PLANNING FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN A TOWN: A CASE STUDY OF OMKARESHWAR, MADHYA PRADESH

Abstract

This study, titled “Planning for Tourism Development in a Town: A Case Study of Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh,” aims to analyze the existing tourism scenario in Omkareshwar and propose a comprehensive planning-based framework for organized and sustainable tourism development. Omkareshwar, being one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, holds immense religious significance and attracts a large number of pilgrims and tourists throughout the year. However, increasing tourist inflow has resulted in multiple urban challenges such as traffic congestion, unplanned development, inadequate infrastructure, environmental degradation, and excessive pressure on riverfront and ghat areas. The study utilizes both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data has been collected through tourist surveys, field observations, and infrastructure assessments, while secondary data includes government reports, master plans, census data, and satellite imagery. Analytical techniques such as percentage analysis, trend analysis, and GIS-based spatial analysis have been employed to examine tourist behaviour, infrastructure distribution, congestion zones, and service gaps. The findings indicate that tourism in Omkareshwar is predominantly pilgrimageoriented, with a majority of visitors undertaking short-duration trips. The town’s internal road network is narrow and inefficient in handling high tourist volumes, and parking facilities are severely inadequate. Basic public amenities such as toilets, drinking water, and information systems are insufficient, particularly during peak seasons. Additionally, overcrowding in temple and ghat areas, along with poor waste management practices, has resulted in increasing environmental stress. To address these challenges, the study proposes a set of planning interventions including the development of a ropeway system, peripheral parking, pedestrianization of core areas, riverfront and ghat revitalization, smart waste management systems, emergency services, and digital information infrastructure. Advanced planning tools such as GIS-based Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) have been applied to identify priority intervention zones and support data-driven decision-making. The study concludes that a holistic, integrated, and sustainable planning approach is essential for improving the tourism experience, enhancing infrastructure efficiency, and preserving the environmental and cultural integrity of Omkareshwar. The proposed framework can also serve as a reference model for similar pilgrimage towns facing challenges of increasing tourist pressure and unplanned growth.