Application of remote sensing and geographical information system for tourism planning and impact assessment of Nainital town, Uttarakhand

The beautiful and scenic natural surroundings of Nainital town is currently experiencing a bi-phase impact of increasing tourist activities. On one hand it has provide an impetus to employment and income generation and means of livelihood, on the other it has affected adversely the physiocultural surroundings and overall environment of the town in many ways. This presentation is an effort to elaborate these after effects which is well supported by adequate and relevant data-base and statistical figures of tourist inflow, number and increasing size of other facilities like hotels, travel agencies etc. it is quite clear from the analysis that there is an consistent rise in tourist traffic followed by a rise in number of other agencies and faculties which are providing them better services. Moreover emphasis is separately laid on various aspects of socio-economic and culture impact of ever-rising tourist pressure in the town.