India’s first night safari project needs relook, Supreme Court panel told

The Supreme Court's Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has been advised to reconsider the Kukrail Night Safari and Zoological Park project in Lucknow, following changes made to the initial proposal. A representation to the CEC argued that changes to the original proposal could render the environmental clearance and zoo-related approvals invalid.

The project, recognized as India's first urban night safari, was approved by the Supreme Court on July 15 based on the CEC's recommendations. These recommendations had previously rejected a proposal to relocate the Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Park, set up an adventure park, and widen a road. The Supreme Court had then allowed parties to submit suggestions on implementing the CEC's conditions.

However, it has been argued that the Central Zoo Authority’s (CZA) approval and environmental clearance were granted to the entire project, which involves moving the Lucknow zoo. The CEC representation also highlighted discrepancies in the project area, with the current area being 855.07 acres, while the detailed project report (DPR) cites an area of 390.75 acres.

The project area is situated on reserved forest land, and the plan includes an auditorium, 7D theatre, and amphitheatre, all of which would be permanent structures on forest land. The project is estimated to cost Rs 1,510.57 crore and will be constructed over an area of 855.07 acres in northeastern Lucknow. The CZE and the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority have approved the proposal.