State eyes Jamnagar's Vantara model for Aravalli safari project

The state aims to create the world's best jungle safari in the Aravallis and is drawing inspiration from Vantara, the state-of-the-art animal rehabilitation centre owned by Reliance Industries in Jamnagar. The state forest department, which has taken over the ambitious project from the tourism department, is reviewing the detailed project report (DPR) to incorporate best practices from leading animal safaris across the country.

Effort to preserve Aravallis

The Aravalli safari project is our ultimate effort to conserve and preserve the dying Aravallis. Vantara is a state-of-the-art animal rehabilitation facility and we want to learn from the best. We will also be looking at other national parks with similar terrain and issues as the Aravalli forest. — Rao Narbir, forest and environment minister

Forest and Environment Minister Rao Narbir is leading the effort to identify exemplary safari models, with Vantara topping the list. “The Aravalli safari project is our ultimate effort to conserve and preserve the dying Aravallis. Vantara in Jamnagar is a state-of-the-art animal rehabilitation facility and we want to learn from the best. We are in touch with the authorities and will also be looking at other national parks and safaris with similar terrain and issues as the Aravalli forest,” said Narbir.

The proposed safari, spanning 10,000 acres across 18 villages in Gurugram and Nuh districts, is touted as the largest jungle safari park outside Africa. It aims to promote eco-tourism, conserve biodiversity and generate employment.

Narbir defended the recent transfer of the project’s responsibility from the tourism department to the forest and wildlife department, stating it would streamline processes and ensure environmental considerations remain a priority.

“The forest department is working on strategies to promote sustainable tourism in the area while ensuring minimal impact on the natural habitat. We are reviewing zoning for tourist facilities, measures to restore degraded land and strategies to involve local communities in conservation efforts,” he said.

However, the project has drawn criticism from environmentalists, who claim it threatens the fragile ecosystem of the Aravallis. Wildlife activist Vaishali Rana Chandra said, “They are out to convert a self-sustained forest into a zoo and allow commercial activities. Haryana has long tried to strip the Aravallis of their forest status in Gurugram and Nuh. Since they failed, they are now using eco-tourism as an excuse for exploitation. This project will harm the fragile ecosystem and should be scrapped. If conservation is the intent, they should shift Bandhwari, curtail illegal mining and stop dumping construction and demolition waste in the forest.”

Narbir assured that the ministry is taking these concerns into account. “We are committed to balancing eco-tourism and conservation. The project will focus on restoring degraded land and involving local communities in our efforts,” he said.

The state also plans to send a team to Vantara to study its rehabilitation practices and explore ways to integrate them into the Aravallis safari project.