World Wetlands Day was marked with vibrant celebrations at the Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary in Deogarh, Lalitpur, where the Uttar Pradesh Nature and Bird Festival 2026 was organised under the theme ‘Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage’.
The festival was inaugurated by Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh on Monday, drawing nature lovers, birding enthusiasts, students, youth groups and local communities into a shared celebration of biodiversity, conservation and eco tourism.
Addressing the gathering, Jaiveer Singh said that the Nature and Bird Festival reflects the collective commitment of the Tourism Department and Forest Department to elevate eco-tourism in Uttar Pradesh. He underlined that Bundelkhand is steadily being positioned on the global eco-tourism map and that Deogarh, with its unique natural and cultural assets, has a key role to play in this journey. He described the festival as a foundation for building long-term awareness around wetlands, wildlife, and responsible tourism.
Highlighting Deogarh’s significance, the minister said that the region is historically, spiritually, and culturally rich. From ancient Jain temples and Buddhist caves to the iconic Dashavatar Temple and the rich biodiversity along the Betwa river, Deogarh offers a rare blend of heritage and nature. He noted that Lalitpur as a whole holds immense tourism potential and that festivals like this allow visitors to experience birdwatching, nature walks and wetland related activities in an immersive and engaging way.
Speaking on World Wetlands Day, Jaiveer Singh shared that after initiatives like ‘One District One Product’ and ‘One District One Cuisine’, Uttar Pradesh is now moving towards the vision of ‘One District One Wetland’. He said the Eco Tourism Development Board is also nurturing future brand ambassadors for nature-based tourism by actively engaging youth tourism clubs. Students are being taken on exposure visits to bird sanctuaries, Vistadome coaches and nearby natural sites, while school-level competitions are helping instil awareness about conservation and eco-tourism from an early age. The focus, he added, is also on developing lesser-known destinations in every district.
On wetland and wildlife-linked tourism development, the minister informed that 52 wetlands have already been listed by the Forest Department, and consensus has been reached on developing basic tourism facilities around them. He said tourism facilities will also be strengthened around the state’s 11 Ramsar sites and 4 tiger reserves.
To give Uttar Pradesh’s natural heritage global visibility, familiarisation tours are being organised for tour operators and travel professionals from India and abroad. Recent visits by delegates from the UK, Germany, Australia, and the United States have already translated into Uttar Pradesh destinations being included in international travel itineraries.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to Bundelkhand, Jaiveer Singh said that tourism development work is progressing rapidly in Lalitpur and Jhansi. On the occasion, tourism projects worth approximately Rs 24 crore were inaugurated and foundation stones laid, aimed at improving visitor facilities and enhancing the overall tourism experience. The objective, he said, is to make Bundelkhand a preferred destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Addressing the gathering, Arun Saxena, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said that Nature and Bird Festival 2026 showcases Uttar Pradesh’s strong commitment to biodiversity conservation and environmental balance. He noted that the festival not only highlights the importance of wetlands, forests and migratory birds but also inspires citizens, especially the youth, to actively participate in protecting nature so that future generations inherit a rich and healthy natural legacy.
Krishna Pal Malik, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said that rivers, wetlands, forests and migratory birds form an invaluable part of Uttar Pradesh’s natural heritage. He emphasised that development is meaningful only when it progresses in harmony with nature and added that the state government is working continuously towards biodiversity conservation, protection of bird habitats and building a greener future.
Among the key attractions of the festival were the release of a coffee table book, the Sarus Winter Census 2025 report and other awareness material. Winners of various competitions organised as part of the festival were felicitated. The technical sessions focused on bird and habitat conservation, wetland ecosystem protection and responsible rural and eco tourism. Birding and trekking activities, along with cultural performances, added to the festive atmosphere. The Tourism Minister and other dignitaries also visited the exhibition stalls set up at the venue.