In a major push to position Uttar Pradesh as a leading eco-tourism destination, the state government is set to launch the ‘Buffer Mein Safar’ scheme, an initiative designed to promote sustainable tourism while conserving biodiversity and empowering local communities.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Forest and Wildlife Department is spearheading this green initiative, which will open up safari routes in the buffer zones of key tiger reserves including Dudhwa, Pilibhit, Sohagibarwa, and North Kheri. Scheduled to commence during the monsoon season, the program will allow tourists to experience jungle safaris year-round, a unique offering in Indian wildlife tourism.
As part of the scheme, new safari circuits are being finalized in areas such as Bhira, Mohammadi, and Gola in Lakhimpur Kheri, along with Kartaniya Ghat, near the Nepal border. These regions are known for their scenic beauty, rich wildlife, and bird migration hotspots such as Semrai Lake, which will now be included in the tourism circuit.
To support the growth of eco-tourism, the department has also established a modern information center at the Dudhwa tourism complex, offering educational resources on local biodiversity, culture, and environmental conservation. Tourists will benefit from enhanced services as locals are being trained as guides, canteen staff, and hospitality personnel, generating employment and ensuring community involvement in the state’s tourism growth.
The scheme will enrich the tourist experience and also help reduce human-wildlife conflict by encouraging structured and responsible tourism, said an official spokesperson from the department. To further bolster tourism, the state plans to keep select reserves open for extended periods and ensure continuous safari operations, even during the rainy season.
Uttar Pradesh has already witnessed a steady rise in eco-tourism footfall, and officials believe that ‘Buffer Mein Safar’ will further accelerate this momentum. The initiative represents a holistic approach to conservation, sustainable development, and rural empowerment, cementing Uttar Pradesh’s status as an emerging hub for eco-conscious travel in India.
