About Us

About the Board

Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board (UPETDB)

The Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board (UPETDB) was established in August 2022 under the Department of Tourism in collaboration with multiple departments, including:

  • Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change
  • Ayush Department
  • Rural Development Department
  • Irrigation Department
  • Urban Development Department
  • Agriculture Department
  • Horticulture Department
  • Sports Department
  • Transport Department, and others.

The primary objective of the UPETDB is to promote eco-tourism while ensuring environmental sustainability, community participation, and economic growth. Since its establishment, the board has initiated and completed numerous high-impact projects across the state, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable tourism development.

Goals and Objectives

  • Develop the tourism industry while offering high-quality experiences to visitors.
  • Ensure adherence to the Honorable Supreme Court's directives and regulations regarding construction in buffer zones.
  • Foster cooperation between the Department of Tourism and the Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change to facilitate eco-tourism growth in Uttar Pradesh.

Operational Scope

To streamline responsibilities, the following framework has been established:

  • Protected Forest Areas: The Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change will oversee eco-tourism activities exclusively in protected forest regions and other forest lands under its jurisdiction.
  • Tourism Sites: The Department of Tourism will manage eco-tourism initiatives in other state tourist destinations.
  • Funding: Both the Forest and Tourism Departments will receive funds from the eco-tourism fund for developing and promoting eco-tourism activities in Uttar Pradesh.

Key Activities and Responsibilities

Department of Tourism
  • Promoting cultural heritage and tourism values.
  • Enhancing the capacity of local communities to provide hospitality services.
  • Developing tourist travel itineraries.
  • Promoting eco-tourism sites.
  • Coordinating project operations with the Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
  • Developing adventure and leisure activities such as ballooning, seaplanes, river cruises, and caravans through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
  • Planning educational excursions for schools, colleges, and youth tourist clubs.
Forest Department
  • Identifying suitable eco-tourism sites and preparing proposals for approval.
  • Approving permissible activities in forest areas while adhering to conservation principles.
  • Allocating budgets for developing basic infrastructure at eco-tourism sites based on availability.
  • Coordinating with the Tourism Department.
  • Appointing eco-tourism ambassadors to promote eco-tourism initiatives.

Governance and Oversight

The UPETDB structure encompasses the following:

  • Board Members and Meetings: Defined rights, roles, and responsibilities of the board and its executive committees.
  • Plan Implementation: Medium-term and long-term strategies for implementing eco-tourism projects.
  • Financial Management: Allocation of funds, government guarantees for loans, and robust accounting and auditing mechanisms.
  • Conflict Resolution: Clear rules for addressing disputes related to eco-tourism initiatives.

Vision for the Future

The Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board is dedicated to positioning the state as a global leader in eco-tourism. By leveraging its natural resources and cultural heritage, the board aims to create sustainable tourism opportunities that benefit the environment, empower local communities, and boost the state’s economy.