Haryana is poised to create the world's largest jungle safari park, sprawling over an impressive 10,000 acres in the breathtaking Aravalli mountain range, encompassing the Gurugram and Nuh districts. This ambitious project promises to be an unparalleled experience, setting a new standard for safari parks around the globe. Currently, the largest curated safari park outside of Africa, located in Sharjah, covers about 2,000 acres and opened its doors in February 2022. The proposed park will be five times that size, offering an extraordinary array of features.
Visitors can look forward to a large herpetarium, a captivating aviary (bird park), four dedicated zones for big cats, extensive habitats for herbivores, exotic bird areas, an awe-inspiring underwater world, scenic nature trails, vibrant tourism zones, lush botanical gardens, and diverse biomes ranging from equatorial and tropical to coastal and desert.
As part of the initiative for the upcoming park project, Union Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, alongside Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal, and their delegation, recently toured the Sharjah Jungle Safari. During this visit, the Chief Minister highlighted the tremendous potential of the NCR region in Haryana to transform into a vibrant jungle safari.
He emphasised that launching the Jungle Safari scheme represents not just a promising opportunity to elevate tourism in the state but also a powerful means to create a wealth of job opportunities for the local community. This initiative could truly serve as a catalyst for economic growth and environmental appreciation in the region. “The Jungle Safari project of Haryana would be a joint project of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India and the Government of Haryana. Under a scheme, the central government will also provide funds to Haryana for this project,” he said in a statement.
The Chief Minister also announced the launch of an international Expression of Interest (EOI) for the highly-anticipated safari park project. Two companies, renowned for their global expertise in designing and operating exceptional facilities, have been shortlisted. These companies will now engage in an international design competition, vying to create, manage, and bring to life a world-class safari experience.
To ensure the project's success, the Aravalli Foundation will be established to oversee its management and operations. Furthermore, the Chief Minister highlighted that the Central Zoo Authority has conducted a thorough evaluation of the proposed site and has confirmed its technical feasibility. This endorsement paves the way to move forward with great confidence in India's vision for a remarkable safari park that promises to become a premier destination.
The minister emphasised that developing a jungle safari presents a dual opportunity: it would not only serve to preserve the invaluable Aravalli mountain range but also attract a significant influx of tourists from Delhi and surrounding regions. This surge in tourism has the potential to generate extensive employment opportunities for local communities, fostering economic growth in the area. Furthermore, the Chief Minister highlighted that the surrounding villages would greatly benefit from the implementation of the Home Stay Policy, providing an additional layer of support for local livelihoods.
This park will not just be a space for wildlife; it will be an invitation to explore, connect with nature, and create unforgettable memories. By investing in this remarkable project, Haryana is paving the way for a transformative experience that promises to captivate visitors from all walks of life.