Uttar Pradesh's ambitious Kukrail Night Safari, billed as the nation’s first of its kind, faced a petition alleging commercial tourism in a reserve forest. The Supreme Court approved the project, citing clearances from central bodies, yet warned of strict environmental compliance and monitoring.

Key Takeaways

  • The Supreme Court approved the Kukrail Night Safari after confirming all central clearances.
  • The project spans 850 acres, with 71% retained as green cover and includes relocation of a century‑old zoo.
  • The Central Empowered Committee must conduct site visits and submit a compliance report within three months, while adhering to the Forest Conservation Act.

The Uttar Pradesh government presented the Kukrail Reserve Forest night‑safari and zoological park as an “ambitious, first‑of‑its‑kind” venture, claiming it would be the third or fourth such project worldwide. Environmentalists and a petitioner challenged the plan, arguing that it amounted to commercial tourism in a protected forest, jeopardising the area’s ecological integrity.

Legal Context

Following a February 2024 Supreme Court order, any establishment of a night safari or zoo now requires prior permission from the apex court. Consequently, a three‑judge bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant examined the state’s application. The Court noted clearances from the Union Ministry of Environment, the Central Zoo Authority, and the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), insisting that the state comply “100 %” with the stipulated conditions.

Environmental Safeguards and Monitoring

The judgment emphasized that 71 % of the 850‑acre site would remain under forest cover, minimizing habitat disruption. The Court directed the CEC to make periodic site visits and warned that any breach by the state or other stakeholders would be treated seriously. A status report is to be submitted after three months, ensuring continuous oversight.

Zoological Park Relocation

The proposal also involves shifting the century‑old Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Park (formerly Lucknow Zoological Garden) to the new site. The government argued that the existing zoo’s proximity to densely populated areas and busy thoroughfares made it unsuitable for animal welfare and breeding. The Court accepted this rationale, referencing the Central Zoo Authority’s permission for expansion and modernization.

Implications for the Future

This ruling spotlights the delicate balance between economic development and ecological stewardship. If rigorous monitoring and genuine eco‑restoration—replacing invasive species with native flora—are upheld, the Kukrail Night Safari could become a benchmark for sustainable wildlife tourism in India. Conversely, lax enforcement could turn the project into an environmental liability, fueling resistance to similar initiatives nationwide.