The Supreme Court has given permission to the UP government to proceed with the ‘Night Safari and Zoological Park Project’ in Kukrail Reserve Forest, Lucknow. Rejecting the objection of disturbing the entire reserve forest area, a three-judge bench headed by CJI Surya Kant said, should this country continue like this? Zoos have become old now. Experts are there to see all this.
The Supreme Court has also directed the CEC (Central Empowered Committee) member to visit the site from time to time. Also, instructions have been given to submit the report, in which the first report will have to be submitted within 3 months. During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer said that this will cause disturbance to the entire reserve forest area. On this CJI Surya Kant asked, will this country remain stagnant? Now zoos have become old.
The existing zoo is not within the scope of the Wildlife Corridor.
He said that all necessary precautions can be taken with the help of experts. The CJI said that it has been assured that all conservation steps will be taken and alien species (invasive species) will be removed. It has also been told that the existing zoo does not come under the scope of the Wildlife Corridor.
CEC has submitted its detailed report on this issue, in which it has been recommended to approve the night safari with strict conditions. It has been told that the state government has agreed to accept all the conditions. Let us tell you that this big project divided into two phases is the country’s first urban night safari in the 5,000 hectare large Kukrail Reserve Forest. About Rs 1,500 crore will be spent on this.
Proposal to shift Lucknow Zoo to Kukrail rejected
While giving approval, CEC rejected the government’s proposal to shift Lucknow Zoo (72 acres wide) to Kukrail. Considering the sensitivity of the area, the existing road passing through the forest was asked to be made a two-lane corridor instead of a four-lane wide one. The Adventure Zone, which was initially planned with tram service, an after-dark jungle experience, activities and an augmented reality-based theatre, has also been cancelled.
Apart from this, the state will have to follow the guidelines made by the Central Do Authority (CZA) to build a safari park. An oversight committee will also have to be formed to ensure compliance with regulatory environmental requirements. Periodic inspections will be conducted under supervision. CEC has set strict conditions to allow cutting of only essential trees. Which are necessary for redesigning, realignment and engineering modification. Its ratio will be maintained at 1:10 (planting 10 new trees in place of one tree).
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