Nature and Bird Festival 2026 Highlights Deogarh as a New Eco-Tourism Hub of Bundelkhand

Lucknow | Feb 2, 2026 The Uttar Pradesh Nature and Bird Festival 2026 was celebrated with enthusiasm at the Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary in Deogarh, Lalitpur, on the occasion of World Wetlands Day. Organised under the theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage”, the festival brought together nature lovers, birding experts, students, youth groups and local communities. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh inaugurated the event, marking it as an important step towards promoting eco-tourism and conservation in the state. Addressing the gathering, Jaiveer Singh said that the festival reflects the shared resolve of the Tourism Department and Forest Department to strengthen eco-tourism in Uttar Pradesh. He emphasised that Bundelkhand is gradually finding its place on the global eco-tourism map and that Deogarh, with its unique mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage, plays a vital role in this vision. He described the festival as a platform to build long-term awareness about wetlands, biodiversity and responsible tourism. Speaking about the region’s importance, the minister highlighted that Deogarh is historically, spiritually and culturally rich, with ancient Jain temples, Buddhist caves, the famous Dashavatar Temple and rich biodiversity along the Betwa river. He noted that Lalitpur has immense tourism potential and that such festivals allow visitors to enjoy bird watching, nature walks and wetland-based activities in a meaningful way. On World Wetlands Day, he shared that after initiatives like ‘One District One Product’ and ‘One District One Cuisine’, the state is now moving towards the vision of “One District One Wetland”. Jaiveer Singh further informed that 52 wetlands have already been listed by the Forest Department and plans are underway to develop tourism facilities around them. He added that facilities will also be strengthened near the state’s 11 Ramsar sites and four tiger reserves. To give Uttar Pradesh’s natural heritage international exposure, familiarisation tours are being organised for tour operators from India and abroad, with recent visits by delegates from the UK, Germany, Australia and the United States already bringing global attention to the state’s destinations. Reaffirming the government’s focus on Bundelkhand, the minister said that tourism development work is progressing rapidly in Lalitpur and Jhansi. On this occasion, tourism projects worth around ₹24 crore were inaugurated and foundation stones laid to improve visitor facilities and overall tourism experience. He stated that the goal is to make Bundelkhand a preferred destination for both domestic and international tourists. Also addressing the event, Arun Saxena, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said that Nature and Bird Festival 2026 showcases Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and environmental balance. Krishna Pal Malik, Minister of State for the same department, added that rivers, wetlands, forests and migratory birds are a precious natural heritage and that development is meaningful only when it moves in harmony with nature. The festival featured the release of a coffee table book, the Sarus Winter Census 2025 report and other awareness material. Winners of various competitions were honoured, while technical sessions focused on bird and habitat conservation, wetland ecosystem protection and responsible rural and eco-tourism. Birding, trekking activities and cultural performances added vibrancy to the event, which was attended by ministers, senior officials, experts, local residents and nature enthusiasts. Deogarh Hosts Nature and Bird Festival 2026, Showcasing Bundelkhand’s Eco-Tourism Potential The Uttar Pradesh Nature and Bird Festival 2026 was celebrated at the Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary in Deogarh, Lalitpur, on World Wetlands Day. Organised on the theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage”, the event was inaugurated by Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh. Nature lovers, bird watchers, students and local residents joined the festival, making it a lively celebration of wetlands, birds and biodiversity. Speaking at the event, Jaiveer Singh said the festival shows the joint efforts of the Tourism and Forest Departments to promote eco-tourism in the state. He shared that Bundelkhand is being developed as a key eco-tourism region and that Deogarh’s mix of natural beauty and heritage makes it special. He also said the festival helps spread awareness about wetland protection, wildlife conservation and responsible tourism. Highlighting Deogarh’s importance, the minister said the area is rich in history and culture, with ancient Jain temples, Buddhist caves, the Dashavatar Temple and the natural diversity along the Betwa river. On World Wetlands Day, he added that after initiatives like ‘One District One Product’ and ‘One District One Cuisine’, Uttar Pradesh is now moving towards “One District One Wetland”, while also working on tourism facilities near wetlands, Ramsar sites and tiger reserves. Jaiveer Singh further informed that tourism projects worth around ₹24 crore have been launched in Lalitpur and Jhansi to improve visitor facilities. He said the aim is to make Bundelkhand a preferred destination for Indian and foreign tourists. The festival also featured cultural programmes, birding activities, exhibitions and awareness sessions, making it an engaging experience for all participants.