Night Safari Proposal in Lucknow’s Kukrail Reserve: A Threat to Biodiversity

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced plans for a night safari in the Kukrail Reserve Forest, just outside Lucknow. While this is marketed as an eco-tourism venture, concerns are rising about its potential harm to local wildlife. The Kukrail Reserve is not just a green patch; it’s an essential part of Lucknow’s ecosystem, housing owls, reptiles, migratory birds, and the country’s leading gharial rehabilitation centre.

The Impact of Light Pollution

Introducing artificial lighting and human activities into Kukrail can have serious consequences. Light pollution, which disrupts natural environments, can confuse wildlife and interfere with their natural behaviors like mating and navigation. Multiple studies indicate that nocturnal animals such as owls and bats depend on natural darkness for their survival, and disturbances could put them at risk.

Standing as a vital refuge for 39 types of amphibians and reptiles—including various frogs, turtles, crocodiles, lizards, and snakes—Kukrail boasts a rich biodiversity. Some of these species are even classified as endangered by the IUCN. Therefore, any project that brings in artificial lighting and increased human presence is concerning when it comes to the survival of these creatures.

Diluting Environmental Safeguards

The initial phase of the safari project will cover 6.5 hectares, roughly the size of two to three cricket grounds. The plans involve building enclosures, walking trails, a 7D theatre, and other facilities. While you might think that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) would be mandatory before such developments, new legislation—the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act of 2023—has changed the rules. This law redefines what “non-forest use” is and allows projects like this one to proceed without rigorous scrutiny.

Exemptions provided under this Act have come under legal scrutiny, facing challenges in India’s Supreme Court. The Supreme Court’s recent rulings have limited such developments in forest areas unless proper wildlife and forest clearances are obtained. Unfortunately, this leaves Kukrail’s future uncertain.

Community Concerns and Legal Battles

Public pushback against the night safari has been strong. The citizen-led group “There Is No Earth B” has started the “Save Kukrail” campaign to protect the forest from construction activities. Activists like Bhawna Tanwar voice a consensus: “Eco-tourism should not mean cutting down 1,500 trees or driving wildlife away.” Many local residents have expressed their worries about safety, potential ticketing for entry, and the changing landscape of their beloved forest.

The Kukrail Reserve isn’t an isolated issue. Across India, protected areas are turning into commercial tourist spots rather than being preserved as sanctuaries. Just like Kukrail, other urban forests are facing similar pressures from development disguised as eco-tourism.

Biodiversity Under Threat

Kukrail is home to 39 different species of amphibians and reptiles. Its significance cannot be understated. The gharial rehabilitation centre has been successfully restoring gharials since 1978, providing a crucial service in conserving a species that once faced extinction. The space serves not just as an ecological refuge but also as a community hub where children play cricket, families take strolls, and nature lovers bird-watch.

Transforming Kukrail into a night safari risks not only the area’s ecology but also the social fabric of the community that cherishes it. The current debate is not merely about birds or animals; it’s about the broader idea of what conservation means in urban spaces.

Preserving What Matters

Some may argue that offsets—planting trees elsewhere—can compensate for the loss in Kukrail. Yet, this simplistic solution undermines the complex ecosystem that has thrived for roughly 75 years. This forest is not merely a collection of trees; it’s a living entity requiring decades of care and attention.

Kukrail Forest has actively supported diverse flora and fauna, largely due to consistent conservation efforts by devoted individuals and groups. Mere saplings cannot replace the intricate ecological relationship developed over decades.

As we face severe air pollution and rising temperatures in cities like Lucknow, preserving sites like Kukrail becomes critical. The forest acts as a natural coolant, helping trap dust and providing much-needed fresh air amid urban challenges.

Conclusion: A Decision to Make

Choosing to commercialize Kukrail for a night safari means prioritizing short-term gains over long-term ecological health. We can either exploit this vital ecosystem for spectacle or safeguard it as a precious asset for future generations. The choice is ours, and it must be made with caution and foresight, reminding us of the incredible value of living harmoniously with nature.

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Original Text – https://scroll.in/article/1089686/night-safari-plan-in-lucknow-reserve-threatens-gharials-other-amphibian-and-reptile-species?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=public