Supreme Court Clears UP’s Kukrail Night Safari Project, Says ‘Should the Country Remain Standstill?’
In a significant boost to the Uttar Pradesh government’s ambitious eco-tourism plans, the Supreme Court has approved the establishment of a Night Safari and Zoological Park in the Kukrail Reserve Forest near Lucknow. The decision came after the Court found that the project had received the necessary recommendations from the Central Zoo Authority, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Centrally Empowered Committee (CEC), subject to strict environmental safeguards.
During the hearing, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant strongly defended the need for scientifically planned wildlife infrastructure, remarking, “Should this country remain in standstill? Zoos are old now.” The Bench observed that wildlife conservation must evolve with changing times and emphasized that expert bodies had already examined the ecological implications before recommending the project.
The case arose from objections raised against the proposed Night Safari in the Kukrail Reserve Forest, with petitioners expressing concern that the project could disturb the reserve’s ecology and wildlife habitat. However, the Uttar Pradesh government informed the Court that it had modified several aspects of the original proposal in line with the CEC’s recommendations and was prepared to comply with every condition imposed by environmental regulators.
Accepting the State’s assurances, the Supreme Court granted the required approval while making it clear that the project must be implemented strictly in accordance with the conditions laid down by the CEC, the Central Zoo Authority and the Ministry of Environment. The Court also directed that periodic monitoring be undertaken to ensure continuous compliance with environmental norms and conservation objectives.
The proposed Night Safari is being described by the Uttar Pradesh government as one of India’s most ambitious wildlife tourism initiatives. Designed to offer visitors a controlled nocturnal wildlife experience, the project aims to combine conservation, education and sustainable tourism. State authorities contend that the safari will generate employment, strengthen wildlife awareness and transform Lucknow into a major eco-tourism destination while preserving the ecological integrity of the forest.
Environmental groups, however, remain cautious. They argue that even carefully planned infrastructure inside or adjoining reserve forests requires constant oversight to prevent habitat fragmentation, increased human activity and long-term ecological stress. These concerns prompted the Court to insist that expert agencies continue monitoring the project throughout its implementation and operation.
The ruling is expected to have wider implications for future conservation-linked infrastructure projects across India. By placing reliance on scientific assessments and expert recommendations rather than speculative objections, the Supreme Court has reinforced that developmental projects involving protected areas may proceed where statutory environmental safeguards are satisfied. At the same time, the judgment underscores that ecological compliance will remain an ongoing judicial expectation rather than a one-time approval.
