UP to speed up Night Safari project

Uttar Pradesh government has decided to speed up the process of the development of a wildlife night park - 'Night Safari' at Greater Noida through Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode.

In a high level meeting, chaired by the Chief Minister, a decision was taken to consider commencement of bid invitation process. A committee headed by the Chief Secretary will monitor the progress of this project to ensure time-bound implementation, whereas, the Greater Noida Authority will conduct the bid process.

The project will see inputs from Singapore, the first Asian country to have such a safari. UP will be the first Indian state to have a night safari.

The meeting was thus attended by the Acting High Commissioner of Singapore, Jonathan Tow.

According to Atul Gupta, the state’s Industrial Development Commissioner, “The government will consider calling bids for the selection of a developer for this one-of-its-kind closed environment Night Safari. State government equity will be in the form of land, while the investment will be made entirely by the developer".

Already 102 hectares of land has been earmarked for the project. This land did not require land use change as it is already approved for 'recreational green'. The project has also received statutory approvals from the Central Zoo Authority and the Supreme Court of India.

"No commercial construction or housing will be allowed within the safari area, which is proposed to encompass outdoor natural setting for 40 percent animals of Indian sub-continent and 60 percent animals from outside", said Gupta.

The Night Safari project at Greater Noida was envisaged in 2005 with a view to promote tourism, environment conservation, aforestation and employment to youth of nearby areas. The master plan has been prepared by Bernard Harrison & Friends, zoo design and consultancy services.

It is estimated that around 7000 tourists will enjoy the safe drive in enclosed lorries every evening. A total of 71 species of animals and 841 specimens, including 58 species of mammals, 8 species of birds, 3 species of reptiles and 2 species of fish are proposed to be located in this nocturnal park. As per the plan there will be an 'Entrance Plaza', 'Night Safari ride-soft drive', Lions of Tsavo-hard drive, Indian trail and Amazon trail.