Published Paper Details:

Abstract The Upper Beas Basin of Kullu valley has experienced a rapid growth in number of visitors in the past few decades, i.e., from a mere 10,000 visitors in the 1960's (Singh, T.V 1989) to more than 28 lakh in2022. (HPTDC 2022). This has resulted in an uncontrolled and unplanned growth of tourism related infrastructure, crowding, congestion and pollution. All this is having a deep impact on the regions environment, economy and society, raising questions of long term sustainability of tourism in the region. As such, the paper tries to assess the impacts of tourism especially on the social and cultural aspect of the region. Socio-Cultural impact assessment is crucial for tourism sustainability because it helps identify and mitigate potential negative effects on local communities, cultures and traditions. By understanding these impacts tourism development can be managed in a way that benefits both visitors and the host communities, ensuring long-term sustainability and harmony between tourism and local cultures. The study clearly demonstrates positive and negative impacts on the socio-cultural aspects of the Upper Beas Basin. Among the negative impacts one sees changes in the occupation, social values, family structure etc. There is a weakening of community bonds, degeneration of social value systems, commercialization of culture, increase in crime and moral laxity. The positive impacts on the other hand were preservation and revival of certain culture and traditions, spread of new ideas (cultural exchange), increasing awareness of the significance of education and a desire to improve their living standards.