Water predicament at mountain ecotourism destination: The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary Case

Abstract

This paper focuses on the inevitable impact of tourism on the natural water resource of the mountain destination situated in the middle Indian Himalayan Region. With the shrinking of Binsar’s broad leaf oak (Quercus sp.) forest, having pivotal role in water regulation, the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary was established for its conservation. After sanctuary declaration the nature-based tourism started engulfing the landscape, creating impacts. Therefore, this particular study was taken to examine the surface freshwater natural resource condition in Binsar through review of fresh water direct consumption in tourism from both quantitative and qualitative viewpoints. Water pollution sources were identified and present water quality of natural water sources was assessed. The sampling was done during the 2014 peak tourism season (April to June) and within the four different designated zones of Binsar WLS. A total of 18 water samples from natural water springs (control) and from hotel effluents (impact) were obtained and tested for physicochemical and microbiological analysis. Suitability of water for drinking purpose was also subsequently derived. Physicochemical parameters were determined using field based water testing instrument whereas; the microbiological parameters were tested in laboratory and reported for either presence or absence only. The obtained values were compared with the World Health Organisation water quality standards and interpretations made. Results indicate tourist accommodations as significant contributor in contaminating Binsars’ natural spring water. All control samples showed presence of bacterial contamination, highlighting anthropogenic pressures on this landscape, suggesting it unfit to drink without purification or proper treatment; seldom practiced presently. Responsibility of taking adequate water resource management steps among all concerned stakeholders is required, if (eco)tourism industry has to survive.