The Supreme Court on Wednesday gave its nod to setting up the country’s first night safari at Lucknow’s Cockerel Reserve Forest, directing the state to comply with all conditions imposed by various legal authorities along with prior clearances before commencing work.
The bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant approved the order on an application by the Uttar Pradesh government after seeking the opinion of an expert body, the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), which granted conditional approval for the project.
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The UP government has received approval from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and has been awaiting court approval since an order dated February 19, 2024 was passed by the court stating that no final approval should be given for setting up any zoo or safari park without prior permission of the court.
“The state has agreed to abide by all the conditions recommended by the CZA. Considering the fact that the CZA and MoEFCC have given approval for setting up night safari, we allow the present application,” the bench, also comprising Justices Joymalia Bagchi and V Mohana, said.
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The court allowed the state to proceed with the project in accordance with the recommendations of the Central Elections Commission, and directed the member of the Central Elections Commission and its secretary to conduct periodic visits and submit reports. The council said: “Any breach of conditions will be viewed seriously.”
