Lucknow, May 15 : In a significant move to elevate Dudhwa National Park as a top-tier eco-tourism destination, the Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board held a comprehensive dialogue with tour and travel operators.

The session, held at Tourism Bhawan on Thursday, focused on unlocking Dudhwa’s full potential through collaborative promotion, infrastructure development, and curated tourism experiences.

Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh highlighted the state government’s multi-pronged strategy to increase footfall in Dudhwa and surrounding areas. “Efforts are underway to strengthen accommodation, develop yoga and wellness centres, encourage rural tourism, and promote local crafts and cuisine. We believe this natural treasure will play a defining role in making Uttar Pradesh a top destination for international tourists,” he said.

Describing Dudhwa as one of the last surviving stretches of the once-vast Himalayan Terai, the Minister said, “Dudhwa is not just a sanctuary for rare and endangered species, but a living repository of our disappearing forest ecosystems. Its dense forests, marshes, grasslands, and oxbow lakes represent rhythmic patterns of nature celebrated worldwide.”

Home to over 120 tree species, more than 100 varieties of herbs and shrubs, and rare orchids, Dudhwa boasts remarkable biodiversity. The region supports a thriving population of mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and aquatic life, making it a vital example of ecological richness and stability.

Singh reiterated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Dudhwa is being developed as a national eco-tourism flagship. Key initiatives include stakeholder consultations, promotion of local heritage and cuisine, expanded train safari outreach, integrated wellness and accommodation facilities, dedicated tourist helpdesks, and a comprehensive regional master plan. The board has also shared four proposed itineraries tailored for various traveller interests.

“Uttar Pradesh currently leads in domestic tourism, and with strategic initiatives, we aim to achieve the same in international arrivals,” said Singh. “Tour and travel operators have a critical role in this journey, and the government is fully committed to supporting efforts at every level.”

During the interaction, over 100 tour and travel operators from within Uttar Pradesh and other states joined in-person and virtually. Several suggestions emerged, including integrating Dudhwa with spiritual circuits like Ayodhya and Kashi, organising familiarisation (FAM) tours, and initiating student exposure visits from cities like Jhansi, similar to those conducted in Lucknow. The board assured that these ideas will be actively considered and implemented wherever feasible.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoD) Sunil Chaudhary lauded the initiative, calling it a promising step toward expanding tourism in the state. Managing Director of Forest Corporation KK Singh noted that Dudhwa offers something for every type of traveller, and it is essential that tour operators design customised itineraries based on visitor interests.

Other key speakers included Additional PCCF Lalit Kumar Verma, CCF (Policy & Analysis) Aditi Sharma, UPSTDC MD Sanya Chhabra, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Field Director Dr. Rangaraju, and Tourism Director Prakhar Mishra, who delivered a detailed presentation on the board’s vision and plans for Dudhwa’s development.