Stakeholder survey-issues now and future

Methodology for need assessment and situation analysis


The Participatory Rural appraisal is an affective way of gathering initial information based on which future policies and guidelines could be formulated. PRA tools suitable for the objectives of community participation project were identified, list of the tools and type of information to be elicited is as mentioned below,
• Participatory Mapping: This tool helps with the basic inventory survey of the available infrastructure.

• Semi structured interviews: This interaction provides with helpful in-depth information

• Time line: The tool helps to find the impact of seasonal, religious and time bound tourism.

• Group Discussion: This tool allows us to explore a range of concerns and interests. The process also raises awareness about the resources and communication thus brings forth any potential conflict, and provides a platform for consensus building.

NNMSG conducted a PRA exercise with the community to gauge their expectations and brain storm solutions on how the local communities can benefit from the growing tourism in the area. The PRA provided us with an opportunity to discuss in detail the concerns about present setup, the change people would like to anticipate and possible alternatives that can effectively deliver the results and development they are seeking. The interaction with the interpreters, vendors, the horse cart owners, farmers and the museums in charge gives a good insight into the present situation and the improvements that can be provided for better growth opportunities and visitor satisfaction. These are summarized below in a separate section.
The PRA platform helps develop the framework and guidelines for developing short term and long term goals and to find the strategy to implement these plans we need to make sure that the heritage is not exploited in the process and its integrity is maintained. The cadastral map of the area gives us detailed references for finding suitable lands while minimizing the adverse impact of land acquisition for development purposes and that would lead to a master plan that would be widely accepted. The community is involved in the process from the beginning and is aware of the challenges and benefits of each alternative and the possible conflicts have potentially been addressed at the grass root levels and thus developing a consensus for a plan that is best for the greater good. The common goal being that we share everything with the tourist that would intrigue them about the culture, increase their respect for the heritage and local culture and in turn extend their total stay in the area and the process would mutually benefit the community and the visitor.

Delving into the available literature on Nalanda like the ancient travelogues and Pali scriptures would reveal relevant historical information about various archeological sites and a potential connection between them so that a big picture view can be developed and presented to the visitors and better showcase the heritage of Nalanda.

Researching more into the customs and culture of the people and relating it to the evidences in the literature would develop Nalanda as a complete destination package with some activities to appeal different tastes of variety of tourists.