- Chief Minister inaugurates and lays foundation stone for 26 Projects worth Rs 248 crore in Pilibhit
- Forest department developed 10 wetlands across the state: CM
By Our Correspondent
Pilibhit: Highlighting the considerable potential for eco-tourism in the Terai region, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated on Friday that eco-tourism is experiencing rapid growth from Chuka to Kartaniya Ghat, Dudhwa, and Amangarh. The Forest Department has taken significant steps, including the development of 10 wetlands, to enhance eco-tourism opportunities.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath concluded Wildlife Week by reaching Mustafabad Guest House in Pilibhit. During his visit, he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 26 projects worth Rs 248 crores. The Chief Minister also honored many officials of the Forest Department after visiting the exhibition organized at the venue.
In his address to the gathering, the Chief Minister said that human existence depends on animals and water ecosystem. He emphasized that in Indian philosophy, the earth is referred to as the mother, and all living beings are considered her children. As living beings, we all coexist, whether a creature is domesticated or wild. Any crisis affecting animals and the ecosystem directly endangers human existence.
The Chief Minister said that the double-engine government is continuously striving for development. “We are developing everyone,” he added.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that international organizations have conducted a joint survey. Pilibhit Tiger Reserve has been awarded the first global award in the survey. He noted that in 2014, there were 25 tigers in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, a number that grew to 65 by 2018. The state of Uttar Pradesh, which had 173 tigers, now boasts more than 205 tigers.
Regarding the issue of human-wildlife conflict, the Chief Minister said, “To address the loss of life caused by such conflicts, the government declared it a disaster, ensuring a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for affected families. “Over the past six years, the Forest Department has transformed into a ‘model’ through active public participation.”
Underlining the government’s commitment to wildlife conservation, Yogi Adityanath mentioned that Pilibhit Tiger Reserve has been given the international Tiger X2 Award by Midori Paxton, UNDP Head of Ecosystem and Biodiversity Programme.
Chief Minister Yogi declares Gangetic Dolphin as State Aquatic Animal
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has declared the Gangetic Dolphin as the state aquatic animal. He emphasized the need to maintain the purity of ponds and rivers. These dolphins are found in rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Chambal, Ghaghra, Rapti, and Gerua. The estimated population of Gangetic dolphins in the state is around 2000.
Additionally, the CM highlighted the importance of training local residents on how to interact with wildlife.
He proposed training individuals from villages connected to the Tiger Reserve as guides, aiming to create employment opportunities and raise awareness within the community.He emphasized, “It’s important for both tourists and local residents to refrain from using plastic, as it harms our water and nature.”
