A Comparative Study of Sanitation Status and Management at Yellammanagudda and Dharmasthala in Karnataka: Lessons for Tourism Development

Tourism plays a vital role in the economic development of India, with substantial efforts made to enhance infrastructure and attract visitors. However, sanitation remains a critical issue at many tourist destinations, and this problem became even more evident during the Covid - 19 pandemic. This study explores the sanitation management systems at two prominent tourist sites in Karnataka, Yellammanagudda and Dharmasthala, to understand the factors influencing successful sanitation practices. Through primary data collected from 100 tourists at these sites, the study compares sanitation status and management strategies. The findings reveal that Dharmasthala excels in maintaining adequate sanitation due to strong leadership, strategic planning, proper financing, and community involvement, while Yellammanagudda faces significant challenges, such as insufficient facilities, poor waste management, and lack of proper planning. The study emphasizes that the failure in Yellammanagudda is largely attributed to a lack of coordination, resources, and poor management practices. The paper highlights the importance of effective sanitation management in tourism development and calls for increased awareness among policymakers and stakeholders to improve conditions at tourist spots in Karnataka, thereby ensuring a sustainable and attractive environment for tourists.