Uttar Pradesh Charts Ambitious Course to Elevate Dudhwa Tiger Reserve as Eco-Tourism Epicenter
In a decisive move to bolster eco-tourism, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the formulation of a comprehensive plan to develop Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) into a leading eco-tourism hub. During a recent visit to the reserve, the Chief Minister engaged with forest and tourism officials, emphasizing the need for integrated efforts to enhance the region’s tourism potential.
Strategic Initiatives for Sustainable Development
The Chief Minister’s directives encompass a multi-faceted approach:
- Collaborative Planning: Forest and tourism departments are to jointly prepare a development plan within 15 days, focusing on sustainable tourism practices.
- Infrastructure Enhancement: Emphasis on improving connectivity, lodging facilities, and tourist amenities to accommodate increasing footfall.
- Community Engagement: Training local residents as tourist guides and involving them in hospitality services to ensure inclusive growth.
- Wildlife Protection: Joint patrolling by police, SSB, and forest officers to prevent illegal activities and safeguard wildlife.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation: Installation of solar fencing around villages and training programs for residents to minimize conflicts.
- Environmental Conservation: Initiatives to rejuvenate the Suheli river and improve drainage systems through MGNREGA, with active participation from the irrigation department.
Embracing Cultural Heritage and Community Empowerment
The development plan also emphasizes the integration of local culture and community participation:
- Tharu Community Involvement: Recognizing the rich cultural heritage of the Tharu tribe, the government plans to include them in tourism activities, promoting homestays and cultural exchanges.
- Promotion of Local Handicrafts: Initiatives like the Tharu Shilp Gram aim to showcase traditional crafts, providing economic opportunities for artisans.
Enhancing Tourist Experience
To attract and accommodate more visitors, the state is focusing on:
- Vistadome Safari Expansion: The unique vistadome coach service, offering panoramic views of the forest, is set to operate daily, enhancing accessibility and tourist experience.
- Affordable Tourism Packages: Plans to introduce subsidized packages from Lucknow to Katarniaghat, making eco-tourism more accessible to a broader audience.(The Times of India)
A Vision for the Future
With these comprehensive measures, Uttar Pradesh aims to position Dudhwa Tiger Reserve as a model for eco-tourism, balancing environmental conservation with economic development. The state’s proactive approach reflects a commitment to sustainable tourism, community empowerment, and the preservation of natural heritage.