Informatics Publishing Limited

Mohit Gera , Akhilesh K. R. Yadav , N. S. Bisht , Giresh Mohan

Abstract

The Valley of Flowers National Park spread over an area of around 87.5 km² ensconced within the upper Himalayan ridges between the altitudes of 3,200 to 6,675 m is visited by on an average around 3,000 visitors annually from all over the country as well as from out side. The study was carried out to estimate recreational benefits derived from the national park by employing two valuation techniques, viz., travel cost method (TCM) and the contingent valuation method (CVM). Application of TCM estimated a recreational value of Rs. 194.68 per visit and when extrapolated to the total number of visitors, the total recreational benefits of Rs. 5,88,332 were obtained. The recreational value estimated by application of CVM gave an average willingness to pay of Rs. 1833.83 which when extrapolated to the total number of visitors become Rs. 55,41,834. The reason for significant higher value obtained by the CVM may be due to the hypothetical nature of this valuation technique and the strategic bias where the nature loving respondents tend to place a much higher value on a site like Valley of Flowers National Park. In view of the weighted average travel cost being a small fraction of the average income of the visitors, the authors recommend an increase in gate fee and utilization of these funds for improvement in the management of the park.

Keywords

Valley of Flowers National Park, Recreational Value, Travel Cost Method (TCM),
Contingent Valuation Method (CVM)

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Mohit Gera , Giresh Mohan , N. S. Bisht

Abstract

FRI estate spread over an area of around 450 ha in the sylvan surroundings of the Doon valley offers opportunities for recreation not only to the local population but also to the tourists from far off places. The estate is visited by 55-60,000 visitors on an average per year. The FRI main building, an impressive edifice of the Greco-Roman and Oriental architecture spread over a plinth area of 2.5 ha, with the outer Himalayas forming its backdrop is the main attraction for the visitors. This colonial era piece of architecture is probably the most photographed building in the Dehra Dun city. The building houses six forestry museums, a Xylarium with 18,000 specimens and a world class herbarium with 3,30,000 specimens. The study was carried out to estimate recreational benefits; the society derives from the FRI estate by application of Travel Cost Method. A recreational value of Rs. 27.10 per visit was obtained and when extrapolated to the total number of visitors, the recreational benefits from FRI estate have been estimated to be Rs. 16,26,190/-.

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Mohit Gera , Giresh Mohan , N. S. Bisht , Neelu Gera

Abstract

The paper reports study on carbon sequestration potential and cost effectiveness of tree growing operations on farm lands of Rupnagar District of Punjab. Project based-comprehensive mitigation analysis process (PRO-COMAP) was used to estimate the sequestration potential between 2005 and 2030. The results show that there is a potential to sequester 821,961 tons of carbon during the period of analyses on farm lands of Rupnagar. The whole of this potential could be achieved at a negative cost where non-carbon revenue is sufficient to offset the direct costs. Agroforestry options seems to be attractive for the district as large number of farmers and land area is dedicated to agriculture, supported by availability of irrigation facilities and high productivity of land. The development of agroforestry, however, faces certain barriers due to unorganized markets, poor technical and financial support and lack of extension activities by the Government, which must be addressed before the mitigation activity is undertaken.

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