Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s green vision, Uttar Pradesh is fast-tracking its transformation into a national eco-tourism hub, with the Forest and Wildlife Department leading major initiatives to expand sustainable travel and create jobs across rural regions.
Key to the strategy is the newly launched ‘Buffer Mein Safar’ scheme, which aims to open up safari experiences in the buffer zones of the state’s tiger reserves — including Dudhwa, Pilibhit, and North Kheri. Authorities are developing new routes in Bhira and Mohammadi, expanding the tourism footprint beyond traditional forest core zones. In a move that blends conservation with economic opportunity, the department has begun training local residents as guides, hospitality staff, and support workers, offering new livelihoods tied directly to the preservation of biodiversity. The state has already seen a sharp increase in eco-tourism footfall, prompting forest authorities to keep select tiger reserves open even during the monsoon — a first for the region. Jungle safaris have also been introduced in Katarniaghat, a forested reserve near the Nepal border, known for its wildlife and scenic landscape.
In southern Kheri, the government has identified Semrai Lake, a stopover for migratory birds, as part of a birdwatching tourism circuit. Similar circuits have been planned across Gola, Bhira, and the Mohammadi Range to give visitors a holistic view of UP’s rich natural heritage. To boost visitor education and experience, a modern information centre has been opened at the Dudhwa tourism complex. It offers details on local wildlife, biodiversity, and cultural knowledge, while also raising awareness about the importance of environmental protection. Tourism-related training programmes are currently being run for canteen operators, cooks, and nature guides, aligning employment generation with skill development goals.
With increasing interest from both domestic and international tourists, officials believe Uttar Pradesh could soon emerge as one of India’s top destinations for eco-tourism.
