The protected and notified areas where there was an abundance of wildlife, and particularly the tiger, the elephant and the rhinoceros, were developed for tourists. Accommodation, roads, transport and guides were initially provided within the sanctuaries or in the better zone.
In the process of designating zones, the original community was ousted and relocated outside the notified area, often changing its traditional occupational structure. Tourists were considered to be more aware of conservation than the traditional inhabitants who lost their traditional rights to forest produce along with their traditional occupation and habitat. It is assumed that the opening up of these sanctuaries help to preserve the eco system and its ecological function.
An eco-system depends on its carrying capacity. The indigenous communities, both in number and in their daily routine, have never concentrated in some pockets at certain times of the day. Most tourist trails and viewing, on the other hand, violate this basic principle of carrying capacity – not to concentrate. Infrastructure tends to follow the concentration pattern of the user. The pressure of infrastructure encourages the violation of the amendment to existing laws. For example, the coastal zone regulation that prohibits construction and infrastructure within 500 meters from the high tide line has been infringed by the hotel lobby, which has been able to violate this regulation at will.
Mountain communities are becoming increasingly concerned about waste disposal and the growing need for firewood and fuel. Trekkers and mountaineers carry in tons of supplies but do not carry sway the empty packaging. Litter has become one of the major conservation issues.