India’s Supreme Court has cleared the Uttar Pradesh government’s night‑safari and zoological park proposal in the Kukrail Reserve Forest. The court emphasized strict compliance with conditions set by the CEC, Central Zoo Authority and MoEFCC, warning of serious consequences for any breach.

Key Takeaways

  • Supreme Court gives green light to night safari in Kukrail Reserve
  • Project must adhere to conditions imposed by CEC, CZA and MoEFCC
  • Potential boost to wildlife tourism and local economy

NEW DELHI – On July 15, 2026, a three‑judge bench of the Supreme Court granted approval to Uttar Pradesh’s ambitious night‑safari and zoological park plan for the Kukrail Reserve Forest. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant noted that the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) and the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) had already sign‑posted the project for approval, leaving the apex court to merely confirm that all regulatory conditions were satisfied.

Regulatory Background

Kukrail Reserve, a protected forest area near Lucknow, has been a focal point for wildlife conservation initiatives for years. In 2024, the state proposed a night‑safari that would allow visitors to observe nocturnal fauna, positioning the venture as a first‑of‑its‑kind in the nation. Following detailed environmental impact assessments, the CEC, CZA and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued a favourable recommendation, prompting the state to seek final endorsement from the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court’s Ruling

During the hearings, petitioners argued that exploiting a reserve forest for tourism could jeopardise fragile ecosystems. Chief Justice Kant responded, “Zoos are now outdated; the whole country should not be kept standing still.” The bench concluded that, given the prior approvals, there was “no reason” to deny the project, provided the state adheres to the stipulated conditions. The court warned that any deviation would be treated seriously and instructed the CEC to conduct periodic inspections.

Potential Impact

If executed responsibly, the night‑safari could significantly boost tourism revenue for Uttar Pradesh while fostering wildlife awareness. Analysts suggest that the initiative may generate employment opportunities for local communities and set a precedent for sustainable wildlife tourism across India, contingent upon rigorous environmental monitoring.

Looking Ahead

Uttar Pradesh now faces the task of implementing the project under strict guidelines—ranging from night‑time lighting and noise control to comprehensive animal‑welfare protocols. Success could transform the model into a template for other states, ushering in a new era of eco‑tourism that balances economic growth with conservation imperatives.