World’s 5th Night Safari to open doors in Gr Noida

The world’s fifth Night Safari project in Greater Noida is speeding up with the Greater Noida Authority deciding to issue the tender by March end. The move was initiated after going through the Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by the government appointed consultant.

The move is to expedite the project, which has been in limbo for the last 10 years. The then Chief Minister, Mulayam Singh Yadav, had announced the project and had appointed a Singapore-based consultant. The ambitious project, however, was jammed for several years due to the change of guard in Lucknow. It was again revived two years ago.

According to the authority officials, plans have been chalked out for the project and the tendering process is likely to take place soon. After the tender is allotted, works on the project may be initiated before June this year and completed by the year 2018. Once started, it will be India’s first and the world’s fifth night safari project to be developed on 250 acres of land (adjoining Gautam Buddh University on Yamuna Expressway). A total of Rs 1,000 crore will be spent on the project, out of which, Rs 500 crore has already been sanctioned by the authority as it has borne the entire cost of the project.

Unlike traditional nocturnal houses, which reverse the day-night cycle of animals, the Night Safari will be an entire open-air zoo set in the humid tropical forest that is only open at night. The naturalistic enclosures will simulate the animals’ native habitats. Animals will be separated from visitors by natural barriers, rather than being caged – somewhat similar to the Singapore Zoo concept. “The region will have a well-planned combination of entertainment zones and industrial hubs along with world-class infrastructure. While we will be making an effort to introduce international brands in the region, developers on their part will be introducing infrastructure and facilities that are available in Western countries,” Rama Raman, Chairman and CEO of Greater Noida Authority had informed earlier.

“The project will create environment awareness and offer recreation to residents, besides enhancing tourism in Greater Noida. It will be developed like the open range zoological gardens of China and Singapore,” the official said, adding that a train will take visitors to see the animals in the wild. Proper arrangements will be made to spot animals at night and the nocturnal park will be home to a total of 71 species of animals.