4 days ago
Fast-track Tiger Safari funding and it's implementation: Naik
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Chandrapur: The long-awaited Tiger Safari in Chandrapur is finally moving ahead, thanks to a high-powered meeting led by Maharashtra forest minister Ganesh Naik at the Mantralaya on Wednesday.
Chandrapur MLA Kishore Jorgewar has been advocating the idea Tiger Safari to create jobs and boost tourism in the district.
During the meeting, Jorgewar emphasised the strategic importance of the safari in enhancing ecotourism and generating local livelihoods. Highlighting the high footfall at Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), he pointed out that visitors often leave disappointed due to low chances of tiger sightings.
"The proposed safari will offer guaranteed tiger encounters alongside exotic species, thus transforming Chandrapur into a global wildlife tourism destination," he said.
Naik instructed officials to fast-track the project while ensuring it meets world-class standards. "This must be a model of excellence — safe, sustainable, and tourist-friendly," he stressed. Officials were also told to ensure the safari blends well with the local ecosystem.
The detailed plan, prepared by FDCM Gorewada Zoo Limited, is being reviewed to iron out any technical issues. The safari trails will be designed to protect the area's natural diversity.
Naik directed senior officials to fast-track funding and execution of the project, ensuring that all components adhere to international standards. "The implementation must be robust, timely and world-class, with special attention to safety, biodiversity conservation, and tourism infrastructure," the minister said.
Senior forest and ecotourism officials attended the meeting, including HoFF Shomita Biswas, additional chief secretary Milind Mhaiskar, and FDCM CEO Chandrashekhar Bode, among others.
Spread over 171 hectares near Forest Academy on Mul Road, the Rs580 crore safari project will feature zones inspired by wildlife from across the globe — Australia, South America, South Africa, and India — including kangaroos, capybaras, jaguars, monkeys, exotic birds and of course tigers.
