Tree Take Network
The new tourism season at Pilibhit Tiger Reserve officially opened for visitors today following a traditional ceremony and the flagging off of safari vehicles by Dr Arun Kumar Saxena, the Minister of State for Forest and Environment (Independent Charge). The opening day recorded a significant boost to local tourism with the arrival of international travellers from nations including Australia, Sri Lanka, and the UK.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Arun Kumar Saxena emphasised the growing importance of eco-tourism in the state. "Tourism is rapidly establishing itself as a primary driver of the economy in Uttar Pradesh," Saxena said. "Our continuous endeavour is to maximise tourist footfall and ensure visitors have an exceptional experience while exploring our natural heritage. For the first time, we have extended the tourism season across our reserves until 30 June to give nature lovers an extra month to witness our rich biodiversity. Crucially, this initiative is focused on boosting the local economy by creating fresh employment and livelihood opportunities for regional youths, safari drivers, nature guides, and tribal communities like the Tharu."
Declared a tiger reserve in 2014, Pilibhit has steadily built an international reputation, driven by a rising tiger population and the scenic landscape of the Terai region. Wildlife authorities have introduced several new amenities for this season, including an integrated online booking system for safaris. New accommodation options such as Tharu huts, water huts, and tree huts have also been made operational for overnight guests at Chuka Beach. Additionally, a new canteen has opened at Sapta Sarovar, offering curated Bengali cuisine to wildlife enthusiasts. Local officials reported high public interest, noting that all safari bookings from the opening day through to 9 November are fully booked. The launch event also attracted filmmakers and directors who want to favour the reserve for upcoming projects, including five-time National Film Award-winning wildlife filmmaker Subbiah Nallamuthu.
The opening ceremony was attended by Barkhera MLA Swami Pravaktananand, Puranpur MLA Baburam Paswan, and Bisalpur MLA Vivek Verma. Senior forestry officials in attendance included Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sunil Choudhary, Principal Chief Wildlife Warden of Uttar Pradesh Anuradha Bemuri, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Ramkumar, Managing Director of Forest Corporation Arvind Kumar Singh, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Pinaki Prasad Singh, Divisional Forest Officer of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve Manish Singh, Divisional Director of Bareilly Prakhar Gupta, and Divisional Director of Pilibhit Bharat Kumar DK.
Following the launch, the state minister and forestry officials undertook a jungle safari to Chuka before returning to Mustafabad. Commenting on operational challenges following unseasonal weather, Saxena noted, "Due to recent heavy rainfall, certain safari tracks have suffered damage, which is why we are initially opening only a single zone. However, forest department personnel are working diligently to restore the remaining tracks, and the entire forest area will be fully opened to tourists as soon as repairs are completed." During the event, the minister also unveiled eco-friendly paper bags sponsored for the reserve by local industrialist Ashwini Agarwal as part of an environmental endeavour, and released a documentary film based on Sapta Sarovar.
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