Press release
Chief Minister's initiative to expedite Night Safari
project at Greater Noida
Lucknow | May 29, 2012:
In a bid to give fillip to tourism industry in Uttar Pradesh and attract private investment, State government, in a significant move, decided to speed up the process of development of a wildlife night park - 'Night Safari' at Greater Noida through Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode.
In a high level meeting,chaired by Hon'be Chief Minister, Akhilesh Yadav, decision was taken to consider commencement of bid invitation process in this regard soon. A committee headed by Chief Secretary will monitor the progress of this projectto ensure time-boundimplementation, whereas, Greater Noida Authority will conduct the bidding process.
Apart from senior State government officials including Chief Secretary, Jawed Usmani, Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner (IIDC), Anil K Gupta, Principal Secretaries of Tourism, Forest and Housing, CEO of Greater Noida, the meeting was also attended by Acting High Commissioner of Singapore, Jonathan Tow along with his First Secretary Economics, Chen Kah Meiwith their valuable inputs.
It may be noted that proposed world-class Night Safari, with closed environment and controlled conditions, will bea 'first' in India and second in Asia after Singapore.
IIDC, Anil K Gupta informed, "U.P. Government shall consider tocall bids for the selection of developer for this one-of-its-kind closed environment Night Safari.""To be developed under PPP mode, State government equity will be in the form of land, while the investment will be made absolutely by the developer", he added.
Allaying any fears of hindrances due to land issues, IIDC said that the already earmarked land of around 102 hectares did not requireland use change because it is already approved for 'recreational green'. Moreover, the ambitious nocturnal zoo project has received statutory approvals from Central Zoo Authority and 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.", added IIDC, Anil K Gupta.
It is pertinent here to mention that the Night Safari project at Greater Noida was envisaged in 2005 with a view to promote tourism, environment conservation, afforestation and employment to youth of nearby areas. Master plan for Night Safari has already been prepared by Bernard Harrison & Friends.
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 plan, there will be an 'Entrance Plaza', 'Night Safari ride-soft drive', Lions of Tsavo-hard drive, Indian trail and Amazon trail.
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