Supreme Court approves India's first night safari in Lucknow

India's first night safari is set to be established in Lucknow's Kukrail Reserve Forest, following approval from the Supreme Court. The apex court on Wednesday gave its nod to the project, directing the Uttar Pradesh government to adhere to all conditions and obtain necessary clearances from statutory authorities before commencing work.

The court's decision came after the state government presented an application that included the opinion of the expert body, the Central Empowered Committee (CEC). The CEC had granted conditional approval for the ambitious project. The Uttar Pradesh government had already secured approvals from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) and the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

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The state has agreed to abide by all conditions recommended by the CEC. In view of the fact that the CZA and MoEFCC have granted approval for establishment of night safari, we allow the present application.

Previously, a court order from February 19, 2024, mandated that no final approval for establishing zoos or safaris could be granted without prior court permission. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, noted that the state had agreed to abide by all CEC recommendations. With approvals from the CZA and MoEFCC in hand, the court allowed the application.

The Supreme Court further instructed the CEC Member-Secretary to conduct periodic visits to the site and submit reports, emphasizing that any breach of conditions would be viewed seriously. This green light marks a significant step for the development of the unique wildlife attraction in Uttar Pradesh.

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Any breach of conditions will be viewed seriously.