Eco Tourism in UP: Instructions to make eco-tourism the basis of employment, environmental protection and economic development in UP. The Chief Minister has asked to develop hotels and facilities at selected sites with the participation of the private sector.
Lucknow, February 09: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has given instructions to prepare a comprehensive and time-bound action plan for making eco-tourism the main basis of employment generation, environmental protection and economic development in Uttar Pradesh. The Chief Minister said that the state’s rich biodiversity, forest areas and natural heritage have immense potential for eco-tourism, which needs to be implemented in a planned manner. For this, active participation of the private sector should be ensured, so that eco-tourism can be developed as a strong and sustainable industry.
In the meeting of Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism Development Board held on Monday, the Chief Minister directed that good hotels and quality restaurants, quality residential facilities and modern infrastructure should be developed for tourists at selected eco-tourism sites, so that national and international tourists can be attracted. He said that promising areas like Kusamhi forest of Gorakhpur, Kumarganj area of Ayodhya, Kamakhya Forest Park of Ghazipur and Maheshpur range of Lakhimpur Kheri should be developed through PPP model and new employment opportunities should be created at the local level.
The Chief Minister said that Uttar Pradesh’s biodiversity, natural wealth, wetlands, lakes, wildlife and river systems are not just a subject of tourism but are the basis of the future of the state. He said that eco-tourism will become a big pillar of employment, economy, conservation and global identity in the coming years, hence safe, clean and sustainable eco-tourism model should be developed in every district.
The Chief Minister directed that eco-tourism should be made a strong model of nature conservation, local employment, private investment and rural development and the participation of the local community should be given priority in its operation.
It was informed in the meeting that a total of 44 eco-tourism infrastructure projects have been launched in major wetlands like Hyderpur, Bakhira, Sur Sarovar, Samaspur and Nawabganj including Dudhwa, Pilibhit, Ranipur and Katraniyaghat Tiger Reserves between the financial year 2022-23 to 2024-25. The Board is now working on monetization and long-term sustainability of assets by implementing PPP model for eco lodges, floating restaurants and tourist facilities.
Chief Minister stressed on improving connectivity
Giving said that weekend AC bus service should be operated between Lucknow-Palia and New Delhi-Palia. The Chief Minister directed to start regional bus service for Pilibhit-Mailani-Bahraich and said that in view of the successful model of the Transport Corporation, these services should be expanded to other eco-tourism destinations. It was also informed in the meeting that in the year 2025-26, a total of 31 new projects based on new parks, interpretation centres, wetland development, bird watching towers, trails, camping and tourist facilities have been proposed in various districts like Ayodhya, Agra, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Chitrakoot, Maharajganj, Prayagraj, Banda, Bahraich, Sitapur, Unnao, Ballia, Etawah, Mainpuri etc.
AI chatbot and mobile app also ready
- An AI chatbot and mobile app is also being developed by the board. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh informed the Chief Minister about the departmental activities of tourism development.
- The meeting was graced with the dignified participation of Finance Minister Suresh Khanna, Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh, Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh and Forest and Environment Minister Arun Saxena.