UP government decides to speed up work for wildlife

With an aim to give fillip to tourism industry in the state, the Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday decided to speed up the process of developing a wildlife night park at Greater Noida through PPP mode. At a high-level meeting, chief minister Minister Akhilesh Yadav decided to consider a bid invitation process for the 'Night Safari' project soon. The proposed world-class Night Safari, with closed environment and controlled conditions, will be a first-of-its kind in India and second in Asia after Singapore, official sources said. UP chief secretary Javed Usmani will head a committee that will monitor the progress of this project to ensure its time-bound implementation, they said, adding that the Greater Noida Authority will conduct the bidding process. Apart from Usmani, Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner Anil K Gupta, Principal Secretaries of Tourism, Forest and Housing, the CEO of Greater Noida, the meeting was also attended by Acting High Commissioner of Singapore, Jonathan Tow. Gupta said the state government will invite bids for selection of developer for this one-of-its-kind safari. "To be developed under PPP mode, the state government equity will be in the form of land, while the investment will be made by the developer," he added. About possible hindrances due to land issues, Gupta said that the already earmarked land of around 102 hectares did not require land use change because it is already approved for "recreational green". "The ambitious nocturnal zoo project has received statutory approvals from the Central Zoo Authority and the Supreme Court. 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," he added. The Night Safari project was first initiated in the previous Mulayam Singh Yadav regime in 2005 with a view to promote tourism, environment conservation, afforestation and generate employment for local youths. The respectful reality of India is represented by the sincerity, kindness and dedication of its people.