The proposed desert-themed drive-through night safari and zoological park at Deesa in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district has received approval from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), paving the way for one of the state’s major wildlife tourism projects.
The project is being developed by the Gujarat Forest Department on around 103 hectares of government land at Juna Deesa. Prepared in accordance with CZA guidelines, the project has an estimated cost of Rs 542.14 crore.
According to Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia, the project is aimed at strengthening wildlife conservation while promoting eco-tourism and generating employment opportunities in North Gujarat.
The proposed zoological park is planned as a modern conservation facility and is expected to house around 2,700 native and exotic animals and birds representing nearly 83 species. It will include facilities for conservation breeding, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, environmental education and scientific interpretation.
A key attraction will be the international-standard night safari, where visitors will be able to observe nocturnal animals in specially designed enclosures after sunset. The project will have a separate day zoo along with five dedicated night safari enclosures.
The park will be developed around a desert ecosystem, incorporating natural arid landscapes. Indian species such as chinkara, blackbuck, Indian wild ass, Asiatic lion and leopard are among those planned for the facility.
The zoo will also feature separate herbivore and carnivore enclosures, an aviary, reptile house, butterfly park, interpretation centre, food court, souvenir shop and golf cart services.
Forest officials said Juna Deesa was selected for the project because of its 103 hectares of contiguous land, natural sand dunes, proximity to the Banas River and road and railway connectivity.
The development will incorporate several environment-friendly features, including rainwater harvesting, a sewage treatment plant, solid waste management systems, solar energy, native plantations and green buffer zones.
Wide range of desert species
The proposed park will showcase several Indian desert species, including the Indian porcupine, Indian hare, hedgehog, desert hare, Indian wild ass, sloth bear, caracal, Indian wolf, golden jackal, striped hyena and Indian desert fox. Other planned attractions include a reptile safari, rainforest biome and aquarium.
African and Australian species
The park is also expected to feature a range of African desert species, including the Angolan giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, scimitar oryx, African kudu, springbok, addra gazelle, black rhinoceros, chimpanzee, meerkat, African cheetah, African lion, fennec fox, bat-eared fox and ostrich.
Australian desert species such as kangaroos, emus and wallabies are also planned as part of the attractions. Officials said the project is expected to emerge as a major wildlife and eco-tourism destination in North Gujarat, complementing tourist attractions such as Vadnagar, Ambaji and Nadabet.