Lion-Leopard Safari Park to Attract Tourists in Gujarat

Lion-Leopard Safari Park: Gujarat's Next Big Attraction

As per the latest update, tourists visiting the captivating white desert of Kutch and the tranquil beaches of Diu will soon have the opportunity to take part in exhilarating wildlife trails. This development in Gujarat is due to the state government's proposal to establish lion-leopard safari parks, which have received approval from the Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAI).

The twin safari parks, set to be developed along the lines of the existing Devalia safari park, will be located at Narayan Sarovar in Kutch and Naliya-Mandvi (Una taluka) in Gir Somnath. These parks enhance Gujarat's tourism landscape while contributing to wildlife conservation. Nityanand Srivastava, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), announced, "The CZAI has given its final approval. We will now submit the proposal to the Supreme Court for endorsement, as these sanctuaries will be established on forest land."

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court mandated that forest land must receive prior approval before being designated as zoos or safari parks under the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act 2023. This new regulatory step ensures that the establishment of such parks aligns with legal and environmental standards.

The proposed Narayan Sarovar safari park is expected to be a significant attraction for Kutch, offering enclosures for lions and leopards in the region's unique flora and fauna. Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Kutch, Sandeep Kumar, added that this safari park will significantly boost tourism by providing visitors with an immersive wildlife experience in the region.

Similarly, the Naliya-Mandvi safari park, announced earlier this year by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, will be situated about 8 km from Diu and cover nearly 400 hectares of forest land.

In a broader move to boost wildlife conservation, the Gujarat state government decided in March to create multi-species safari parks across the state. Departing from the traditional single-species safari model, these new parks will showcase a variety of animal species, offering visitors a richer and more diverse experience.

In addition to these safari parks, the CZAI has approved the establishment of a cheetah breeding centre in the Banni area of Kutch. This centre, covering over 500 hectares, will be India's first facility dedicated to cheetah breeding. Since March, the state forest department has been working diligently to prepare the site, featuring special open-to-air isolation enclosures designed to support cheetahs' mating behaviour. Three enclosures will be constructed, totalling 120 square meters, with separate areas designated for males and females.

Gujarat's new wildlife initiatives promise to enhance the state's tourism appeal while advancing conservation efforts. With the addition of these safari parks and the cheetah breeding centre, Gujarat is set to become a key destination for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.