The sixth meeting of the Governing Body of the Dudhwa Tiger Conservation Foundation was successfully held in the Parijat Hall of the Forest Department Headquarters in Lucknow, chaired by Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena, Honorable Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of Uttar Pradesh. Several historic and important decisions were taken at this meeting, addressing the needs of tourists, environmental protection, and the welfare of local communities.
During the meeting, giving great relief to nature lovers across the state, it was clearly announced that there will be no increase in safari and entry rates in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. Along with this, Field Director, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, while sharing information, said that tourism activities are continuously increasing in the area, as a result of which the revenue received from tourism has reached ₹3.20 crore in the year 2025-26, registering a spectacular growth of 49 percent from ₹2.15 crore in the financial year 2024-25.
During the meeting, Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Minister for the designation of Sauj Lake in Mainpuri district, Uttar Pradesh, as the 14th Ramsar site. It will be declared a wetland of international importance (Ramsar Site) in October 2026.
To expand tourism facilities in a modern and transparent manner, an integrated portal is being developed for online booking of safaris and rooms in all wildlife areas across the state, including tiger reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and zoos. Furthermore, to reduce pressure on core forest areas and to connect local people with self-employment, the "Buffer Mein Safar" scheme is being launched, under which vehicles registered for operation in the buffer zone will be given special financial incentives.
Two special attractions related to wildlife conservation and community-based initiatives were also launched on the occasion. A booklet titled 'Status and monitoring of The Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros in Dudhwa National Park' (Rhino ID Booklet) was released on the status and monitoring of rhinos in Dudhwa National Park. Along with this, the trailer of a short film based on the displacement and rehabilitation of Bharthpur village was also released, showcasing this unique initiative.
While discussing public problems and natural challenges, the Honorable MLA of Palia, Mr. Romi Sahni, prominently raised the issue of silt deposited in the Suheli River. He was assured that the necessary budget for the study and estimate of the Suheli River would be approved and released soon, and the work of cleaning the river would begin soon.
Addressing the meeting, Dr. Saxena gave strict instructions to the officials that all necessary resources and technology to minimize human-wildlife conflict would be made available on priority, but the department must reduce conflict incidents at all costs. In this context, a sensitive decision was also made that concrete efforts would be made to rehabilitate and improve the lives of families affected by human-wildlife conflict by providing them education, health, and livelihood support through the Foundation.
Leave a comment