A Study on the Environmental Problems in Kutt...

A Study on the Environmental Problems in Kuttanad: A Case Study on House Boat Tourism

Author Name : Meebill C Mathew

ABSTRACT

In a state, where tourism emerges as an important economic activity with increased income, it is important to have a sustainable development. The growth of tourism, especially relating to water bodies creates many environmental damages. The houseboat tourism development of Kuttanad also has certain problems of environmental damages.The pollution/degradation of water bodies happens by dumping of wastes, mixing of petroleum products due to the use of motor engines, allowing plastics and other harmful materials to be used in these areas, even in house boats etc. Even though the houseboat tourism generates income, there is a cost on environment due to these types of pollutions. So, it is necessary to understand whether thetourism development is sustainable and economic. This study attempts to identify the different types of pollution caused by houseboats in Kuttanad also to understand the cost on managing the problems of pollution. It is done by undertaking a micro level study on houseboat tourism in Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha.

Keywords: houseboat tourism, backwaters, sustainability and environmental problems