Overview
- A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant allowed the Uttar Pradesh government to proceed with the Kukrail Night Safari and zoological park, with the order issued on Wednesday requiring compliance with expert recommendations.
- The court based its permission on reports from the Central Empowered Committee, the Central Zoo Authority and the environment ministry while reminding the state to obtain outstanding approvals under laws such as the Forest Conservation Act.
- The CEC rejected key elements of the original plan, including shifting the century-old Lucknow zoo into Kukrail and an Adventure Zone, and it ordered road and design changes to reduce forest impact.
- Environmental safeguards include permitting only essential tree felling, enforcing a 1:10 compensatory plantation rule, setting up an oversight committee, and requiring the CEC to carry out periodic site visits with a first status report due after three months.
- Petitioners and activists remain opposed on grounds that the project uses reserved forest land and risks urban green cover, and the court allowed public suggestions to the CEC while warning that any breach of conditions will be treated seriously.