Urban Ecotourism Circuit Development in NCR: Opportunities and Constraints

Abstract

Urban ecotourism is becoming an essential approach to reconcile swift urban expansion with the preservation of natural and cultural resources. The National Capital Region (NCR), one of India's rapidly expanding metropolitan agglomerations, encompasses a variety of ecological and heritage resources, including biodiversity parks, wetlands, riverine landscapes, historic gardens, and cultural monuments. This paper examines the prospects and limitations related to the development of an integrated urban ecotourism circuit in the National Capital Region. The study employs a synthesis of secondary data, geospatial mapping and analysis of diverse case studies across globe to underscore the region's capacity for sustainable tourism circuits that link established ecological hotspots, including Yamuna Biodiversity Park, Aravalli Biodiversity Park, Okhla and Sultanpur Bird Sanctuaries, as well as heritage sites such as Lodhi Gardens and Mehrauli Archaeological Park. The results indicate substantial prospects for augmenting green infrastructure, expanding accessibility via metro and road systems, and fostering community-oriented tourist activities. Nonetheless, factors such as environmental degradation, unrestrained urban growth, insufficient waste management, and a lack of public awareness provide obstacles to the advancement of ecotourism. The research advocates for a cohesive planning strategy that merges geospatial analysis, policy assistance, and stakeholder involvement to create feasible ecotourism routes that adhere to sustainability standards. Ultimately, the establishment of urban ecotourism circuits in NCR provides recreational and educational benefits while also enhancing ecological protection and urban resilience.

Keywords: Urban Ecotourism, Ecotourism Circuit Development, National Capital Region (NCR), Sustainable Tourism Planning, Green Infrastructure.