Bijnor, a district of the state of Uttar Pradesh, marked its bicentennial celebrations with the enthralling Bijnor Mahotsav on sustainable tourism and conservation. The event, led by local authorities with The Art of Living Social Projects as supporting partners, underscored the untapped potential of Bijnor’s natural and historical assets while championing responsible tourism practices.
The festival will be spearheaded by District Magistrate Ankit Agarwal and Chief Development Officer Purna Borah, with a focus on community-centric development. Discussions and symposiums debated what role ecotourism could play in increasing local employment as well as ensuring conservation. Though Bijnor boasts the Ramsar-recognized wetlands of Haiderpur, India’s tourist landscape is only partially represented here. No dominant circuit or infrastructure has emerged to help promote tourism, and experts consider this a major drawback. To address this, The Art of Living launched a dedicated website to improve visibility and guide potential visitors, marking a step forward for the area in promoting itself as an ecotourism hub.
The Art of Living Social Projects have played a massive role in conservation initiatives at Haiderpur, including nature guide training programs and educational outreach, which have trained locals to lead eco-friendly tours and engaged over 4,000 students in understanding the district’s biodiversity. Birdwatching events and the proposed annual bird festivals will bring global attention to Bijnor’s avian species and enhance its ecotourism profile.
However, challenges persist. Illegal fishing, pollution, and climate change threaten the region’s ecological balance. Smog during the winter months hampers visibility and affects both migratory birds and visitor experiences. These concerns underscore the urgent need for stricter conservation policies and community engagement to safeguard Bijnor’s natural resources.
It would be a step ahead if local leaders, environmentalists, and communities could come together for the integrated conservation and tourism development program in the districts. Efforts like the Bijnor Mahotsav indicate a prosperous future of sustainable ecotourism with boundless economic benefits to conserve unique biodiversity in districts.
Source: PRNewswire