IDENTIFICATION OF KEY INDICATORS FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AROUND DAMS IN INDIA

Abstract

The sustainable development of tourism around dams in India presents a multifaceted challenge, underscored by the nation's extensive dam infrastructure and its socio-economic significance. India boasts around 5700 large dams, ranking third globally, alongside numerous medium and small dams serving critical functions such as irrigation, water supply, hydropower generation, and flood control. However, amidst these benefits lies the imperative of fostering sustainable tourism, which demands a nuanced understanding of environmental, social, and economic dynamics. My thesis focuses on sustainable tourism development near Indian dams. It identifies crucial planning and decision-making indicators through a literature review and UNWTO guidance. Experts from diverse fields contribute insights via the Delphi survey method by considering their year of experience. Statistical analysis helps determine the most relevant indicators, with weighted mean scores reflecting overall expert opinions and weighted standard deviation indicating consensus. Firstly, I sent the Excel sheet of major parameters & respective indicators questionnaire to the 1127 technical experts who are working on the dams & associated with the DRIP project directly or indirectly. After the 1st round of Delphi survey, I received only 378 responses from the experts, and I will statistically analyse these responses to create the Excel sheet of major parameters & respective indicators for the 2nd Delphi survey to these 378 experts. I received only 78 responses via email, so after personally calling or visiting, I managed to obtain responses from the remaining 348 experts. After completing the 2nd Delphi survey, I'm able to determine the relevance.