Supreme Court clears first night safari in Lucknow's Kukrail Reserve Forest
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
The Supreme Court has granted approval for India's first night safari at Kukrail Reserve Forest in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. This marks a significant step in eco-tourism and wildlife conservation, with the project now allowed to proceed subject to conditions.
Background
The Kukrail Reserve Forest is a protected area in Lucknow. The Uttar Pradesh government sought to establish a night safari there, obtaining approvals from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). However, a Supreme Court order from February 19, 2024, required prior court permission for any zoo or safari establishment. The court's nod was pending until this decision.
Key facts
The Supreme Court approved India's first night safari at Kukrail Reserve Forest, Lucknow.
The project was approved by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) and MoEFCC before court clearance.
The court directed compliance with all conditions imposed by statutory authorities and prior clearances.
The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) granted conditional approval, which the state agreed to follow.
The bench included CJI Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana.
The court allowed tree felling for the project as the area is a reserve forest, subject to permissions.
Periodic visits by CEC Member-Secretary and reporting to the court were mandated.
Globally, this will be the fifth night safari after Singapore, China, Thailand, and Indonesia.
The application was part of a pending case challenging amendments to the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
Any breach of conditions will be viewed seriously by the court.
Prelims pointers
- Kukrail Reserve Forest: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- Central Zoo Authority (CZA)
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
- Central Empowered Committee (CEC)
- Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
- Supreme Court order of February 19, 2024 on zoo/safari establishment
- Night safari: fifth globally after Singapore, China, Thailand, Indonesia
Mains angles
- GS3 Environment: Balancing conservation and eco-tourism in reserve forests
- GS2 Judiciary: Role of Supreme Court in environmental clearances and forest land diversion
- GS3 Biodiversity: Impact of night safaris on wildlife and habitat
- GS2 Government Policies: Forest Conservation Act amendments and their implications