Supreme Court Clears Rs 1,500-Crore Kukrail Night Safari Project with Strict Conditions

The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed the Uttar Pradesh government to proceed with its proposed night safari and zoological park project at the Kukrail Reserve Forest in Lucknow. The project, estimated to cost Rs 1,500 crore, is described as India's first urban night safari and is planned over 5,000 hectares of reserve forest land.

A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant rejected objections that the project would disturb the entire reserve forest area. “Should this country remain in a standstill? Zoos are old now. Experts are there to look at all this,” the bench observed. It added that all precautionary measures could be taken with domain experts after examination and compliance with conditions.

The court directed the state government to strictly follow conditions imposed by the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC), the Central Zoo Authority, and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The government must also obtain requisite approvals from the Centre. The bench noted that the CEC had already approved the night safari project.

The CEC, however, imposed several conditions to minimize environmental impact. It rejected the government's proposal to shift the Lucknow Zoo from its current 72-acre site to Kukrail. Instead, it asked the government to widen the existing road through the forest to a two-lane route, rather than the proposed four-lane corridor, due to the sensitivity of the region. The adventure zone, which originally included a tram service, after-dark forest experiences, and an augmented reality theatre, was also scrapped.

The state must adhere to guidelines set by the Central Zoo Authority for establishing safari parks. An oversight committee is to be constituted to ensure compliance with environmental requirements, and periodic inspections will be conducted under the supervision of the CEC and the Central Zoo Authority. The CEC mandated that only essential tree-felling for redesigning, realignment, and engineering modifications is allowed, with a replacement ratio of one tree cut for every ten new trees planted.

The Supreme Court also allowed a few litigants to submit suggestions to the CEC regarding the project. The bench asked the CEC to visit the site every three months to verify compliance with conditions and file a report.

The Kukrail Reserve Forest, located in Lucknow, is a protected area known for its biodiversity. The project is divided into two phases and aims to provide a night-time wildlife experience. Critics had raised concerns about potential ecological damage and disturbance to wildlife. The court's decision balances development with environmental safeguards by imposing stringent conditions.