9 hours ago
EDCs empowering youth in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Lucknow: Established under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the Forest and Wildlife Department, eco-development committees (EDCs) in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve are not only promoting eco-tourism but also creating new employment opportunities for local youth.
These EDCs play a vital role in the socio-economic upliftment of the region while empowering local communities.
Currently, eight EDCs are operating in areas such as Chuka (Selha), Barahi, and Chonka Kheda through the Tiger Reserve Foundation. These committees train local youth to serve as tourist guides, manage canteens, and conduct awareness campaigns. Beyond tourism, the EDCs also facilitate development projects in nearby villages, including the construction of roads, installation of solar lights, and development of ponds.
Supported by the Tiger Reserve Foundation, the committees engage youth in tourism-related activities as well as in basic infrastructure initiatives. This approach promotes self-reliance among local communities and reinforces the model of inclusive growth.
Each EDC receives an annual financial grant of approximately Rs 1 lakh from the Tiger Reserve Foundation, enabling smooth operations and the generation of local employment.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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The EDCs around the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve earn between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 10 lakh annually, which is reinvested into village development projects such as road construction, solar lighting, and water reservoir creation—significantly improving the villagers' quality of life.
In addition to infrastructure development, the EDCs actively raise awareness about environmental conservation among both tourists and locals. These initiatives have proven highly effective in achieving the twin goals of ecological preservation and community development. With plans to expand such committees near other tiger reserves and forest zones, the state envisions increased employment opportunities and further rural development in the near future.
