Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve - Equitable Tourism Options

has been alleged that Silayan, a tribal had been beaten up till death
by resort people when he opposed some shady operations of the
resort.
Lands in Tamilnadu are classified as a) Revenue lands on which ownership lies with the
Government under the concept of Eminent Domain b) Poramboke lands are considered as
Common lands that also belong to the government but among 64 kinds. some can be
reclassified as lands for settlement purpose,
c) Private patta lands on which individuals can have ownership but even on these kinds of
lands, ultimate ownership lies with the State, d) Reserve forest/ands are vested with the forest
department.
Findings Of The Survey
• Forthe question of previous land use ofthe resort, 40%ofthe resort
lands have been agricultural lands previously, 5% of the land has
been cattle farm land and private forest was occupied 5% of land.
Only in the 5% of land there were lodges. There were buildings and
constructions in 15% of land.
• 90%of locals expressed that in the last 15 years tourist inflow has
been increased whereas 10% locals only said negatively.
• 90%ofthe resorts have been obtained permission from Panchayats
1 O%of resorts haven't obtained whatsoever permission from local
authorities.
• 72% of respondents opined that tourism has brought in better
infrastructure facilities, 58% expressed dissatisfaction the way in
which civic amenities provided due to impacts of tourism.
• 15% of locals said that due to tourism activity, knowledge about
local cultures has been enhanced whereas 68% of locals have
expressed that tourism has not brought out any opportunities in
increasing knowledge about local cultures.
• 40% said that tourism has brought in change in the mobility of locals
but43%said that it is not.