Uttar Pradesh's First Exclusive Leopard Safari Park Proposed in Pilibhit
The forest and wildlife division in Pilibhit has taken significant steps toward establishing Uttar Pradesh's inaugural exclusive leopard safari park. This ambitious project will span a substantial 2,000-hectare forest stretch located at Gopalpur, which falls under the Puranpur tehsil circle. The proposed site is strategically positioned approximately 4 kilometers from the Deuria forest range of the renowned Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, creating a complementary conservation and tourism hub in the region.
Comprehensive Project Proposal and Infrastructure
A detailed preliminary proposal for this groundbreaking initiative was formally submitted on Saturday by divisional forest officer (DFO) Bharat Kumar DK to the state's principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), Anuradha Vemuri. The project carries an estimated financial outlay of Rs 48 crore, reflecting its comprehensive scope and advanced facilities.
The planned infrastructure represents a major advancement in wildlife management and eco-tourism. Key components include:
- Advanced Wildlife Hospital: Equipped with the latest diagnostic medical equipment and a sophisticated operation theatre to provide cutting-edge veterinary care.
- Nature Interpretation Centre: Featuring a 40-seat mini theatre, leopard ecology gallery, conflict awareness zone, and biodiversity exhibits to educate visitors.
- Tourism Facilities: Safari vehicle parking yard, reception and ticket booking centre, well-designed stay cottages, photography points, souvenir shop, and café with modern washrooms.
- Security Measures: Double-layered, 12-foot-high chain-link fencing with solar fence at the base and electric fence on top to prevent illegal intrusion by poachers and wildlife criminals.
- Surveillance System: Round-the-clock CCTV surveillance monitored by forest personnel from strategically placed watchtowers, with solar lights installed at key locations.
Year-Round Safari Experience and Conservation Mission
Unlike the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, where safaris and ecotourism activities are traditionally suspended between July and October each year, the leopard safari park will offer uninterrupted, year-round safari facilities. This represents a significant enhancement to the region's tourism calendar and economic potential.
The park will feature an extensive 40-kilometer-long tourism circuit that showcases several scenic locations, including:
- The impressive 22-kilometer-long Sharda Sagar dam
- The bifurcation point of the Sharda river's feeder canals
- The syphon aqueduct engineering marvel
- The origin point of the sacred Gomti river
DFO Bharat Kumar DK emphasized the conservation significance of the project, stating: "The leopard safari park will play a pivotal role in rehabilitating stray leopards rescued from rural and urban areas, tiger reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and forest divisions across Uttar Pradesh. This initiative will substantially reduce the current practice of shifting these magnificent animals to zoos, where they often spend their lives confined to small enclosures with limited natural stimulation."
Rich Biodiversity and Ecological Significance
The Gopalpur forest area, predominantly dominated by majestic sal trees, boasts exceptionally rich biodiversity and provides an abundant prey base ideally suited for leopards. Beyond supporting carnivorous species, this vibrant ecosystem is home to diverse wildlife including spotted deer, barking deer, hog deer, sambar deer, hundreds of bird species, and numerous small herbivores.
The park design incorporates artificial caves to provide naturalistic habitats for the resident leopards, enhancing their welfare while offering visitors authentic wildlife viewing opportunities. This thoughtful approach balances conservation priorities with responsible tourism development.
This visionary project represents a major step forward in Uttar Pradesh's wildlife conservation efforts, combining state-of-the-art facilities with sustainable tourism practices to protect leopards while creating educational and economic opportunities for the region.
