African Safari and Night Safari Infrastructure to Be Built at Gorewada Zoo
-l-thumb.jpeg)
Nagpur: The construction of an African Safari and Night Safari at Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoo is set to begin soon, with the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) India Limited likely to secure the contract for the project. The development follows the success of the Indian Safari at the zoo, prompting the State Government to accelerate plans for the African Safari.
The African Safari will cover 63 hectares of land, and the infrastructure will include the construction of the safari area, night safari, and a new entrance gate. According to Zoo Director Shatnik Bhagwat, talks are ongoing between the State Government and NBCC, with an agreement expected soon. The Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM) is also involved in the project.
The first phase of the project is expected to start before the monsoon, with work likely to be completed within two years. The African Safari is expected to open to tourists in 2027.
The State Cabinet has approved a budget of Rs 517.76 crore for the construction, with Rs 214.91 crore allocated for the African Safari itself. Additionally, Rs 40.76 crore will go towards building a Safari Plaza and new entrance plaza, along with parking facilities.
A Singapore-based consultant has designed the master plan for the safari, aiming to recreate the African Savannah landscape with native trees and plants.
Over 33 species of African wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and the endangered white rhinoceros, will be brought to the zoo. The government has sanctioned Rs 80 crore for the procurement of these animals. The introduction of the African Safari is expected to boost tourism in the region and create job opportunities for locals.
The work order for the project is expected to be issued by March, and construction will take approximately two years. Once completed, the African Safari will offer a major new attraction for wildlife enthusiasts.
-t-thumb.jpeg)
-t-thumb.jpeg)
-t-thumb.jpeg)