Maharashtra’s government has just proposed an INR 100 crore African Safari project at Nagpur’s Balsaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoo, which would be funded by the state’s tourism department.
The government, according to news sources, aims to execute the country’s first experiment in displaying animals from the African continent, which will be led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, according to the news reports. An African safari has been suggested for the Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoo to help raise awareness about the issue of climate change.
As it is already well known that Africa is the second most populous continent on the planet and that it is renowned for having a diverse range of species, visiting the continent’s wildlife is something that many travel aficionados have on their bucket list. So, in the not-too-distant future, one will be able to experience the fauna of Africa right here in Maharashtra!
This INR100 crore African Safari project at the Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewoda International Zoological Park in Nagpur, according to reports, was announced by the Maharashtra government in the state’s budget for fiscal year 2022-23. For this, an INR 60 crore Leopard safari and a 90-hectare forest area near Pune are in the works, while another proposal calls for the establishment of a tiger safari and a wildlife rescue center on a 171-hectare plot of land in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra.
Additionally, according to reports, a proposal to build a Maharashtra Gene Bank Project worth INR 286 crore over the next five years is being considered. The gene bank will contribute to the preservation of genetic variety in the state.
If you’ve been wanting to get up up and personal with spectacular African wildlife, rejoice because it’s coming to you.