Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, located in Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh, is the center of attraction for tourists. The state government has not made any increase in the safari and entry fees in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. wildlife Reserve, Expansion of tourism facilities, The government has emphasized on many important issues including connecting local communities with employment and reducing human-wildlife conflict.
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is an important center of natural heritage and biodiversity of Uttar Pradesh. tiger here, The presence of many wildlife including rhinoceros makes it one of the major wildlife tourist destinations of the country. In such a situation, maintaining a balance between conservation and tourism is the priority of the state government.
Big relief to tourists, There will be no increase in fees
Giving relief to the nature lovers of the country and the state and the tourists visiting Dudhwa, Dudhwa Tiger Conservation Foundation, under the leadership of Chief Minister of the state Yogi Adityanath, has clarified that there will be no increase in the safari and entry fees in the Tiger Reserve this year. With the decision to keep the fee unchanged, the tourism expenditure for the tourists coming to Dudhwa will be controlled and more and more people will be able to get the opportunity to see the natural beauty and wildlife closely. Tourism activities are continuously increasing in Dudhwa. financial year 2024-25 revenue from tourism in 2.15 was crore rupees, Who 49 Financial year with percentage growth 2025-26 increased in 3.20 It became crores of rupees. This growth is indicative of increasing tourist interest in Dudhwa and expansion of tourism activities in the area. Income from tourism is important for wildlife conservation as well as the local economy. Hotels at local level due to increase in number of tourists, home-stay, transportation, guide, People involved in handicrafts and other services get employment opportunities.
Integrated portal will be created for online booking
Modernize tourism facilities, The government has also taken an important decision towards making it convenient and transparent. An integrated portal is being developed to provide the facility of online booking of safari and accommodation for all the major wildlife areas of the state. Tiger reserve in this system, Wildlife sanctuaries and zoos will also be included. After the preparation of the integrated portal, tourists will not have to depend on different arrangements for different places. With the facility of online booking, the process will become more transparent and systematic. This system will not only improve the tourist experience but will also be helpful in systematically controlling the number and activities of tourists in wildlife areas. This will help in reducing unnecessary pressure on sensitive forest areas.
'Local people will get employment through 'Buffer Mein Safar'
'Buffer Mein Safar' scheme is also being launched to reduce tourism pressure on key parts of wildlife areas and to provide self-employment to local people. Under the scheme, special financial incentives will be given to vehicles registered for conducting tourism activities in the buffer area. The aim of this initiative is to establish better synergy between conservation and local livelihoods. By promoting tourism activities in the buffer area, tourist pressure on the main forest areas will be reduced. Also, local people will get opportunities to get direct economic benefits from tourism. When local communities link their livelihoods with forest and wildlife conservation, the spirit of conservation becomes stronger. From this point of view, 'Buffer Mein Safar' can be seen as a useful initiative towards community-based tourism.
Emphasis on conservation of rhinos
In an important effort related to wildlife conservation, a booklet related to the status and monitoring of the Greater One-Horned Rhino in Dudhwa National Park has also been released. Identification of Rhinos in Dudhwa through Rhino ID Book, Efforts related to monitoring and conservation have been brought forward in the form of documentation. Conservation of rhinos is linked to the unique identity of Dudhwa and scientific and systematic efforts for their monitoring will help in further strengthening wildlife conservation. Along with this, the trailer of a short film based on displacement and rehabilitation of Bharathpur village has also been launched. The film is an initiative to bring out the relationship between rehabilitation of communities and wildlife conservation.
Reducing human-wildlife conflict a priority
Reducing human-wildlife conflict along with wildlife conservation in Dudhwa region is also a big challenge. Necessary resources and modern technology are being made available on priority basis to minimize human-wildlife conflict.
The Forest Department is making effective efforts to reduce the incidents of conflict. To strengthen the monitoring system for this, Emphasis has been laid on using necessary technical resources and taking timely action in the affected areas. A balanced approach is necessary to protect both humans and wildlife. Along with protecting the natural habitat of wildlife, the safety of the people living in those areas and solving the problems is equally important.
Dudhwa National Park of Uttar Pradesh is not just a tourist destination, Rather, it is a part of the rich natural heritage of Uttar Pradesh. Wildlife protection here, environmental protection, A balance is being struck between involvement of local communities and responsible tourism. In the coming time, effective implementation of these initiatives will give new impetus to both conservation and tourism in Dudhwa.
—————————–
–Ravi Yadav, information Officer