- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Thu, 04 Dec 2025 04:04 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
To strengthen eco-tourism in Uttar Pradesh, the state tourism department has invested Rs 161 crore over the past three years to enhance facilities at major eco-tourism sites. Infrastructure for tourist stays is being upgraded at Dudhwa National Park and other prominent destinations, with eco-friendly amenities being added across multiple forest areas.
UP’s forest zones, including Dudhwa, Pilibhit, Katarniaghat, Amangarh, and Sohagibarwa, are emerging as major attractions, drawing an increasing number of domestic and foreign tourists. Alongside conservation efforts, the state has created a supportive environment for rare species, including rhinoceroses, tigers, barasingha (also known as swamp deer), and gharials.
According to officials, the Eco-Tourism Development Board has developed facilities such as road improvements, cafeterias, eco-friendly resting areas, gazebos, nature trails, bird-watching points, and children's play zones over the last three years.
Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh, speaking on the occasion of World Wildlife Conservation Day on Thursday, shared new wildlife census figures. As per the 2022 report, Dudhwa National Park recorded over 65,000 wild animals, Katarniaghat around 12,000, and more than 14,000 in its buffer zone. By 2025, the wildlife population in Dudhwa rose to over 1.13 lakh, Katarniaghat exceeded 17,000, and the buffer zone surpassed 15,000.
Leopard numbers in Dudhwa, Katarniaghat, and the buffer zone increased sharply from 92 in 2022 to 275 in 2025. The rhinoceros population also grew from 49 to 66 during the same period, indicating significant progress in wildlife conservation efforts.