Big cats in Aravali forests? Zoo safari’ plan takes shape

Gurgaon: Haryana’s ambitious plan to set up a jungle safari – one that envisions homes for tigers and lions -- on 10,000 acres of Aravali forests between Gurgaon and Nuh gained momentum this week, with chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav touching down in the UAE to study a similar project there.

- Ipsita Pati

The CM and the Union minister’s visit to Sharjah Safari Park, the world’s largest outside Africa, will help finalise the contours of the Aravali Zoo Safari.

If it takes shape in five years, the time frame the state government has set, the Aravali safari will be the largest project of its kind in the world, officials said.

The safari, according to the proposal, will have designated zones that will be fenced off, including large enclosures for lions, tigers and leopards that will be relocated from zoos. The other zones will be for amphibians and herbivores, besides a bird park and nature trails for trekkers.

CM Khattar, after his visit to the Sharjah Safari Park, told TOI on Thursday: “This is a new kind of zoo where animals are treated in a more humane manner. We will ensure that such a safari is established in Gurgaon as well.”