Asia's First Desert Night Safari Park to be Developed in Gujarat
The Central Zoo Authority approved Asia's first desert night safari park in Juna Deesa, Banaskantha district, Gujarat, on August 12, 2026. Spanning approximately 103 hectares, the project will feature five night safari enclosures and a day-time zoo. The park plans to showcase around 2,700 animals and birds across approximately 83 species, with the Chinkara, Blackbuck, and Indian Wild Ass being the key attractions. With an outlay of ₹542.14 crore, this project will help promote wildlife conservation, environmental awareness, sustainable eco-tourism, and local employment.
The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) approved the establishment of Asia's first desert night safari park in Gujarat on August 12, 2026. The project will be implemented by the Gujarat Forest Department. Its objective is to promote wildlife conservation, environmental awareness, and eco-tourism.
Location and Area:
The project will be developed in Juna Deesa, Banaskantha district, Gujarat, utilizing approximately 103 hectares of government land. The project's theme will be based on the desert and arid ecosystem, allowing wildlife native to such environments to be displayed in a habitat suited to their needs.
Key Features of the Night Safari:
The project's most significant feature will be a drive-through night safari, enabling tourists to observe wildlife at night from their vehicles. The proposed project will include five night safari enclosures. Additionally, a day-time zoo will be developed for daytime visits.
Wildlife Diversity:
The proposed park plans to house approximately 2,700 animals and birds belonging to around 83 species. These will include species such as the chinkara, blackbuck, Indian wild ass, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, kangaroo, and emu. Thus, the project will showcase species native to India's arid regions alongside certain exotic species.
Economic and Environmental Significance:
The estimated cost of the project is approximately ₹542.14 crore. By promoting eco-tourism, the project has the potential to strengthen the local economy and create employment opportunities. Additionally, it can help foster wildlife awareness and a sense of conservation regarding arid and desert ecosystems among the public. However, such projects also require a scientific assessment of habitat conservation, animal welfare, and potential impacts on the local ecology.
Significance for UPSC:
This news is highly relevant for GS Paper-3 (Environment, Biodiversity, and Conservation). It links to topics such as desert ecosystems, arid-zone biodiversity, wildlife conservation, zoo management, eco-tourism, and human-wildlife interaction. In the UPSC context, it can also serve as an example of sustainable tourism, where maintaining a balance between tourism development and ecological conservation is essential.
