India's inaugural night safari, a landmark project in Lucknow's Kukrail Reserve Forest, is on the cusp of becoming a reality. Officials are optimistic that the final green light from the Supreme Court could arrive by the end of January, paving the way for construction to commence. This ambitious venture, once completed, will offer visitors a unique opportunity to observe wildlife under simulated moonlight from the comfort of a tram.
Project Scope and Key Components
The state government has sanctioned a substantial Rs 631 crore for this transformative project, with Rs 206 crore already released. Spanning a vast 855 acres in the northern part of Kukrail forest, the development is structured around five core components. The primary attractions are the night safari, spread over 400 acres, and a day zoo covering 200 acres. Together, they will house approximately 115 species of animals, with nocturnal creatures in the safari and diurnal species in the zoo, all within 63 state-of-the-art enclosures.
Other planned elements include shifting the existing Lucknow Zoo to Kukrail and constructing a four-lane access road. The project also envisions an ecotourism zone and comprehensive visitor amenities like green recreational spaces, a cafeteria, and other basic facilities. A senior official stated, "We will start the work soon after the SC nod. Building the boundary wall will be the first work to be carried out." The construction firm for the project has already been finalized.
Supreme Court Scrutiny and CEC Recommendations
The project's fate currently rests with the Supreme Court. The matter was heard on August 29 and subsequently referred to the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) for evaluation. The CEC submitted its recommendations on November 27, offering a mixed review. While it approved the night safari and day zoo components, it advised against relocating the existing Lucknow Zoo, citing its environmental significance and strategic location.
Furthermore, the CEC recommended scrapping the plan for the four-lane road, a move that would save 846 trees from being felled. It also opposed the establishment of an ecotourism zone within the reserve forest area. Sources close to the development indicated, "The four-lane road was to be built by PWD, and we are fine with the CEC's recommendation on that. The CEC approved the night safari and day zoo. On the rest, the department will appeal to the Court." The next crucial hearing in the Supreme Court is scheduled for January 19.
The Visitor Experience and Future Outlook
For future tourists, the night safari promises a 40-minute tram ride through zones separated by moats or glass walls, ensuring safety while providing an immersive view of animals in a nighttime habitat. This project is poised to become a major tourism magnet for Uttar Pradesh, offering an experience never before seen in India.
As the state awaits the Supreme Court's final verdict, the dream of a world-class nocturnal wildlife attraction in Lucknow inches closer. The decisions made in the upcoming hearing will determine the final shape and scale of this groundbreaking initiative in the heart of Kukrail's forests.
