CM directs Forest dept to identify one new tourist destination in every district

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed the officers of the Forest department to identify at least one new tourist destination in every district and develop facilities for tourists there while preserving its natural beauty. The CM gave the directive after inaugurating the Wildlife Week 2026 in a programme held at the FRI Campus here on Thursday.

He said that wildlife is an integral part of our faith, culture and tradition. “ Sanatan culture has always preached coexistence between humans and the living world. The animals and birds associated with gods and goddesses also reflect this sentiment. Conservation of nature and wildlife has been a part of our way of life since ancient times,’’ he said. 

The Chief Minister stated that various programs are being organized across the State to raise public awareness during Wildlife Week. 

 He said that the State government is committed to ensure that forests remain safe and their routes remain open for wild animals. Along with development projects, the government is prioritizing wildlife safety. The Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor is an example of this approach, he said.

The CM said Uttarakhand is a State encompassing the Himalayas, dense forests, rivers, lakes and rich biodiversity. The State’s greatest asset is its nature, with national parks like Jim Corbett and Rajaji being its landmarks, attracting millions of tourists year-round. He added that the government’s priority is to promote wildlife tourism while maintaining a balance with nature, ensuring the protection of forests and increasing local incomes through activities like eco-tourism and homestays.

He said that the second phase of the project to reintroduce tigers from Corbett Tiger Reserve to Rajaji Tiger Reserve is also about to begin. He said that the high Himalayan regions have good potential for snow leopard tourism. He directed Forest department officials to expedite work in this direction, so that along with snow leopard conservation, local youth can also get employment. 

In his address the CM reiterated the commitment of his government to reduce human-wildlife conflict in the State.  He added that ecotourism is being promoted in the State, so that people living near forests can find employment there and contribute to nature conservation. Dhami stated that work is also underway to develop one lakh youth as ‘CM Young Eco-Preneurs’.  He said that the State government has increased the ex-gratia amount given in case of death due to wildlife attack from Rs six Lakh to Rs 10 lakh.

In the programme, the CM felicitated 18 individuals who displayed indomitable courage during wildlife conflicts and risked their own lives to save others.

Forest minister Subodh Uniyal and others attended the programme.