State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 28 May 2025

Buffer Mein Safar Yojana

Why in News? 

The Uttar Pradesh Forest and Wildlife Department has launched a new ecotourism initiative named ‘Buffer Mein Safar Yojana’.  

Key Points 

Buffer Mein Safar Yojana 

• Objectives of the Scheme: 
  • The primary goal of the scheme is to promote sustainable and eco-friendly tourism in the buffer zones of tiger reserves. 
  • The initiative seeks to empower local communities by offering them training and employment opportunities within the tourism sector. 
  • It also aims to strengthen wildlife conservation efforts by encouraging community-led protection of biodiversity. 
• Significance: 
  • The initiative is expected to significantly contribute to Uttar Pradesh’s goal of becoming a leading ecotourism destination in India. 
  • The integrated approach of combining tourism, conservation, and local employment may also serve as a model for other states seeking to balance ecological sustainability with economic growth. 
• Implementation Regions: 
  • Key Tiger Reserves and Buffer Zones: 
    • The scheme is being implemented in major tiger reserve buffer zones such as Dudhwa, Pilibhit, and Lakhimpur Kheri, which are known for their rich biodiversity and proximity to the India-Nepal border. 
    • Additional ecologically significant areas like Sohagibarwa and Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuaries have also been included under the scheme. 
  • Special Ecological Spot: 
    • Semrai Lake, an important stopover for migratory birds, is being developed as a part of the ecotourism circuit.  
      • This will provide birdwatchers with new opportunities to explore  
• Tourism Infrastructure Development: 
  • A modern information centre has been established at the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve to enhance visitor engagement. 
  • The centre will offer educational insights into the region’s flora and fauna, along with detailed information about conservation efforts. 

Dudhwa National Park 

• It is located in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, near the Indo-Nepal border. 
• It was established in 1977 as a National Park (Wildlife Sanctuary since 1958). 
• Wildlife & Ecosystem: 
  • Home to Bengal tigers, leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and 450+ bird species 
  • Features a diverse ecosystem like grasslands, swamps, and dense forests 
• Conservation & Ecotourism: 
  • Known for habitat restoration and reintroduction of endangered species like the barasingha 
  • Promotes eco-tourism to support local communities and preserve the environment 

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve 

• In September 2008, it was declared as the 45th Tiger Reserve of India under the Project Tiger initiative. 
• Geography:  
  • The northern boundary of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve lies along the Indo-Nepal border, providing a natural international frontier. 
  • The southern boundary is defined by the Sharda and Khakra rivers, which contribute to the region's rich biodiversity and water resources. 
• Ecological Significance: 
  • Represents a prime example of the Terai ecosystem, known for its open grasslands, sal forests, water bodies, and rich biodiversity 
  • Identified by the Wildlife Institute of India for its unique ecological and behavioral tiger adaptations specific to the Tarai region 
• Flora and Fauna: Key wildlife includes tigers, swamp deer, Bengal florican, hog deer, leopards, and a rich prey base (cheetal, sambar, wild boar, blue bull, etc.) 

Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary 

• It is located in Uttar Pradesh’s Terai region, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary spans around 400 sq. km and lies along the Ghaghara River.  
• It was established in 1975 and designated a Tiger Reserve in 2008, it is a key part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. 
• Biodiversity: 
  • Home to Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and the endangered Gangetic dolphin. 
  • Rich prey base includes hog deer, swamp deer, and more. 
  • It is home to over 350 bird species, including Indian skimmer, osprey, great hornbill, and kingfishers. 
  • The sanctuary features dense sal forests, along with teak, jamun, and medicinal plants.