Carrying Capacity Study of Coastal Tourism in Kumarakom, Kerala.
Syamlal G.S. Syamlal G.S.
Socio Economic Research Centre
India
Socio Economic Research Centre
India
Abstract
Kumarakom Panchayath falls under Kottayam taluk and the Pallom development
block of the Kottayam district. At present 61.22 Hectare of land is categorized as
Resort area. Due to rapid growth of tourism, there will be a higher demand for land
which will result in the faster development of the remaining resorts. It is assumed that
over and above 61.22 ha of already committed resort areas an additional 40.44 ha of
perennial crop with settlement will also be utilized for resort development and related
activities. For Kumarakom panchayath a future scenario (Year 2011) of spatial
structure has been worked out here based on the existing scenario and the envisaged
changes in the land use structure. In addition to the projected population of 27,300,
the tourist equivalent population also has to be considered for evaluating all central
facilities requirement as well as utilities service requirement for Kumarakom
panchayath. This means Kumarakom Panchayath is loaded with 42,000 (27,300 +
14,700) population instead of 27,300 natural population for providing services and
facilities. The holding capacity of 91.5 ha of resort area in Kumarakom Panchayath
estimated till 2011 will be 3660 beds (40 x 91.5 beds). The holding capacity of tourist
beds in Aymanam and Arpookara panchayaths will be 20% of 3660 i.e. 732 beds.
Thus, total holding capacity will be approximately 4392 beds. Usual tourist staff ratio
of a luxury resort of three to five stars is 1:3. Therefore, population equivalent for a
tourist is assumed as 4. This means for a holding capacity 3660 tourist in Kumarakom
panchayaths, population equivalent of tourist will be 14, 640 (3660 x 4). Various
suggestions regarding restricted development and environmental protection are
suggested through this study.
block of the Kottayam district. At present 61.22 Hectare of land is categorized as
Resort area. Due to rapid growth of tourism, there will be a higher demand for land
which will result in the faster development of the remaining resorts. It is assumed that
over and above 61.22 ha of already committed resort areas an additional 40.44 ha of
perennial crop with settlement will also be utilized for resort development and related
activities. For Kumarakom panchayath a future scenario (Year 2011) of spatial
structure has been worked out here based on the existing scenario and the envisaged
changes in the land use structure. In addition to the projected population of 27,300,
the tourist equivalent population also has to be considered for evaluating all central
facilities requirement as well as utilities service requirement for Kumarakom
panchayath. This means Kumarakom Panchayath is loaded with 42,000 (27,300 +
14,700) population instead of 27,300 natural population for providing services and
facilities. The holding capacity of 91.5 ha of resort area in Kumarakom Panchayath
estimated till 2011 will be 3660 beds (40 x 91.5 beds). The holding capacity of tourist
beds in Aymanam and Arpookara panchayaths will be 20% of 3660 i.e. 732 beds.
Thus, total holding capacity will be approximately 4392 beds. Usual tourist staff ratio
of a luxury resort of three to five stars is 1:3. Therefore, population equivalent for a
tourist is assumed as 4. This means for a holding capacity 3660 tourist in Kumarakom
panchayaths, population equivalent of tourist will be 14, 640 (3660 x 4). Various
suggestions regarding restricted development and environmental protection are
suggested through this study.
