On the occasion of International Wetlands Day (02 February), the Nature and Bird Festival–2026 is being organized from 1 to 3 February 2026 at Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary, Devgarh (Lalitpur) by the Forest Department, Tourism Department, and the Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board.
On Monday, the festival was graced by Hon’ble Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Jaiveer Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Forest, Environment, Zoological Parks and Climate Change Shri Arun Kumar Saxena, Hon’ble Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shri Manohar Lal Panth, and Hon’ble MLA Shri Ramratan Kushwaha. Senior officials of the Tourism and Forest Departments, nature lovers, environmentalists, bird experts, and a large number of tourists also participated in the event.
The festival highlights the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Bundelkhand region. Activities such as nature walks, bird watching, trekking, and cultural programmes are attracting a large number of tourists and nature enthusiasts. On Monday, various competitions were organized, prizes were distributed to the winners, technical sessions were held, and a coffee table book was released. A photo gallery and exhibition were also inaugurated. On this occasion, tourism projects worth approximately ₹24 crore related to Jhansi and Lalitpur districts were inaugurated and foundation stones were laid.
Addressing the gathering, Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Jaiveer Singh said that the development of Bundelkhand is a priority for the government, and this grand festival would prove to be a foundation stone for the region’s development. He stated that Uttar Pradesh is moving forward in the direction of forest districts and forest wetlands. So far, 52 wetlands have been identified by the Forest Department, where there is mutual agreement between departments for the development of tourism facilities. He also informed that consensus has been reached on developing tourism infrastructure around the state’s 10 Ramsar sites and 4 Tiger Reserves.
He further said that under the concept of “One Destination, Three Forests,” Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary are being promoted together. Rare wildlife species such as the Royal Bengal Tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, swamp deer, Asian elephant, and gharial can be easily seen here, attracting tourists from across the country and the world.
Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) Shri Arun Kumar Saxena called upon the youth to take an active role in the conservation of nature. He emphasized that wetlands are not only the foundation of biodiversity but also play a crucial role in water conservation and climate balance. He encouraged young people to connect with forests and wetlands and actively participate in their conservation and rejuvenation, stating that sustainable development and environmental protection can only be achieved when the younger generation connects with nature.