The Supreme Court of India has given the green light to the country’s first-ever night safari project, clearing the way for its development at the Kukrail Reserve Forest in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The ambitious wildlife tourism project, estimated to cost ₹1,500 crore, had been awaiting approval for several years due to environmental concerns.
While granting permission, the apex court directed the Uttar Pradesh government to strictly follow a series of environmental conditions to ensure the project has minimal impact on the surrounding forest ecosystem.
Supreme Court Approves Lucknow Night Safari
A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant approved the project after considering recommendations from the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). All three bodies supported the proposal, subject to strict environmental safeguards.
The court noted that the Uttar Pradesh government had agreed to comply with every condition suggested by the expert panels. Since both the CZA and the environment ministry had already granted their approval, the bench allowed the state government’s application to proceed with the project.
Supreme Court Dismisses Objections Over Environmental Impact
During the hearing, concerns were raised about the possible impact of the night safari on the Kukrail Reserve Forest and its wildlife.
However, the Supreme Court observed that development projects should not be stopped solely because of environmental concerns if adequate safeguards and expert supervision are in place.
The bench emphasized that experienced wildlife and environmental experts would oversee the project to ensure ecological protection. It also directed the Uttar Pradesh government to strictly implement every condition imposed by the CEC, CZA and MoEFCC.
In addition, the court instructed the Member Secretary of the Central Empowered Committee to conduct regular inspections and submit compliance reports. The bench warned that any violation of the approved conditions would be treated seriously.
What Is the Kukrail Night Safari Project?
The Kukrail Night Safari is planned within the 5,000-hectare Kukrail Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Lucknow and is being promoted as India’s first urban night safari.
The project will be developed in two phases with an estimated investment of around ₹1,500 crore.
The initial master plan featured attractions such as night-time tram rides, guided forest experiences after sunset, adventure activities and an augmented reality theatre. However, several of these components have been removed from the final proposal following environmental reviews and recommendations by expert authorities.
Strict Environmental Conditions for the Project
To reduce the project’s ecological footprint, the Central Empowered Committee has laid down several stringent environmental safeguards.
Only the minimum number of trees required for redesigning, realignment and essential engineering work can be cut. The committee has also made compensatory afforestation mandatory at a 1:10 ratio, requiring the planting of 10 new trees for every tree removed.
The Uttar Pradesh government must also obtain all remaining statutory and regulatory approvals before construction begins. This requirement follows the Supreme Court’s February 2024 directive, which mandates prior judicial clearance for the establishment of any new zoo or safari project in India.
Why the Project Is Significant
Once completed, the Kukrail Night Safari is expected to become India’s first dedicated urban night safari, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience wildlife after sunset while promoting eco-tourism in Uttar Pradesh.
With the Supreme Court’s approval now in place and strict environmental monitoring mandated, the long-pending project has moved a significant step closer to becoming a reality.