Wildlife and adventure lovers often enjoy safari rides through forest reserves to spot animals and birds in their natural habitat. One of the most popular forest reserves in Lucknow is the Kukrail Reserve Forest. In this forest, a much-awaited night safari project is currently in the works. Now, the Supreme Court has given its approval for the project to move ahead. Read on to know more!
Supreme Court Clears Night Safari Project At Lucknow’s Kukrail Reserve Forest
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court gave approval to the approximately ₹1,500-crore Kukrail Night Safari project. As per NDTV, the Kukrail Night Safari is being built inside the vast Kukrail Reserve Forest, which spans around 5,000 hectares. A three-judge Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, reviewed the objections raised against the project before making its decision.
Some people had expressed concerns that the project could harm the reserve forest and disturb its ecosystem. However, the court said that development projects should not come to a standstill and that environmental experts would carefully examine the project and suggest necessary safeguards.
While allowing the project to move forward, the court instructed the Uttar Pradesh government to follow all environmental guidelines and conditions set by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). It also said that the state must secure all necessary approvals from the Central Government before beginning the work.
What Is Special About Kukrail Reserve Forest?
India’s first urban night safari project will offer adventure and wildlife lovers a unique experience. Instead of exploring wildlife during the day, visitors will get a chance to observe animals in their natural habitat at night.
Located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, the Kukrail Reserve Forest is already a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can spot animals such as sambars, blackbucks, and spotted deer, or enjoy birdwatching. The forest is also well known for its crocodile breeding centre.
Kukrail Reserve Forest is located around 13 km from Lucknow Junction and is easily accessible by road. Visitors arriving at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport can hire a cab or take a local bus.
How excited are you for this project? Tell us in the comments below!
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Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Swapan Banik (Representative Image)
FAQs
Where will be India's first night safari project?
India is soon going to have its first safari in Lucknow's Kukrail Reserve Forest.