Chandigarh: Haryana is all set to emerge as a new center of eco-tourism with the proposed Aravalli Jungle Safari project. The state’s Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister, Rao Narbir Singh, announced that this ambitious project is a visionary initiative inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It aims not only to boost eco-tourism in the region but also to protect biodiversity and generate employment opportunities for local communities.
During a high-level review meeting with officials of the Forest Department, Rao Narbir Singh confirmed that a detailed design and project report for the safari will be completed within the next two months. After this, a global tendering process will be initiated to ensure that work on the project begins at the earliest.
Aravalli Jungle Safari: A Landmark Eco-Tourism Project
The Aravalli Jungle Safari is expected to be a milestone in the field of eco-tourism and wildlife conservation. Spanning across the Aravalli mountain range, which is India’s oldest geological formation, the project will highlight the ecological and cultural significance of this natural treasure. The Aravallis extend across Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi, covering nearly 1.15 million hectares.
Haryana has been entrusted with the responsibility of implementing the Aravalli Green Wall Project and the Jungle Safari initiative by the central government. Both projects are expected to play a critical role in combating desertification, conserving natural habitats, and promoting sustainable tourism in northern India.
Inspired by Successful Safari Models
Minister Rao Narbir Singh revealed that the safari project was initially under the Tourism Department but has now been transferred to the Forest Department for better execution. He personally visited the Gorewada Safari in Nagpur and the Vantara Project in Gujarat to study their success models. These visits provided valuable insights into creating a world-class safari experience in Haryana.
The government’s goal is to have this mega-project inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflecting the importance of the initiative in line with his broader vision for sustainable development and environmental conservation.
Key Highlights of the Proposed Project
The Aravalli Jungle Safari will be spread across nearly 10,000 acres of land in Gurugram and Nuh districts of Haryana. In the first phase, the safari will be developed over approximately 2,500 acres. The project will strictly follow the guidelines laid down by the Central Zoo Authority and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Aravalli Jungle Safari |
| Location | Gurugram & Nuh, Haryana |
| Total Area | 10,000 acres (2,500 acres in Phase 1) |
| Objective | Eco-tourism, biodiversity protection, employment generation |
| Model | Public-Private Partnership (PPP) |
| Inspiration | Gorewada Safari (Nagpur), Vantara (Gujarat) |
| Supervising Authority | Forest Department of Haryana |
| Prime Visionary | PM Narendra Modi |
The project will explore Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to attract major investments, similar to the agreements signed in Gujarat’s Kevadia Zoo and Vantara projects. Haryana will also sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with global and national stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation.
Night Safari and Eco-Friendly Features
One of the most exciting aspects of the Aravalli Jungle Safari will be the introduction of a night safari, in line with newly issued guidelines. This will allow tourists to experience the wilderness after sunset, adding a unique dimension to wildlife tourism.
Alongside tourism, the Aravalli Green Wall Project will complement the safari by focusing on:
- Large-scale plantation of indigenous tree species
- Improving soil health
- Recharging groundwater reserves
- Conserving biodiversity
Such measures will strengthen the ecological balance of the Aravalli region, ensuring that tourism develops hand-in-hand with environmental protection.
A Vision Aligned with Prime Minister Modi
Rao Narbir Singh emphasized that the Aravalli Jungle Safari is directly inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has consistently highlighted the importance of environmental protection and eco-tourism in his Mann ki Baat addresses.
The Minister appealed to the citizens of Haryana to extend their support for the conservation of wildlife and natural resources. “This safari is not just a tourism project, it is a movement to reconnect people with nature and ensure that future generations inherit a greener, healthier planet,” he said.
Expected Benefits of the Aravalli Jungle Safari
The proposed project is likely to deliver multi-dimensional benefits for the region:
- Boost to Eco-Tourism – Haryana will emerge as a prominent wildlife tourism destination, attracting both domestic and international tourists.
- Employment Generation – Local communities in Gurugram and Nuh will gain new livelihood opportunities through tourism services, hospitality, and guiding.
- Environmental Conservation – Large-scale afforestation and biodiversity protection will help restore the fragile ecosystem of the Aravalli range.
- Global Recognition – By adopting best practices from Nagpur and Gujarat, the project could set new benchmarks for safari parks in India.
- Cultural and Educational Value – Schools, colleges, and researchers will benefit from the project as a hub for environmental education and awareness.
Also read: Vantara to Develop Elephant Rehabilitation Facility at Nandani
Conclusion
The upcoming Aravalli Jungle Safari in Haryana represents a bold step toward balancing economic development with environmental sustainability. By protecting biodiversity, generating employment, and promoting eco-friendly tourism, the project is expected to redefine Haryana’s place on the global eco-tourism map.
Backed by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and executed under the leadership of Minister Rao Narbir Singh, the safari will not only be a tourist attraction but also a living example of how nature and development can coexist harmoniously.
The next two months will be crucial as the detailed project report takes shape and global tenders are floated. Once operational, the Aravalli Jungle Safari could well become one of India’s most iconic eco-tourism projects — a shining example of sustainable growth rooted in respect for nature.
