The Supreme Court has permitted the Uttar Pradesh government to proceed with its ambitious night safari and zoological park project at the Kukrail Reserve Forest in Lucknow. The decision was announced on Wednesday, clearing a significant hurdle for the state’s eco-tourism initiative.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that a three-judge bench, presided over by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, dismissed objections concerning the potential disturbance to the entire reserve forest area. The bench emphasized that progress should not be halted and that necessary precautions could be implemented with expert guidance and adherence to court-imposed conditions.
The apex court directed the Uttar Pradesh government to meticulously comply with all conditions stipulated by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Furthermore, the state must obtain the requisite approval from the Union government for the project’s commencement.
The bench acknowledged the CEC’s approval of the Kukrail Night Safari project. As part of the oversight mechanism, the CEC has been mandated to visit the project site to verify the implementation of the stipulated conditions and submit a report within three months.
The Chief Justice also allowed certain concerned parties to present their suggestions regarding the project to the CEC, fostering a degree of stakeholder consultation in the ongoing process.
The project, envisioned as India’s first urban night safari, is set to be developed across the expansive 5,000-hectare Kukrail Reserve Forest in two phases, with an estimated cost of approximately ₹1,500 crore.
In its approval, the CEC did not endorse the state government’s initial proposal to relocate the existing 72-acre Lucknow Zoo to the Kukrail site. Instead, the committee recommended widening the existing road that passes through the forest to a two-lane route, rather than the previously planned four-lane corridor, acknowledging the ecological sensitivity of the region.
Several components of the originally planned adventure zone, which included features such as a tram service, after-dark forest experiences, various activities, and an augmented reality-based theatre, have been subsequently scrapped by the CEC.
The Uttar Pradesh government is now required to adhere to the specific guidelines established by the Central Zoo Authority for the establishment and operation of safari parks. This includes ensuring that the facilities meet the highest standards for animal welfare and conservation.
An oversight committee is to be constituted to monitor the compliance with environmental regulations and ensure adherence to all legal and ecological requirements. The CEC and CZA will conduct periodic inspections to oversee the project’s progress and its environmental impact.
The CEC has laid down strict conditions concerning tree felling, permitting only essential removals necessary for the redesign, realignment, and engineering modifications of the site. A crucial condition mandates a reforestation ratio of 1:10, meaning for every tree felled, ten new saplings must be planted, underscoring the commitment to ecological preservation alongside development.
The project aims to create a unique wildlife viewing experience, allowing visitors to observe animals in a nocturnal setting, thereby promoting conservation awareness and boosting local tourism. The development of the night safari is expected to contribute significantly to the state’s economy and provide a new recreational avenue for residents and tourists alike.
The Supreme Court’s intervention highlights the balance between development initiatives and environmental protection, ensuring that large-scale projects are undertaken with careful consideration for ecological impact and adherence to regulatory frameworks.
The Kukrail Reserve Forest, known for its biodiversity, will undergo a transformation to accommodate the night safari. The project’s success will be closely monitored by various authorities to ensure that its implementation aligns with the principles of sustainable development and environmental conservation.
The state government has expressed its commitment to working closely with the CEC and CZA to ensure all conditions are met and the project is executed responsibly. This development marks a new chapter for eco-tourism in Uttar Pradesh, with the night safari poised to become a significant attraction.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
