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The country’s first night safari proposed in Kukrail, Lucknow is under cloud of crisis. National Green Tribunal (NGT) Expressing serious concern over a petition related to the environment, has directed to stop the project. The NGT has issued notice to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) along with the central and state environment, forest and climate change departments. Also, cutting of trees in Kukrail and shifting of Lucknow Zoo there has also been banned.
NGT order and status of hearing
The New Delhi bench of the NGT, comprising Justice Prakash Srivastava and expert member A Senthil A Vel, in its order on December 24 directed the state government not to cut any trees in the Kukrail Reserve Forest till the next hearing on April 21, 2025. yes.
Further, the NGT has ordered the state to file an affidavit through e-filing, which will have to be submitted a week before the hearing. The petitioner in this case is Lucknow-based social activist Alok Singh, who has filed this petition regarding the environmental damage caused by the felling of trees in Kukrail forest and the Night Safari project.
Concern over cutting of 1500 trees
According to petitioner Alok Singh, it is proposed to cut about 1500 trees under this project. About 50% of the forest land of Kukrail Reserve Forest will be used for this project. He has argued in his petition that the project will affect the natural ecosystem of the forest and have a negative impact on climate change.
Project Structure and Proposed Plan
This Night Safari to be built in Kukrail will be spread over 2027.46 hectares of forest area, out of which 900 acres of land will be used. The detailed report (DPR) of this project was presented before Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on November 19. This Central Zoo Authority (CZA) In principle approval has been received from. However, the DPR is still under review.
Night Safari: A unique initiative
The proposed night safari of Kukrail will be the first night safari in India and the fifth in the world. It is also being developed as a night zoo. Additionally, a tent city with 20 tents has been planned in the project, where people can enjoy family gatherings and tourist activities.
Lucknow Zoo will also be shifted from Hazratganj to Kukrail, due to which day and night zoos will be located side by side. This combination will make it a special tourist destination.
Environmental impacts and protests
However, the project could have a profound impact on the environment. Cutting of thousands of dense trees will affect the ecology of the forest. This will also disrupt the natural habitats of wildlife.
Alok Singh says that it is inappropriate to use Kukrail forest for such a project. The forest is not only a green area for Lucknow, but it also contributes significantly to the climate balance. He stressed that the project could cause long-term environmental harm.
the way forward
During the hearing of this case, NGT, while involving all the parties, has given clear instructions to the state government that before taking any further steps regarding the project, a thorough study of the environmental impact should be done.
The scheme of Night Safari is unique in itself, but it needs to be implemented with a balanced approach keeping in mind the environmental concerns. Now, in the next hearing it will be seen what the future of this project will be.