SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN MIRIK

Suvechha GhataniResearch Scholar

Department of Geography,

Sikkim University, Gangtok, India.

Abstract: Today tourism is one of the largest and dynamically developing sectors. It is regarded as a significant tool for

the development and an important strategy in achieving economic growth of the country. Therefore, the tourism industry has

stretched from seaside to mountain resorts and from small villages to big metropolis. Likewise, tourism has occupied a major

place in the economy of Darjeeling hills. After tea, the economy of Darjeeling hills is mainly dependent upon tourism.

Tourists are attracted to mountain destinations as Himalayas offers the tourists a variety of scenic beauty, unique landscape,

clean air, pleasant climatic condition, heritage and local culture. Through the study an attempt has been made to understand

the impact of tourism development on the society from socioeconomic and environmental perspective. The study shows that

tourism has made substantial contributions to the livelihoods of local communities especially on socio-economic conditions

but at the same time has led to various negative impacts to the environment and society. Thus, the study tries to look upon

such positive and negative impact of tourism development in Mirik.

Keyword: Mirik, Tourism, Socio economic and Environmental Impact.

1. INTRODUCTION

Tourism is one of the largest and the fastest growing industries in the world today. It is now viewed as a

significant tool and an important strategy in achieving economic growth of the country. The high growth and

development of tourism rates considerable value of foreign currency inflow, infrastructure development,

promoting contribution to the social and economic development of the country as well. Tourism is not merely

leisure or entertainment or physical invigoration or mental rejuvenation but it also serves as an important

instrument for eliminating poverty, ending unemployment, providing channels so as different cultures could

meet and mingle and create a new ethic cape on which a fair, just humane and enlightened order could be built

for humanity (Singh, 2005).

Himalayas are one of the nature’s most fascinating phenomenon and one of the earth’s most bewildering

features. Hill tourism has been considered as one of the major revenue earner of any region or country as

compared to other forms of tourism. Tourists are attracted to mountain destinations as Himalayas offers tourists

a variety of scenic beauty, unique landscape, clean air, pleasant climatic condition, heritage and local culture.

The success of tourism in Darjeeling hills also owes to several factors like its location, climate, and easy

accessibility. Nestled among the undulating mountain with the shimmering Kanchenjunga towering over the sky

Darjeeling hill is fondly called the “queen of hills” and a perfect gateway for those seeking to be in harmony

with nature. The region has a unique geographical advantage with a mountainous topography and leading tourist

destination in the state. Darjeeling hill is dotted with several places of natural beauty amongst which Mirik is of

them.

Therefore, with an objective to identify the socioeconomic and environmental impact of tourism development,

this paper presents findings from a study of socioeconomic and environmental impact from tourism

development conducted in Mirik. Findings from both positive and negative economic impacts from tourism

development are presented.

2. MIRIK –At Glance Mirik a beautiful hill station nestled in the midst of Eastern Himalaya is located in the state of West Bengal

under Darjeeling District. Extending between 26˚53’08’’N latitude and 88˚11’14’’E longitude at an altitude of

1767m Mirik falls amongst the popular tourist destination in Darjeeling hills. The region is primarily known for

its natural beauty rather than artificial attraction. It is bounded by natural scenic beauty such as fascinating

landscape, beautiful hills, and magnificent view of Kanchenjunga, pristine forest, beautiful lake, exotic orchards

and tea gardens.

The name “Mirik” comes from a “Lepcha” word “Mir Yok” meaning “a place burnt by fire”. The indigenous

Lepcha people called it “Burnt Hills”. The region gained popularity during the Colonial period when the British

explored this area for hilly hamlets that could be converted into hill stations which served British as their

summer resort. Mirik town started as a rural market center for the surrounding tea garden and villages. The

development of tourism in Mirik began during 1974 when the state tourism department acquired 335 acres of

land area from the neighboring Thurbo tea estate and started developing it as a tourist place.

The area of Mirik town although being small covering an area of 6.50 km2 and 1.35km2 as tourism projected

areas , has always been successful in attracting people from all over the world. The nature lover and the

admirer of greenery will be left speechless by the natural beauty of the place followed by the variety of orchard

and plantations. Further the opportunity of tea tourism, trekking, cultural dance, different festivals and nuptial

style of different communities of people of Mirik proves that the region has the potential tourism resource to

attract significant number of domestic and international tourist.

The tourist attraction in Mirik can be classified under i) Natural Sightseeing ii) Religious Places and iii)

Adventures. Some of the major places of interest in Mirik are mentioned below:

i. SUMENDU LAKE is the primary attraction of the small hilly town and is popularly known as Mirik Lake.

Located at an elevation of 1494m, it is an artificial lake constructed during the late 1970’s to promote tourism

here. The lake was constructed by damming the stream that feeds river Mechi1. The lake covers an area of about

16.19ha with the approximate length of 1.25km2. The lake has different varieties of fishes. Lake is ideal for

boating but fishing is strictly probhited in the lake. The walk of 3.5km long promenade around the lake is

fascinating one and 80 ft long arch type bridge across the lake has been wonderful engineering work. This is

referred to as one of the most beautiful lake in Darjeeling district. Besides attracting tourist, the lake also serves

as a major source of drinking to the local people.

ii. RAMEETY DARA and KAWLEY DARA are the high spot vintage points in Mirik which will make one

feel like up in the cloud. A spectacular view of rising and setting of sun and the breathtaking landscape of

plains and mountains can be seen from here.

iii. SWISS COTTAGE is a series of small and beautiful cottage build up especially for the attraction of tourist.

Located on top of the hill, the entire stretch of Mirik Lake as well as the town is visible from here and also the

places much beyond including parts of Nepal and the ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga can be seen from this place.

1 A trans boundary river flowing through Nepal and India.

iv.BUDDHIST LAVA MONASTREY, DONBOSCO CHURCH and DEVISTAN2 are some of the major

religious places of interest that attracts tourists.

The facility of trekking is also provided by the Mirik Tourism Department for the entertainment of tourist as a

part of tourism. Trekking from Mirik to Sandakphu and Phalut is very popular and short trek from Mirik to

Kurseong via Balason River and Namsu is also provided.

v. RANGBANG and MANJUSHREE PARK: These are the two different parks and picnic spots located in

Mirik. Rangbang lies at about 12 km from the town on Rangbang river basin bounded by tea cultivation on

either side.

vi. TEA ESTATES and ORCHARDS: The experiment of tea plantation in Darjeeling Hills was started in

1841 and with the huge success with the experiment the tea estates was established in almost all the hilly areas

by second half of 19th century (Bhuimali and Das,2011). Mirik is almost completely surrounded by some of the

best tea gardens of the region. There are altogether eight tea gardens in and around Mirik and these tea

plantations has played the dominant role in contributing to the economy and society of the people these regions.

On the other hand, Mirik is the largest producer and supplier of Orange in West Bengal. One can adore the

undulating meadows of Orange orchards which just brightens up the landscape with their hues of orange dotting

the lush green Mirik landscape.

Apart from orange and tea the lovely hill of Mirik also grows “Cardamom” the world’s third most expensive

spice. The climatic condition of Mirik is conducive to Cardamom cultivation generating huge revenue to the

state of West Bengal.

2 This means home of god. Devi means god and stan meaning place

Table 1: Classification of Tourist Attraction in Mirik and its Surrounding Areas

Natural Sightseeing Religious Places Man Made Sight

seen

Adventure

i. Sumendu Lake (Mirik

Lake)

ii. Rameety Dara

iii. Kawley Dara

iv. Tingling View point

vi. Tea Estates and

orchards

(Orange Orchards,

Cardamom Cultivation,

Cymbidium Orchids

Plantations)

i. Buddhist Lava

Monastery

iii. Donbosco

Church

iv. Devistan

i. Swiss Cottage

ii. Helipad

iii. Rang bang

Picnic

Spot

iv. Manjushree

Park

and picnic Spot

.

i. Trekking from

Mirik to Sandakphu

and Phalut.

ii. Short trek from

Mirik to Kurseong

via River Balason

and Namsu

3. TOURISM TREND in MIRIK

Table II: Tourist Inflow in 2000- 2012

Tourism Office, Mirik

Figure 1: Graph showing tourist inflow in Mirik

200-2001

2001-2002

2002-2003

2003-2004

2004-2005

2005-2006

2006-2007

2007-2008

2008-2009

2009-2010

2010-2011

2011-2012

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000TOURIST INFLOW

Various types of tourism have been and are practiced in the Himalayan region. Hill stations like Mirik were

developed during the British regime as a summer capital. Table given above shows the tourist inflow in Mirik from

the year 2000 to 2012.The figure shows tourism growth was one of the success stories in the past. The inflow of

tourist was considerably high during 2003 to 2005 and it decreased to low during 2007 to 2010. One of the major

reasons for the catastrophic downfall of tourist was the political instability in the region. There were several

agitations, strikes due to Gorkhaland movement in Darjeeling hills that hampered the tourist inflow. Besides this the

other reason for the decrease of tourist inflow in the region are deterioration of some tourist destinations,

exploitation of tourist attraction by human intervention and no proper plans and policies for tourism development.

The new investment in tourism sector is almost nil and thus Mirik has failed to attract new models of business too in

the recent years.

Tourists flow to Darjeeling hills (Mirik) follows a seasonal pattern, which is probably controlled by weather

conditions and vacation pattern. Tourist arrival in Mirik has been found to be generally highest during summer (i.e.

Year Number of tourist Growth Rate Percent

2000- 2001 16367

2001-2002 17941 9.61

2002-2003 18432 2.37

2003-2004 20572 11.61

2004-2005 20136 -2.11

2005- 2006 19765 -1.84

2006-2007 17100 -13.48

2007-2008 5245 -69.32

2008-2009 7843 49.53

2009-2010 8467 7.9

2010-2011 11,812 39.50

2011- 2012 12,147 2.83

during the month of March to May) and during winter (in the month of December, January and February). During

summer tourist visits to get relief from the scorching heat of plains. In the winter people visits this place to see clear

sky, enjoy the cold and chilled winter of this place. Further various tourism festivals are also organized by the

tourism department during winter in order to entertain the tourist visiting the place where one gets the opportunity to

gaze and understand the tradition and customs of the place like traditional folk songs and dance, traditional cuisine,

traditional dress etc.

4. RESULT and DISCUSSIONImpact of tourism development in Mirik

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

The natural environment of Mirik has played a major role in making the place famous amongst tourist

destination. It is mainly its natural beauty and pleasant climatic condition that has attracted large tourist to this

place. The presence of wetland is the unique feature of Mirik which has led to the development of Sumendu

Lake more popularly known as Mirik Lake. Although environment possesses a very important part of tourism

product however overexploiting of this leads to the phenomenon of “tourism killing tourism”. The

environmental impact of tourism depends on how the developments and activities are managed. Expansion of

tourism in this region has resulted to environmental stress. Some of the negative environmental impact of

tourism development identified in the region includes the following:

Sumendu Lake popularly known as “Mirik Lake” is one of the main tourist attraction here. Large

number of hotels and restaurants has sprang along the immediate surroundings of the lake resulting to

pollution of lake.

High concentration of tourist has resulted to generation of large amount of solid waste. Garbage are

seen littered and left behind on every hill slopes presenting a dreadful sight and such practice degrades

the environment.

Inadequate sewerage system and solid waste dumping sites has resulted to severe environmental stress

in the area. More than 1,000 houses in the Mirik municipality have their sewage lines beneath the lake,

people wash their clothes near the lake, tea stalls have come up on the park and toilets and urinals exist

close to the lake thus there is tremendous amount of siltation in the lake.

The presence of wetland is like a gift of nature to the people of Mirik. It has its own ecosystem. The

wetland here is the habitat for many endangered species like “Salamander”. The wildlife act 1973 has

declared it as an endangered species and it is still available in Mirik Lake but, it is at the level of

extinction because of human intervention. The task of filling the wetland has been taking place in the

recent time for new construction. The area of wetland has been reduced to less than 100 hectare from

its original spread of 125 hectare because of overexploitation and pollution caused by human

intervention.

Other species like coromandal kingfisher and various species of migrating birds are available here.

Plant species like Acorus calamus (bojho) which also helps in purification of water in the lake are also

available but all these species are in verge of extinction in the present time due to harmful human

intervention.

A thick forest of Cryptomria japonica (Pine) tree covers the western part of Mirik; it also plays a major

role in adding the beauty to tourism. A walk along the forest area is a fascinating one but deforestation

of these trees are taking place for construction of roads and private buildings. This is also one of the

factors responsible for environmental degradation in the area.

SOCIO ECONOMIC IMPACT

Today tourism has been one of the largest and dynamically developing sectors of external economic activities.

Its high growth and development rates, inflow of large volume of foreign currency, infrastructural development

and introduction of new management and educational experience actively affects various sectors of economy

which positively contributes to the social and economic development of the country as a whole.

The economy of Darjeeling hill is dependent on three T’s Tea, Timber and Tourism. In the recent time timber

has lost its importance due to massive deforestation. However, growth and development of tourism has

contributed to the economic development of the region. The primary concern with tourism in Mirik is its

potential to create employment for the people living there. Tourism is the second largest export industry after tea

in Darjeeling hills providing direct and indirect employment to large number of population in the region.

Tourism is thus influential in increasing the sustainable income in the local economy of Darjeeling hills where

economic development has remained sluggish. In this region industrialization is limited and under such

circumstances the best or the only viable option in Darjeeling hill region is to recharge the sluggish economy

by utilization of tourism potential that is explicit in her natural splendor and cultural heritage.

Growth of tourism in Mirik has helped in promoting employment opportunities both in formal and informal

sector for the local people. The extent at which the employment is created is influenced by the degree of

linkages between the tourism and the other sector of economy. Development of tourism in Mirik has influenced

the establishment of tourist facilities such as hotels, motels, tour guide, travel agencies, horse rider, boat rider,

cab drivers, transport operator, wholesale and retail market etc. This has helped in reducing the poverty level of

the region which indirectly leads to the better living standard by the people of Mirik. It also has helped in

promoting indirect employment like construction, designs and transport companies etc.

5. CONCLUSIONTourism in Darjeeling hill offers a greatest scope of development and tourist business occupies a prominent

place from the view of scenic and natural beauty. In spite of various adverse impact of tourism in the hill

region there is no denying fact that the economy of hill still rests upon it. Mirik one of the exotic hill station in

Darjeeling hills has immense potential for the development of tourism however absence of proper policy and

planning has made the industry directionless and the development activities are also sluggish. Further there is

no proper management of the available resource and hence the resources are at the risk of losing its

importance. The development of tourism in the region is of fundamental importance as its has helped to

enhance socioeconomic condition of the local but it should not proceed at the cost of ecological and societal

degradation. Therefore, to be really effective development without destruction is the only way forward for a

long lasting and sustainable tourism development. The tourism potential if properly planned in Mirik can

become a source of future income and regional development as well.

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Bengal, India. Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management, 2(1), 113-128. Bhutia,S. (2015). Sustainable Tourism Development in Darjeeling Hills of West Bengal, India: Issues

& Challenges. Global Journal of Human Science B,15(3),1-4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirik (Accessed on 13th March 2017).