Sustainable Tourism Project Report
Study Area: Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Kanheri Caves
1. Introduction
Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), located in Mumbai, is one of the largest urban national
parks in the world, covering an area of 103 sq km.
It is home to rich biodiversity, including leopards, deer, and over 270 species of birds. Within
the park lies the Kanheri Caves, a significant Buddhist rock-cut cave complex dating back to
1st century BCE to 10th century CE.
Tourism in this area plays a vital role in generating revenue and awareness about
conservation. However, it also brings challenges related to sustainable management,
environmental degradation, and climate impact.
This report aims to analyze these issues and propose sustainable solutions.
2. Problem Statement / Research Questions / Objectives
Problem Statement:
How does tourism impact the sustainability of Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Kanheri
Caves, and what strategies can be implemented to ensure responsible tourism practices?
Research Questions:
1. What are the key sustainability challenges faced by SGNP and Kanheri Caves?
2. How does tourism contribute to environmental degradation and climate change in the area?
3. What are the unsustainable tourism practices observed at the site?
4. What measures can be implemented for better management and conservation?
Objectives:
- To assess the impact of tourism on the natural and historical resources of SGNP and Kanheri
Caves.
- To identify unsustainable practices observed at the site.
- To analyze the link between tourism and climate change in the area.
- To provide recommendations for sustainable management.
3. The Study Area
Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP):
- Located in northern Mumbai, SGNP covers 103 sq. km.
- Known for its diverse flora and fauna, including leopards, spotted deer, Indian flying foxes,
and various bird species.
- Features Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary as an extension.
- Tourist attractions include lakes, nature trails, and a toy train.
Kanheri Caves:
- A group of 109 Buddhist caves carved into basalt rock.
- Used by monks as viharas (monastic dwellings) and chaityas (prayer halls).
- Contains inscriptions, stupas, and murals dating back to 1st century BCE - 10th century CE.
- A popular site among history enthusiasts, students, and international tourists.
Tourist Arrivals Data (2023):
- SGNP: 1.5 million visitors annually
- Kanheri Caves: 0.8 million visitors annually.
4. Methodology
Data Collection Methods:
1. Field Observation
- Visited SGNP and Kanheri Caves over two weekends.
- Documented tourism practices, waste management, and biodiversity impact.
- Used GPS-tagged photographs to record observations.
2. Questionnaire Survey
- Conducted surveys with 50 tourists and 10 park officials.
- Open-ended and closed-ended questions on tourism experience, awareness of
sustainability, and observed problems.
3. Interviews with Park Officials
- Discussed current management strategies and challenges.
- Collected insights on tourism policies and climate change effects.
4. Secondary Research
- Reviewed academic papers, government reports, and news articles on SGNP and
sustainable tourism.
5. Findings
Impact of Tourism on Environment:
- Deforestation: Illegal encroachments and tree cutting for development.
- Water Pollution: Littering in the Vihar and Tulsi lakes.
- Wildlife Disturbance: Noise pollution affects leopards and nocturnal animals.
- Carbon Emissions: Increased vehicle movement raises pollution levels.
Observation of Unsustainable Practices:
- Plastic Waste: Despite being a protected area, plastic bottles and wrappers were found near
tourist spots.
- Overcrowding: High footfall on weekends leads to soil erosion and damage to heritage
structures.
- Unregulated Vehicle Traffic: Private cars and diesel-powered buses increase carbon footprint.
- Lack of Tourist Awareness: Tourists were unaware of park regulations on noise and waste
disposal.
Impact of Tourism on Climate Change:
- Deforestation and Urban Expansion reduce the park's role as a carbon sink.
- Increased CO2 emissions from tourist vehicles contribute to global warming.
- Loss of biodiversity reduces the park's ecological resilience to climate change.
6. Conclusion and Recommendations
Conclusion:
Tourism at SGNP and Kanheri Caves significantly contributes to environmental degradation,
resource depletion, and climate change.
While tourism provides economic benefits, poor management has led to issues like waste
mismanagement, noise pollution, and deforestation.
There is an urgent need to adopt sustainable tourism practices to balance conservation and
visitor experience.
Recommendations:
1. Strict Waste Management Policies
- Ban single-use plastics within the park.
- Install more dustbins and recycling points.
- Enforce fines for littering.
2. Eco-Friendly Transportation
- Introduce electric buses for tourist transport.
- Implement walking-only zones in key areas.
3. Visitor Education Programs
- Display signages on sustainable behavior at major entry points.
- Conduct awareness workshops for school groups and tourists.
4. Controlled Visitor Access
- Introduce a cap on daily visitors to reduce overcrowding.
- Implement online pre-booking systems to monitor footfall.
5. Sustainable Infrastructure
- Install solar-powered lighting along walkways.
- Construct eco-friendly tourist shelters.
7. Limitations of the Study
- Limited Sample Size: Only 50 tourists and 10 officials were surveyed.
- Time Constraints: A more extensive study over multiple seasons could provide better
insights.
- Restricted Access: Some areas of the park were inaccessible due to conservation efforts.
8. Appendix
- Survey Questionnaire Sample (Attached as a separate document)
- GPS-Tagged Photographs (Attached in the project submission folder)
- Additional Maps and Reports (Included in the appendix)
9. References
1. Indian Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Report (2023).
2. Sustainable Tourism Practices in Protected Areas: A Case Study of SGNP (2022).
3. IUCN Reports on Climate Change and Tourism Impact (2021).
4. Academic Research Papers from Google Scholar on Heritage and Sustainable Tourism.
