For families looking for green spaces, children seeking outdoor learning experiences and nature enthusiasts wanting easier access to wildlife, Kukrail could soon offer a new recreation destination as the Uttar Pradesh govt has moved ahead with the Kukrail Night Safari and eco-tourism project.Following clearance by the Supreme Court, subject to environmental safeguards, the forest department is preparing to begin the next phase of development at Kukrail, a project that officials say is intended to combine wildlife education, eco-tourism and conservation.“The objective is to create a nature-based destination where people can experience wildlife and learn about conservation without compromising the ecological character of Kukrail,” a senior official in forest department said.The project is expected to provide residents with facilities that are currently limited in the city, including guided wildlife experiences, nature trails and dedicated eco-tourism infrastructure.WHAT IT MEANS FOR LUCKNOWITESFor Lucknow’s growing urban population, the project promises greater access to outdoor recreational spaces and environmental awareness programmes.Officials said visitors would be able to experience designated safari zones through regulated vehicle-based tours, while other parts of the project would offer nature trails, interpretation facilities and family-oriented recreational infrastructure.Apart from the Night Safari, plans include bamboo huts, children’s activity areas, open gym, cafeteria, improved parking facilities and visitor amenities.The initiative is also expected to generate employment opportunities linked to tourism, facility management, hospitality and maintenance services.IMPLEMENTATION AFTER SCRUTINYForest department officials said the project has undergone significant changes following environmental scrutiny.The proposal to relocate the Lucknow Zoo to Kukrail has been dropped. Similarly, plans for a four-lane access road and an adventure zone is also no longer a part of the revised project.“The revised plan focuses on wildlife tourism and eco-tourism while addressing environmental concerns that were raised earlier,” a senior official said.CONSERVATION REMAINS CENTRALKukrail already plays an important role in wildlife conservation through its gharial rehabilitation centre, which has been associated with breeding and conservation efforts for decades.Officials said the challenge was to expand tourism opportunities without undermining this conservation legacy.Construction of safari infrastructure, visitor facilities and landscaping is expected to be undertaken in phases. At the same time, ecological restoration measures, native plantation and green-cover protection will form part of project implementation.“Our efforts will focus on minimising tree removal and ensuring that conservation goals remain integral to development activities,” the official said.CHALLENGES AHEADEven as many residents welcome the prospect of a new tourism and recreation destination, concerns remain regarding the impact of increased visitor activity on the reserve forest.Experts and environmental groups have previously raised issues relating to tree loss, artificial lighting, traffic, waste management and disturbance to wildlife.“Managing visitor numbers and ensuring compliance with environmental safeguards will be critical once the project becomes operational,” said activist Akshita Mishra.A TEST CASEIf implemented successfully, the Kukrail Night Safari could become one of Lucknow’s most prominent nature-based attractions, providing residents with an accessible wildlife experience within city limits.Officials, however, maintain that the project’s success will not be measured by footfall alone.“For a project located within a reserve forest, the ultimate measure of success will be whether tourism, public engagement and conservation can coexist,” a senior forest department official said.The coming years will determine whether Kukrail can evolve into a major urban eco-tourism destination while preserving the ecological values that make the reserve forest unique.
