Is the Jungle Safari Project in Aravalli an Initiative by PM Modi?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Jungle Safari project initiated by PM Modi.
- Spanning 10,000 acres in Aravalli region.
- Focus on eco-tourism and local job creation.
- Adheres to Central Zoo Authority regulations.
- Exploration of PPP model for project management.
Chandigarh, Aug 20 (NationPress) Haryana's Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister Rao Narbir Singh announced on Wednesday that the upcoming Jungle Safari project in the Aravalli area is a vision set forth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The comprehensive design and project report is expected to be completed in the next two months, paving the way for a global tender process to commence, ensuring that the project can kick off promptly. “This initiative aims to enhance eco-tourism, while simultaneously safeguarding biodiversity and generating job opportunities for local residents,” he stated.
Singh presided over a review meeting with officials from the Forest Department. The Life Science Education Trust presented insights on the project. He noted that the Aravalli mountain range, which is India's oldest, spans across Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi, covering approximately 1.15 million hectares. The central government has assigned Haryana the pivotal role in the Aravalli Green Wall Project and Jungle Safari, signifying a major milestone in environmental protection.
He mentioned that this project was initially under the Tourism Department but has now transitioned to the Forest Department. Singh had personally visited the Gorewada Safari in Nagpur and the Vantara project in Gujarat for inspiration. The Haryana government aspires to have this grand project inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi, he added.
During the meeting, it was revealed that the Aravalli Safari is planned over nearly 10,000 acres in the Gurugram and Nuh districts. The first phase will see development over approximately 2,500 acres. This project will adhere to the regulations set forth by the Central Zoo Authority and the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
The Minister emphasized that this will be a significant investment project, with potential under the PPP model being explored for its management. Similar to Gujarat’s Vantara and Kevadia Zoo projects, Haryana will soon finalize the MoU process.
Additionally, he announced that guidelines for a night safari have now been established. Through the Aravalli Green Wall project, extensive planting of indigenous species, soil health enhancement, groundwater recharge, and biodiversity preservation will be prioritized.