Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched Wildlife Week 2026 at the FRI campus in Dehradun. On this occasion, he honoured 18 people for showing rare courage during wildlife conflicts. Notably, these people had saved others without caring for their own lives. Moreover, the Chief Minister announced ₹51,000 for each of the 18 awardees.
CM Dhami launched Wildlife Week 2026 at FRI Dehradun and honoured 18 people for courage during wildlife conflicts.
Highlights of Wildlife Week 2026 Launch
During the event, the Chief Minister also visited stalls and a wildlife photo exhibition. In addition, he honoured students who did well in a wildlife essay contest. Furthermore, he asked officials to find at least one new tourist spot in every district. Such spots should get tourist facilities while their natural beauty stays protected.
Key Announcements at Wildlife Week 2026
The Chief Minister shared several plans for wildlife and nature tourism. In brief, the main points were:
- Haldwani Zoo: The government will speed up work on a zoo in Haldwani. Also, it will serve as a centre for conservation, education and tourism.
- Tiger relocation: The second phase of moving tigers from Corbett to Rajaji Tiger Reserve will start soon.
- Snow leopard tourism: Similarly, high Himalayan areas hold strong potential for snow leopard tourism.
- Special Tiger Protection Force: The state has also decided to form this force for Corbett and Rajaji.
- Forest monitoring: Meanwhile, the state is strengthening its forest surveillance system.
Reducing Human-Wildlife Conflict
The Chief Minister said reducing human-wildlife conflict is a top priority. Above all, he wants forests to stay safe and wildlife corridors to stay open. As an example, he pointed to the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor. Indeed, this project includes features that let wild animals move freely.
Eco-Tourism and Local Jobs
Dhami stressed that local people must take part in conservation. Therefore, the state is promoting eco-tourism and homestays near forests. As a result, people living near forests can find work close to home.
Additionally, the government aims to make one lakh youth “CM Young Eco-preneurs”. Under this plan, youth will build skills as nature guides, drone pilots and wildlife photographers. Likewise, eco-clubs in every district now run wildlife study tours for students.
Gross Environment Product and Mission LiFE
The Chief Minister also mentioned PM Narendra Modi’s Mission LiFE. In short, it inspires people to protect nature through daily habits. Further, he noted that Uttarakhand values its water, forests and natural resources through GEP (Gross Environment Product). Thus, the state is trying to balance ecology and economy.
Uttarakhand’s Natural Wealth
Uttarakhand is rich in mountains, dense forests, rivers and lakes. Similarly, Jim Corbett and Rajaji National Parks attract lakhs of tourists every year. So, the state wants to grow wildlife tourism while keeping forests safe.
Why Wildlife Week 2026 Matters for UKPSC
Notably, UKPSC often asks about state schemes, tiger reserves and conservation steps. So, remember the GEP concept, the tiger relocation plan and the CM Young Eco-preneur scheme. For official updates, also visit the Uttarakhand Forest Department. Next, for a related story, read about Himalayan tahr conservation in Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. You can also download our free Uttarakhand Current Affairs magazine.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.