Gandhinagar: Gujarat’s proposed Deesa Desert Zoological Park and Night Safari in Banaskantha district has received approval from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), clearing the way for one of the state’s major wildlife tourism projects.
The project will come up across 103 hectares of government land at Juna Deesa at an estimated cost of ₹542.14 crore. The Gujarat Forest Department says the facility will combine wildlife conservation, eco-tourism, environmental education and employment generation.
103-Hectare Desert-Themed Wildlife Park
Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said the project has been prepared according to Central Zoo Authority guidelines.
The proposed park will feature a desert ecosystem with natural arid landscapes. Around 2,700 native and exotic animals and birds representing nearly 83 species are planned to be housed at the facility.
The project will include both a day zoo and a dedicated night safari, giving visitors the opportunity to observe wildlife in specially designed enclosures after sunset.
Night Safari to Be a Major Attraction
The international-standard night safari will be one of the key attractions of the project.
Five dedicated night safari enclosures are planned for nocturnal wildlife. The park will also have separate areas for herbivores and carnivores.
Other proposed facilities include:
- Aviary and reptile house
- Butterfly park and aquarium
- Interpretation centre
- Food court and souvenir shop
- Golf cart services and visitor facilities
The project is also expected to support conservation breeding, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, along with environmental education.
Focus on Indian Desert Species
The zoological park will showcase several species associated with India’s desert and arid landscapes.
These include the chinkara, blackbuck, Indian wild ass, Indian caracal, Indian wolf, desert fox, striped hyena, golden jackal, Indian porcupine and hedgehog.
The park will also feature larger wildlife such as the Asiatic lion, leopard and sloth bear.
African and Australian Wildlife Planned
The proposed park will also introduce visitors to desert species from other parts of the world.
African species planned for the facility include giraffes, Grevy’s zebra, scimitar oryx, African kudu, springbok, gazelles, black rhinoceros, meerkat and ostrich.
Australian desert wildlife such as kangaroos, emus and wallabies will also form part of the attractions.
Green Technologies to Support the Project
Officials said the park will use rainwater harvesting, sewage treatment, waste management, solar energy and native plantations to reduce its environmental impact. Its location, near natural sand dunes and the Banas River, also offers good road and railway connectivity for tourism.
Boost to North Gujarat Tourism
The Gujarat government expects the Deesa project to boost tourism in North Gujarat, complementing destinations like Vadnagar, Ambaji and Nadabet. It is also expected to create jobs and strengthen the local economy.
Conservation at the Centre
Officials see the Deesa Desert Zoological Park as a conservation and education hub, with rescue, rehabilitation, breeding and environmental education facilities.
With CZA approval, the park could boost Gujarat’s wildlife and eco-tourism sector while making North Gujarat a major destination.
Read Also: Gujarat Hospitals Win 3 National Awards for Excellence in Organ Donation and Transplantation
