Gujarat Gets Approval for Desert Safari
Gujarat Plans Asia’s First Desert Night Safari at Juna Deesa: Gujarat is set to develop Asia’s first desert-themed night safari at Juna Deesa in Banaskantha district. The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) approved the project on 12 August 2026, clearing the way for implementation by the Gujarat Forest Department.
The project is designed around arid and desert ecosystems and will combine a zoological park with a drive-through night safari. It is expected to strengthen wildlife awareness while creating a new destination for eco-tourism.
Project Location and Area
The proposed Desert Zoological Park and Night Safari will be developed on approximately 103 hectares of government-owned land in Juna Deesa.
The location in Banaskantha district provides a suitable setting for an ecosystem-based project focused on desert and arid-zone wildlife.
Static GK Tip: Banaskantha is one of the districts of northern Gujarat and is known for its predominantly dry and semi-arid landscape.
Five Night Safari Enclosures
The principal attraction will be a drive-through night safari, allowing visitors to observe animals during their active nocturnal hours. The project will feature five dedicated night safari enclosures.
Alongside the night component, a day zoo is also planned. This will allow visitors to experience the wildlife facility during both daytime and nighttime.
Animals and Species
The proposed animal collection is expected to include approximately 2,700 animals and birds representing around 83 species. The collection will combine Indian species associated with arid landscapes with selected exotic animals.
Major species proposed include Chinkara, Blackbuck, Indian Wild Ass, Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra, Kangaroo and Emu.
Static GK fact: The Indian Wild Ass is scientifically known as Equus hemionus khur and its principal wild population in India is associated with the Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.
Project Cost and Development
The estimated investment for the Desert Zoological Park and Night Safari is ₹542.14 crore. The expenditure will cover development of the zoological park, safari facilities and associated infrastructure.
The desert theme is intended to provide visitors with an ecosystem-oriented understanding of wildlife found in dry and arid regions.
Significance for Wildlife Tourism
The project combines wildlife conservation, environmental education and tourism within a specialised desert setting. Night safaris can also provide visitors with an opportunity to observe species whose activity patterns differ after sunset.
The initiative may contribute to Gujarat’s expanding eco-tourism sector while increasing public awareness about the ecological importance of arid landscapes.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Gujarat Plans Asia’s First Desert Night Safari at Juna Deesa:
| Fact | Detail |
| Project | Desert Zoological Park and Night Safari |
| Significance | Proposed as Asia’s first desert night safari |
| Location | Juna Deesa |
| District | Banaskantha |
| State | Gujarat |
| Land area | About 103 hectares |
| Estimated cost | ₹542.14 crore |
| Approval authority | Central Zoo Authority |
| Approval date | 12 August 2026 |
| Implementing agency | Gujarat Forest Department |
| Night safari enclosures | Five |
| Proposed animal collection | Around 2,700 animals and birds |
| Number of species | Around 83 |
| Major theme | Desert and arid ecosystems |
| Major objective | Wildlife awareness and eco-tourism |
