Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Charts Ambitious Eco-Tourism Roadmap
In a significant move to harness the state's natural wealth, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued directives for the creation of a comprehensive, time-bound action plan aimed at positioning eco-tourism as a primary driver of employment generation, environmental conservation, and economic growth across the state.
Emphasis on Sustainable Development and Private Sector Involvement
Chairing a meeting of the Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board, Chief Minister Adityanath underscored that the state's vast forests, wetlands, wildlife habitats, and rich biodiversity present immense untapped potential. He stressed that this potential must be developed in a planned and sustainable manner to ensure long-term benefits.
Highlighting the critical role of the private sector, the Chief Minister asserted that active private participation is essential to build high-quality eco-tourism infrastructure and visitor facilities. This approach, he noted, will enable eco-tourism to evolve into a strong and sustainable industry, capable of attracting both domestic and international tourists.
Key Destinations Identified for Development
Specific high-potential sites have been earmarked for development through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with a clear focus on generating local employment opportunities. These include:
- Kusumhi Forest in Gorakhpur
- The Kumarganj area in Ayodhya
- Kamakhya Van Park in Ghazipur
- The Maheshpur Range in Lakhimpur Kheri
Chief Minister Adityanath emphasized that these destinations should be developed with quality accommodation, good hotels, standard restaurants, and modern infrastructure to enhance their appeal.
Eco-Tourism as a Foundation for the Future
The Chief Minister articulated a vision where Uttar Pradesh's biodiversity, wetlands, lakes, wildlife, and river systems are not merely tourism assets but the very foundation of the state's future. He projected eco-tourism as a key pillar that links conservation with livelihoods and global recognition, integrating nature conservation, rural development, private investment, and employment generation into a single, cohesive framework.
Further directives included ensuring that eco-tourism models are safe, clean, and sustainable in every district, with local community participation treated as a top priority.
Progress and Future Projects
The Board was informed of significant progress, with 44 eco-tourism infrastructure projects initiated between 2022–23 and 2024–25 across major sites such as:
- Dudhwa, Pilibhit, Ranipur, and Katarniaghat tiger reserves
- Wetlands including Haiderpur, Bakhira, Sur Sarovar, Samaspur, and Nawabganj
The current focus is on asset monetisation and long-term sustainability, with developments like eco-lodges, floating restaurants, and visitor amenities being advanced through PPP initiatives.
Enhancing Connectivity and Technological Integration
Recognizing connectivity as a critical enabler, Chief Minister Adityanath directed the launch of weekend AC bus services between Lucknow and Palia, as well as New Delhi and Palia. He also instructed that regional bus services be started on the Pilibhit–Mailani–Bahraich route, with plans to extend this successful transport model to other eco-tourism destinations.
For the fiscal year 2025–26, 31 new projects have been proposed across districts including Ayodhya, Agra, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Chitrakoot, Maharajganj, Prayagraj, Banda, Bahraich, Sitapur, Unnao, Ballia, Etawah, and Mainpuri. These projects encompass:
- Parks and interpretation centres
- Wetland development and bird-watching towers
- Trails, camping facilities, and tourist amenities
In a move to modernize visitor engagement, an AI-based chatbot and mobile application are also under development to improve information access and interaction.
Government Commitment and Collaborative Efforts
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh briefed the Chief Minister on ongoing initiatives, highlighting that Uttar Pradesh Tourism is steadily aligning eco-tourism development with community participation, improved connectivity, and investment-led growth. This alignment aims to ensure that conservation efforts and livelihood creation advance in tandem.
The meeting saw the participation of key ministers, including Finance Minister Suresh Khanna, Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh, and Forest and Environment Minister Arun Saxena, alongside senior officials, underscoring a whole-of-government approach to this ambitious eco-tourism push.
