Upcoming Lion-Leopard Safari Parks in Gujarat

Tourists visiting the enchanting white desert of Kutch and the serene beaches of Diu will soon have the opportunity to embark on thrilling wildlife trails, thanks to an exciting development in Gujarat. According to recent reports, the state government’s proposal to establish lion-leopard safari parks has received approval from the Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAI), marking a significant advancement in both tourism and wildlife conservation efforts.

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 aim to 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 its 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.

Gujarat's Ambitious Tourism Boost - lion-leopard safari parks

The proposed Narayan Sarovar Safari Park is expected to be a major attraction for Kutch, offering enclosures for both lions and leopards amidst 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.

Similarly, the Naliya-Mandvi Safari Park, announced earlier this year by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, will be situated about 8 km from Diu and will also 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 center in the Banni area of Kutch. This center, covering over 500 hectares, will be India’s first facility dedicated to the breeding of cheetahs. The state forest department has been working diligently since March to prepare the site, which will feature special open-to-air isolation enclosures designed to support the mating behavior of cheetahs. Three such enclosures, totaling 120 square meters, will be constructed, 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 lion-leopard safari parks and the cheetah breeding center, Gujarat is set to become a key destination for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.