Under the scheme, eco-tourism centers are being developed in districts and forest divisions for luring tourists, said Bahraich Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Manish Singh.
The DFO said that an eco-tourism center is already ready in the Katarniaghat Forest Division; however, there was no such place in Bahraich, and thus, Tharu tribe dominated Balaigaon village has been selected for it.
As there are no trees in a particular zone, tourism facilities can be developed without cutting trees. The picturesque forest area is home to hyena, leopards, wild boars and tigers.
Tharu tribals still uphold their cultural traditions and practices, and the main focus of developing the spot is to attract Nepalese tourists.
Singh said that roads, accommodation and other necessary facilities are being developed as per the forest policy to attract tourists. Nature walk track and tourist park will be built in the green belt. Ponds in the area will be also improved for attracting Siberian birds.
Road construction on the border has started under the Indo Nepal Border Road Project.
In the first phase, the government would spend Rs. two crore on the project. The eco-tourism facility will have a 10 km long safari track, four Tharu huts and four specially designed vehicles equipped with trained guides and drivers for jungle safari.
A Tharu canteen will also be created where tourists will be able to experience traditional food. UP Eco-Tourism Corporation will operate the tourist destination via online bookings.
Singh said that thousands of citizens from Nepal come every day to do business and shopping in the market of Baligaon.
“Since the lifestyle of the village is similar to that of Nepalis, our main goal is to attract Nepalese tourists,” he said.
Besides boosting government revenue, the tourism spots will also provide employment opportunities for the locals.
