apartment Hotels‖ issued by H&R Division,
Ministry of Tourism website
-
17 ____, ―Instructions for Regional Directors in regard to Classification/Re-Classification of Hotels,‖ Ministry of
Tourism website
-
18 -, ―Standard Operating Procedures for State Governments in regard to Classification/Re-Classification of
Hotels,‖ Ministry of Tourism website
-
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19 ____, ―Good Governance Initiatives: Standard Operating Procedures for Timely, Objective and Transparent
Classification/Re-Classification‖ of Hotels & Restaurants, Ministry of Tourism website
-
20 ____, ―Guidelines for Project Approval and Classification of Tented Accommodation‖ issued by H&R Division,
Ministry of Tourism website
-
21 ____. Setting-up of a ―Hospitality Development and Promotion Board (HDPB)‖ for Hotel Projects, Ministry of
Tourism website
-
22 ____, ―A Compendium on Hunar Se Rozgar Tak (A training initiative to create employable skills),‖ Ministry of
Tourism website
-
23 ____, ―Scheme for Support to Public Private Partnerships in Infrastructure (Viability Gap Funding),‖ Ministry of
Tourism website
-
B Archaeological Survey of India, Ministry of Culture
1 2011, ―Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Framing of Heritage Bye-laws and Other
Functions of the Competent Authority) Rules, 2011‖ vide Notification dated 23 August 2011, Ministry of Culture
website
-
2 2010, ―The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act,
2010‖ vide Notification dated 29 March 2010, Ministry of Culture website
-
3 1959, ―Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules, 1959‖ vide Notification dated 15
October 1959, Ministry of Culture website
-
4 1958, ―The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958‖ vide Notification dated 28
August 1958, Ministry of Culture website
-
C Ministry of Environment and Forests
1 2011, ―Guidelines for Ecotourism in and around Protected Areas (Draft)‖ introduced by MoEF dated 02 June
2011 under MoEF website
-
2 1980/1988, Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (with amendments made in 1988) under MoEF website -
3 2006, The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act w.e.f. 04 September 2006, MoEF, GoI -
4 1972, The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 w.e.f. 09 September 1972, under MoEF website -
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5 1927, The Indian Forest Act, 1927 under MoEF website -
6 ____, Eco-sensitive Zone Notifications List by MoEF under Legislations, MoEF website -
D Ministry of Urban Affairs and Employment
1 1998, ―Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier-Free Built-Environment for Disabled and Elderly Persons,
1998,‖ CPWD, MoUAE, GoI under website http://cpwd.gov.in/
-
E Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation
a) Building Materials & Technology Promotion Council
1 ____, ―Building a New Techno-Legal Regime for Safer India‖ published by Building Materials & Technology
Promotion Council, Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Government of India, and National
Disaster Management Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, under MoHUPA website
-
F National Disaster Management Division, Ministry of Home Affairs
1 2004, Disaster Management in India, National Disaster Management Division, Ministry of Home Affairs,
Government of India, under MHA website
-
2 2004, Volume I Report (Proposed Amendment in Town and Country Planning Legislations; Regulations for
Land Use Zoning; Additional Provisions in Development Control Regulations for Safety; and Additional
Provisions in Building Regulations/Byelaws for Structural Safety–in Natural Hazard Zones in India), prepared by
Committee of Experts constituted by National Disaster Management Division, Ministry of Home Affairs,
Government of India, under MHA website
-
G General Information
1 2007, ―Report of the Steering Committee on Tourism for The Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-2012), Planning
Commission, Government of India, under Planning Commission website
-
2 1867, The Sarais Act, 1867 w.e.f. 15 March 1867 -
International References
A giz Reports on Uttarakhand
1 2012, Presentation on ―Trekking in Uttarakhand: Empirical Analysis and Product Development,‖ giz-RED
Program, Uttarakhand
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2 2011, ―Uttarakhand: Diagnostic study of Building a Mountain State (2000-2010),‖ Doon University and gtz-RED
Program, Uttarakhand
-
3 2011, Presentation on ―Sustainable Tourism Assessment in Uttarakhand–Results and Conclusions,‖ giz-RED
Program, Uttarakhand
-
4 2011, ―Report on Assessment of Accommodation Providers in Nainital Tourism Zone,‖ giz-RED Program,
Uttarakhand
-
5 2011, ―Report on Assessment of Accommodation Providers in Corbett Tourism Zone,‖ giz-RED Program,
Uttarakhand
-
6 2011, Presentation and Final Report on Sustainable Destination Development of ―Corbett N.P. Buffer Zone‖
and Nainital, giz-RED Program, Uttarakhand
-
7 2010, ―Product Development for Sustainable Tourism in the Greater Corbett Circuit, Uttarakhand,‖ gtz-RED
Program, Uttarakhand
-
8 2010, ―Tourism Value Chain in Uttarakhand–Financial Analysis of Tourism Value Chain in Kumaon,‖ gtz-RED
Program, Uttarakhand
-
9 2010,‖Destination Management Plan–Kumaon Circuit‖ Mission Report (31 October 2010 to 20 November
2010), gtz-RED Program, Uttarakhand
-
10 2010, Operational Plan for ―Ramnagar-Choti Haldwani-Nainital-Kilbury-Vinayak-Kunjakhark Circuit (Eco-
Tourism Circuit, 12-14 Aug 2010)- A Training Program held at Academic Staff College, Nainital, ,‖ gtz-RED
Program, Uttarakhand
-
11 2010, ―Eco-Tourism/Off-Beat Destination Promotion-Stakeholders Workshop–A Joint Effort by Uttarakhand
Forest Department (Eco-Tourism) & gtz-Regional Economic Development Program‖ dated 18 February 2010
-
12 2010, ―Report on Identification and Assessment of Off-Beat Destinations in Uttarakhand for Community-
based Ecotourism Development & Promotion‖ submitted to gtz-RED Program, Uttarakhand, January 2010
-
13 2009, Presentation on ―Is Ecotourism a strategy for regional economic development?‖ at Dehradun on
12/09/2009, gtz-RED program, Uttarakhand
-
14 2009, ―OFF BEAT DESTINATIONS–A Situational Analysis of Dehradun, Chakrata & Uttarkashi Off Beat
Destinations,‖ A Report on joint exercise by Eco-Tourism wing of the Forest Department & gtz-RED Program,
Uttarakhand
-
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Received
Down-
loaded
15 2008, ―The RED Tourism Value Chain Selection, Strategy and Operational Plan-Uttarakhand, October 2008‖ by
International Tourism Consultancy for gtz-RED program, Uttarakhand
-
16 2008, ―RED Tourism Groundwork Uttarakhand (UA) Report‖ issued by gtz on 8/1/2008 -
17 2007, ―Regional Marketing‐Uttarakhand‖‐ A Report to gtz, November 2007 -
18 2006, ―Uttarakhand Sector Study, December 2006‖ by German Technical Cooperation on the economic
sectors for the upcoming gtz sponsored RED program
-
19
20 ____, ―Kumaon–Possible Eco-Tourism Circuits–Nainital-Almora-Ranikhet-Bageshwar Districts–A Situational
Analysis,‖ A Report on gtz-RED Program, Eco-Tourism (Forest Department), & India Off-Beat (Travel Operators) -
21 ____, ―Trekking Product Evaluation (Add-on),‖ gtz-RED Program, Uttarakhand -
B Other References
1 2013, ―Project Administration Manual (PAM) of ADB-funded ―Uttarakhand Emergency Assistance Project
(UEAP),‖ October 2013
-
2 2013, ―INDIA: Uttarakhand Disaster June 2013-Joint Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (JRDNA) Report‖
issued by The World Bank, Government of Uttarakhand, and Asian Development Bank, August 2013
-
3 2013, Scientific Correspondence on ―Kedarnath disaster; facts and plausible causes‖ published by D. P.
Dobhal, Anil K. Gupta, Manish Mehta, and D. D. Khandelwal, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology,
Dehradun, in Current Science, Vol. 105, No.2, 25 July 2013, pp 171-174, available under website http://www.currentscience.ac.in/Volumes/105/02/0171.pdf
-
4 2011, ―Handbook on Tourism Product Development‖ issued by World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and
European Travel Commission (ETC), Copyright © 2011
-
5 2011, ―Policy and Practice for Global Tourism‖ issued by World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Copyright ©
2011
6 2010, ―2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design‖ issued by Department of Justice, USA, dated 15
September 2010 under website http://www.ada.gov/
-
7 2010, Maximising the benefits of Tourism: Tourism Planning Manual for Local Government‖ issued in August
2010 by Government of New South Wales, Australia
-
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Received
Down-
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8 2010, Facility Administration Manual (FAM) of ADB-funded ―Infrastructure Development Investment Program
for Tourism-Uttarakhand (IDIPT-UK),‖ August 2010
-
9 2007-08, ―Implementation Guidelines‖ as Part of DPR for Conservation and Revitalization of Rambagh
Garden, Amritsar, Punjab – An unpublished document prepared by ADB TA as Consultant to an earlier
project
-
10 2006, ―Tourism Planning Toolkit for Local Government,‖ May 2006, Tourism Recreation Research and
Education Center (TRREC), New Zealand
-
11 2005, ―Best Practice Model for Low-Impact Nature-based Sustainable Tourism Facilities in Remote Areas,‖
Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Center (ST-CRC), Australia, Copyright © CRC for Sustainable
Tourism Pty Ltd 2005
-
12 2002, ―Ecotourism: Principles, Practices & Policies for Sustainability‖ by Megan Epler Wood, UNEP-TIES, 2002 -
13 2001, ―Guidelines for Tourism in Parks and Protected Areas of East Asia,‖ issued by International Union for
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), Copyright © 2001
-
14 2000, ―The Burra Charter, 1999: The Australian ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance,‖ adopted
by Australia ICOMOS in November 1999, © Australia ICOMOS Incorporated 2000
-
15 1992, Inskeep, Edward and Kallenberger, Mark, ―An Integrated Approach to Resort Development: Six Case
Studies,‖ A Tourism and the Environment Publication, World Tourism Organization, 1992, under UNWTO website
-
16 ____, ―Tourism Physical Planning and Resort Development‖ Guideline (A Brief on Objectives and
Methodology), Policy Planning and Economic Development Section under UNWTO website
-
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8 APPENDIX – 1 Checklist for Ensuring Due-diligence in Tourism Infrastructure Development Process in the State of Uttarakhand
S.
No.
Process Stage & Tasks/Activities in
(Stages in Chronological Order)
Compliance Criteria Compliance Status
or Remarks (if any) Externally-Aided Projects General Projects
Mandatory Desirable Mandatory Desirable
I PRE-PLANNING STAGE (FINALISATION
OF LAND& PRELIMINARY COSTING)
1 Availability of Land
[NOC from DM and
Land Title
Holder/User; List
ownership in Sub-
project Appraisal
Report (SAR)]
(NOC from DM)
(NOC from Land
Title Holder/User
to avoid any
issues later)
2 Accessibility of Land Parcel
3 Environmental Screening
(Respective
Checklists as
applicable to be
submitted as part
of SAR)
(Forapplicable
scheduled
categories under
MoEF&CC EIA
Notification
dtd14.09.2006,
and subsequent
Amendments dtd
01.12.2009, etc.)
(Even if for non-
scheduled
categories /
smaller projects,
due-diligence
from
environmental &
social screening is
encouraged)
4 Social Screening
5 Preliminary Cost Estimation
6 Identification of Operation &
Maintenance (O&M) Mechanism
7 Economic Analysis[including due
assessment of Economic Internal Rate
of Return (EIRR) to be at least 12%]
(To be submitted as
part of SAR)
II PLANNING & DESIGN STAGE
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or Remarks (if any) Externally-Aided Projects General Projects
Mandatory Desirable Mandatory Desirable
1 Availability of Destination-/ Region-/
State-level Demand Assessment and
Carrying Capacity Studies/Information
for
(For creation of
infrastructure
based on long-
term/holistic
planning)
(Prior information
will facilitate
proper planning
during post-
disaster
restoration &
redevelopment
works in the
immediate-/short-
term asset
recovery)
(Prior information
would facilitate to
avoid creation of
conditions that
may cause
overload on
assessed carrying
capacities)
2 Topographical/Total Station Survey
3 Geo-technical Investigation Report
4 Adopting vernacular architecture &
compatibility with surroundings
(For long-term
interventions as a
best practice)
(Encouraged as
best feasible for
immediate-/short-
term asset
recovery works
ofreconstruction/
redevelopment)
(For long-term
interventions as a
best practice)
(Encouraged as
best feasible for
immediate-/short-
term asset
recovery works of
reconstruction/
redevelopment)
5 Adopting light-weight building
structure designs, like pre-fabricated
(Pre-fab) structure / pre-engineered
building (PEB) etc., andsuch structures
built-in materials like fibre-reinforced
plastic (FRP) material with insulation,
hybrid huts material of steel frames &
pre-coated steel panels with
insulation, light-gauge steel framing
(For immediate-
/short-term asset
recovery works of
reconstruction/
redevelopment)
(For immediate-
/short-term asset
recovery works of
reconstruction/
redevelopment)
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or Remarks (if any) Externally-Aided Projects General Projects
Mandatory Desirable Mandatory Desirable
system (LGFS) structure consisting of
cold-rolled galvanised steel frames &
pre-coated steel panels with insulation
6 Adopting environment-friendly bio-
digester system-based toilet
complexes/individual bio-toilet units
and waste water-treatment solutions
(Also as feasible
retrofit existing
septic tank &
soak pit systems)
(Also as feasible
retrofit existing
septic tank &
soak pit systems)
7 Detailed Site Planning, Architectural &
Engineering Designs & Drawings, and
Preparation of Detailed Project Report
8 Preparation of Environmental
Management & Monitoring Plan
(EMMP)/Initial Environmental
Examination or Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA)
(As per applicable
categories in
Facility/Project
Administration
Manual (FAM/PAM)
(For applicable
scheduled
categories under
MoEF&CC EIA
Notification dtd
14.09.2006, and
subsequent
Amendments dtd
01.12.2009,etc.)
(Even if for non-
scheduled
categories /
smaller projects,
due-diligence
adopted through
EMMP/IEE-level
document is
encouraged)
9 Preparation of Bid Document &
Appropriate Contract Document Set
[As per respective
Multi-lateral
Funding Institution
(MFI) approved
Standard Bidding
Document (SBD)
with EMMP part of
Bid Document &
Contract]
[As per State
approved
Standard Bidding
Document]
(Inclusion of
EMMP as part of
Bid Document &
Contract is
encouraged)
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Process Stage & Tasks/Activities in
(Stages in Chronological Order)
Compliance Criteria Compliance Status
or Remarks (if any) Externally-Aided Projects General Projects
Mandatory Desirable Mandatory Desirable
III CONSTRUCTION STAGE
1 Environmental Baseline Monitoring
prior to start of any physical
construction at site (ambient air
quality, noise quality, water quality,
and soil)
(As per Civil Works
Contract for
number of sites
covered and
respective number
of samples for
each sub-stage
environmental
monitoring)
(For applicable
scheduled
categories under
MoEF&CC EIA
Notification
dtd14.09.2006,
and subsequent
Amendments dtd
01.12.2009, etc. as
per Civil Works
Contract for
number of sites
covered and
respective
number of
samples for each
sub-stage
environmental
monitoring)
(Even if for non-
scheduled
categories /
smaller projects,
due-diligence
adopted as per
Civil Works
Contract-based
EMMP sub-stage
environmental
monitoring is
encouraged for
number of sites
covered and
respective
number of
samples for each
sub-stage
monitoring work)
2 Environmental Monitoring during
physical construction works at site (air
quality, noise levels, water quality, and
soil)
3 Environmental Monitoring during
Defect Liability Period at site (ambient
air quality, ambient noise quality, and
water quality)
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9 APPENDIX – 2 Uttarakhand Home Stay Rules 2015
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