Uttar Pradesh (UP) has embarked on an ambitious eco-tourism initiative, launching new ventures within the core areas of its tiger reserves. This move, however, has sparked controversy, drawing criticism from conservationists who fear it may compromise wildlife protection efforts.
The state’s decision to push forward with these projects runs counter to instructions from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which has advocated for the removal of tourism structures from these sensitive zones. Core zones within tiger reserves are designed to minimize human impact, serving as safe havens for tigers and typically restricting tourism. This approach aligns with a 2019 NTCA directive grounded in a 2012 Supreme Court ruling that prohibited new permanent tourism facilities within these critical areas.
UP’s current approach, however, defies this directive. The state has initiated the development of ecotourism and boating facilities within these core zones. For instance, a boating area has been established in the central region of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, along with a bamboo cabin on Chukha Beach along the Sharda River. This development aims to attract visitors, catering to a growing demand for ecotourism experiences.
Further bolstering these initiatives, the UP Government has allocated INR 38 lakh to enhance visitor amenities at Ranipur Tiger Reserve by adding a lawn and parking facilities. Additionally, the state has revived jungle safari services at Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and is actively planning to extend ecotourism activities to other wildlife sanctuaries in the region.
These developments follow the official launch of the 2024-25 eco-tourism season across UP’s tiger reserves, including Pilibhit, Amangarh, and Dudhwa, on November 6—nine days earlier than usual.
Meanwhile, conservationists and officials in states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, which adhere to NTCA guidelines, express deep concerns over UP’s approach. Maharashtra’s forest department, for example, has completely eliminated all visitor accommodations within core zones, allowing access only to essential personnel. Similarly, Madhya Pradesh restricts core zone access to necessary staff, prioritizing the protection of these vital habitats.
Conservation experts emphasize that maintaining the sanctity of core zones is crucial for tiger conservation. These zones minimize human disruption in habitats critical for the survival of this endangered species. As UP expands its tourism initiatives, this policy shift raises significant questions about its potential impact on conservation and the future of India’s protected tiger habitats.
The debate over UP’s ambitious tourism plan highlights the complex challenges of balancing economic development with the need to protect endangered wildlife. While eco-tourism can play a role in promoting environmental awareness and generating revenue for conservation, it must be implemented with careful consideration for the sensitive ecological needs of these critical wildlife zones.
The long-term consequences of UP’s approach remain unclear. The effectiveness of the state’s measures in managing tourism activities within core zones, while ensuring the safety and well-being of tigers, will be closely watched by conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
