Imitating the model of ‘Night Safaris’ in swanky Singapore, the Uttar Pradesh government has revived the idea of wildlife ‘Night Safari’ at Greater Noida under the public private partnership (PPP) mode. This project, if becomes a reality, would boost tourism and investment in the area.
The state would contribute in the the form of land, while the investment part would be beared by the developer to be selected through a bidding process.
The proposed world-class night safari with closed environment and controlled conditions would be a 'first' in India and second in Asia after Singapore.
“UP government shall consider to call bids for the selection of developer for this one-of-its-kind closed environment Night Safari,” state infrastructure and industrial development commissioner (IIDC) Anil Kumar Gupta said here.
This decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. A committee headed by the chief secretary will look into the progress of the project in order to ensure time-bound implementation, whereas Greater Noida Authority will conduct the bidding process.
The meeting was also attended by Acting High Commissioner of Singapore Jonathan Tow along with his First Secretary Chen Kah Mei.
The IIDC said the project had already been sanctioned 102 hectares of land, which did not require land use change because it was already approved for 'recreational green'. The nocturnal zoo project had received statutory approvals from Central Zoo Authority and the Supreme Court.
No commercial construction or housing would be allowed within the safari area, which is proposed to encompass outdoor natural setting for 40 per cent animals of Indian sub-continent and 60 per cent animals from outside.
The project was envisaged in 2005 to promote tourism, environment conservation, afforestation and employment to local youth. Its master plan had been prepared by Bernard Harrison & Friends.
An estimate says that 7,000 tourists would enjoy drives in enclosed lorries every evening. A total of 71 species of animals, 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 there.
