The Central Empowered Committee (CEC), advising the Supreme Court on environmental matters, has given conditional clearance for a proposed night safari at Kukrail near Lucknow while imposing stringent conservation and administrative measures.
Lucknow night safari oversight and restrictions
The committee has approved the night safari in principle but has prohibited the development of an adventure zone that would involve non-forestry entertainment within the reserved forest. It has also rejected a proposal to widen the existing forest road to four lanes, permitting only a two‑lane configuration to limit habitat fragmentation and safeguard wildlife.
The CEC’s advice follows the Supreme Court’s direction to assess potential environmental harm before the state proceeded with construction. The committee submitted a 310‑page report to the court, noting that the Central Zoo Authority had already granted its approval for the safari park, and that the project may proceed subject to strict compliance with Conditions set out by the CZA and the state forest department.
Key prescriptions include the formation of a dedicated environmental monitoring committee comprising wildlife experts, a Central Zoo Authority representative and senior state forest officials. The committee will conduct monthly inspections and submit reports every three months to the state government, the CZA and the CEC.
The CEC has taken a firm stance on tree felling and has mandated low‑intensity, animal‑friendly lighting, controls on vehicle noise and movement, and time‑restricted visitor access. Natural drains, watercourses and wetlands within the 855‑acre project area must remain undisturbed.
Project scale, costs and zoo modernisation
The government proposes to develop the Kukrail night safari and adjoining zoo across around 855 acres at an estimated cost of INR 1,510 crore. Officials say approximately 610.34 acres, or roughly 71.3 per cent, will remain under green cover. The CEC has ruled the existing Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Prani Udyan should not be relocated, observing that the present 72 acres are sufficient for modernisation and should be maintained as a key urban green lung.
Authorities had earlier sought permission from the Supreme Court because Kukrail falls within a reserved forest and any work there requires judicial clearance. The CEC’s endorsement makes clear that while development may proceed, it must follow the CZA’s safari park guidelines for design, construction and operation without any dilution.
Dr Arun Kumar Saxena, the state’s environment, forest and climate change minister, said the government accepts the committee’s conditions and intends to begin work once the Supreme Court grants the required approval. Officials have stressed the project aims to blend conservation, education and tourism while minimising ecological impact.
The CEC also described the proposed adventure facilities such as zip lines, sky cycle and temporary camping zones as inappropriate for reserved forest land. Recreational offerings will therefore be limited to low‑impact activities approved under zoo and wildlife norms.
With a plan that keeps the zoo in place and restricts heavy infrastructure, the committee’s approach seeks to balance tourism and local economic benefits with long‑term conservation of the Kukrail reserve.
Key Takeaways:
- The Central Empowered Committee has granted conditional approval for the Lucknow night safari while banning the proposed adventure zone.
- Plans to widen the access road to four lanes were rejected; roads must remain two lanes to protect the Kukrail reserved forest.
- The Nawab Wajid Ali Shah zoo will not be relocated; modernisation within the existing 72 acres is preferred.
- A special monitoring committee, monthly inspections, and strict rules on lighting, noise and wetland protection are mandated.
