Uttar Pradesh has moved a step closer to emerging as a leading wildlife tourism destination, with the Tourism and Forest Departments agreeing on an integrated roadmap for eco tourism development across the state.

Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Forest, Environment, Zoo and Climate Change Arun Kumar Saxena chaired a joint review meeting in the state capital on Friday. The meeting focused on coordinated development of the state’s four tiger reserves, ten Ramsar sites and key wetlands, with an emphasis on conservation-led tourism.

Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh said eco-tourism will play a defining role in Uttar Pradesh’s future tourism growth. That close coordination with the Forest Department is essential to build destinations that are both visitor-friendly and ecologically responsible. He said the state is now moving forward with an integrated and long-term approach to tourism development.

The meeting reviewed plans to develop eco tourism facilities at Dudhwa, Pilibhit, Amangarh and Ranipur Tiger Reserves, along with Ramsar sites including Nawabganj (Unnao), Parvati Arga (Gonda), Saman (Mainpuri), Samaspur (Rae Bareli), Sandi (Hardoi), Sarsai Nawar (Etawah), Sur Sarovar (Agra), Upper Ganga Stretch (Brijghat to Narora), Bakhira (Sant Kabir Nagar) and Haiderpur (Muzaffarnagar).

Proposed infrastructure includes entrance gates, nature trails, watchtowers, signage, cottages, gazebos, reception areas, canteens and RO drinking water facilities. Discussions also covered training of eco-tourism guides and drivers, improving visitor signage, and appointing consultants, all in consultation with the Forest Department.

Looking ahead to 2026–27, the state plans to give fresh momentum to eco-tourism projects, with upgrades proposed for Nagar Van in Bareilly and Lakh Bahosi Bird Sanctuary in Kannauj. The integrated development of the Bird Circuit, covering Sur Sarovar, Shekha Lake, Rapri Wetland, Sarsai Nawar, and Lakh Bahosi Wetland, was also discussed to strengthen these sites as tourism destinations.

A key outcome of the meeting was consensus on promoting wetland tourism under a structured One District, One Wetland model. Under this initiative, officials have identified 52 wetlands for integrated development and will promote them through tourism circuits.

Other issues discussed included operation and maintenance of facilities at Rajdari–Devdari Waterfall in Chandauli, organising a bird festival at a Ramsar site with Forest Department support, and infrastructure development at Gorakhpur Zoo, including an amphitheatre, canteen and parking.

Forest, Environment, Zoo and Climate Change Minister Arun Kumar Saxena said the objective is to showcase Uttar Pradesh’s wildlife and natural heritage as a global attraction while ensuring conservation remains central. He noted that ecotourism generates livelihoods for local communities and strengthens collective responsibility for nature protection.

The Forest Department proposed improved signage at Okhla Bird Sanctuary near Delhi-NCR and development of tourist facilities at Surajpur Bird Sanctuary in Greater Noida. The Tourism Minister agreed, noting the high footfall at both sites.

Senior officials present included Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Amrit Abhijat, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sunil Chaudhary, Director General Tourism and UPETDB Director (Administration) Rajesh Kumar, PCCF (Wildlife) B Prabhakar, Secretary Forest B Chandrakala, APCCF and UPFC Managing Director Sanjay Kumar, Tourism Advisor J P Singh and senior officers from the Forest and Tourism Departments.

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