UP opens eco-tourism in core tiger reserve zones, defying NTCA directive.

The Uttar Pradesh (UP) Government has recently launched new tourism initiatives in the core zones of its tiger reserves, despite directives from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to remove tourism structures from these protected areas. Established to ensure minimal human interference, core zones within tiger reserves are intended to serve as safe habitats for tigers and are generally off-limits to tourism activities, as per a 2019 NTCA order, which followed a Supreme Court order from 2012, prohibiting any new permanent tourism facilities in these core areas. On the other hand, UP's strategy involves creating ecotourism infrastructure and boating amenities inside these protected areas. For example, in an effort to draw tourists, a boating site has been established in the central area of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, and a bamboo cabin has been built on Chukha Beach beside the Sharda River. Reports add that the state has also set aside INR 38 lakh to construct a lawn and parking spots at Ranipur Tiger Reserve as part of its efforts to enhance visitor amenities. The jungle safari services at Dudhwa Tiger Reserve have also been revived, and plans are underway to expand ecotourism in additional wildlife sanctuaries in Uttar Pradesh. These initiatives come just after the UP Government officially opened the eco-tourism season for 2024-25 across its tiger reserves, including Pilibhit, Amangarh, and Dudhwa, on November 6—nine days earlier than usual.