Indian Bureaucracy, Lakhimpur Kheri, May 26, 2025| Uttar Pradesh is working hard to turn Dudhwa National Park into a major global tourism destination, blending the rich traditions of the Tharu tribal community with a plan for economic growth, cultural preservation, and environmental care. The state’s Eco-Tourism Development Board, led by Director Prakhar Mishra, the initiative involves to integrate the Tharu people—longtime forest caretakers from nine villages—into the park’s tourism efforts.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh has praised a new initiative as a great opportunity for the Tharu community, whose deep connection to nature will now drive economic gains through their authentic cuisine, handicrafts, and cultural performances. Resorts will feature traditional dishes like Dhikri and Khadia, made from rice flour, while stalls and Shilpgrams will showcase moonj grass and jute crafts, reflecting their living heritage. Performances of dances like Sakhia and Jhumra will highlight local talent, enhancing the tourist experience and supporting artists.
The initiative expands to homestays, offering tourists a chance to experience Tharu customs firsthand, enhancing local livelihoods while safeguarding traditions. With Dudhwa’s biodiversity flourishing thanks to Tharu knowledge of medicinal plants and seasonal changes, this effort blends conservation with economic development, establishing Uttar Pradesh as a leader in sustainable tourism.