The most outstanding feature of the River Ganga is that it offers uncommon environmental diversity,
impressive scenery, and an outstanding adventurous and wilderness experience. All these attributes
contribute towards wild land-based recreation. The objective of this article is to assess the environmental
and socio-cultural impacts of camping and white-water rafting on this river. This article
has largely relied on primary survey and secondary data collected from different government departments.
In all instances, both primary and secondary data sources were used in various analyses.
However, much of the article is based on the results of a social survey carried out between January
2006 and June 2007. Findings indicate some of the major environmental impacts of tourism, and its
positive and negative socio-cultural impacts. Some of the positive socio-cultural impacts include
income generation and employment opportunities from both camping and rafting to the local people,
infrastructure development such as hotels, lodges and camps, and the improvement of social services
such as communication, supply systems and telecommunications. The negative socio-cultural
impacts include increased out-migration, frustration among the youth, and cultural degeneration.
This article argues that tourism needs to be sensitive to local environmental and cultural norms and
beliefs for it to be accepted by local people and promote sustainable development. If the norms as
laid down by the government are followed by the operators, it can minimize the negative environmental
and cultural impacts of this activity.