The city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh is preparing for a major development in wildlife conservation and tourism – a brand-new Ujjain Zoo and Rescue Centre. With an estimated cost of ₹300 crore, this ambitious project has already received in-principle approval from the Central Zoo Authority of India. However, the final green signal from the Supreme Court of India is still pending before construction can begin.
If completed, this state-of-the-art facility spread across 80 hectares will not only serve as a modern zoological park but also as a rescue and treatment center for wild animals, making it the second such facility in Madhya Pradesh after Bhopal’s Van Vihar National Park.
A Landmark Project for Ujjain
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, who hails from Ujjain, has taken personal interest in this project. The proposed Ujjain Zoo is part of his vision to expand wildlife care facilities and also boost eco-tourism in the region.
According to the government’s plan, the zoo will feature modern enclosures for various species of animals, both carnivorous and herbivorous. From tigers and white tigers to leopards and cheetahs, visitors will be able to witness a wide range of wildlife in secure and natural-like habitats. In addition, there are plans for aviaries for birds, special areas for reptiles, a butterfly dome, an aquarium, and even a veterinary hospital for animal care.
To start with, the state has already sanctioned an initial fund of ₹25 crore to move forward with the project’s first phase.
Why Supreme Court’s Approval is Needed
Despite the Central Zoo Authority’s clearance, the Ujjain Zoo project cannot progress without the approval of the Supreme Court of India. The reason lies in the proposed location – the zoo is planned on forest land.
The Supreme Court has earlier ruled that any non-forestry construction activities inside forest areas require special approval, as they fall under the category of “non-forestry use.” This makes the court’s permission mandatory before any work can begin.
Interestingly, if the zoo were being built on revenue land (non-forest land), such approval would not be required. But since Ujjain’s plan involves forest land, the Forest Department of Madhya Pradesh has already begun the process of applying to the Supreme Court for clearance.
Meanwhile, a similar proposal for Jabalpur Zoo is also under preparation, but its detailed project report (DPR) is still pending. Only after the DPR is finalized will it be sent to the Central Zoo Authority for review.
Ujjain Zoo Will Be Home to Cheetahs Too
One of the most exciting announcements about the Ujjain Zoo project is the plan to house cheetahs. The Madhya Pradesh government is considering bringing cheetahs and other wild species from the famous Vantara Rescue Centre run by Reliance Industries in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Recently, a team of officials from Madhya Pradesh visited Vantara to study its facilities and management practices. Their report suggested that collaboration with Vantara could help bring exotic species, including cheetahs, to Ujjain. This move is expected to attract wildlife lovers, researchers, and tourists from across India and abroad.
Second Rescue Centre in Madhya Pradesh
Currently, Madhya Pradesh has only one operational rescue facility for wild animals – located inside the Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal. With the establishment of the Ujjain Zoo and Rescue Centre, the state will finally have a second hub for wildlife care.
This center will not only provide shelter to rescued animals but will also have dedicated facilities for treatment, rehabilitation, and eventual release into the wild whenever possible. Wildlife experts believe that such a facility in Ujjain is critical, as the state has vast forest areas and frequent cases of wild animal rescues, particularly involving leopards, snakes, and injured herbivores.
Also read: Mohan Yadav’s Visit to Indore Zoo: A Colorful Day with Exotic Parrots
Features Planned for the Ujjain Zoo
According to the detailed project report, the Ujjain Zoo will be designed as a modern safari-cum-zoological park with several specialized features:
- 47 separate enclosures for large carnivores like tigers, white tigers, leopards, and cheetahs.
- Special habitats for small carnivores and herbivores, ensuring natural-like conditions.
- Aviaries for various bird species.
- Reptile houses for snakes, crocodiles, and lizards.
- A butterfly dome to showcase diverse butterfly species.
- A large aquarium featuring freshwater and exotic fish species.
- A fully equipped rescue and veterinary hospital to treat injured animals.
Such comprehensive facilities make the Ujjain Zoo one of the most ambitious wildlife projects in central India.
Boost to Tourism and Local Economy
Ujjain is already a globally renowned city due to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple and the grand Kumbh Mela that takes place every 12 years. The addition of a world-class zoo will add another major attraction to the city’s tourism map.
Experts believe that the Ujjain Zoo will not only create direct employment opportunities in construction, management, and tourism services but also benefit local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and transport operators. It could emerge as a family-friendly destination alongside Ujjain’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
Also read: National Zoological Park Orders Enquiry into the Sudden Demise of African Elephant Shankar
Environmental Concerns and Precautions
While the zoo promises to be a landmark project, environmentalists have raised concerns about building such a facility on forest land. They argue that construction might disturb the natural ecosystem and displace existing flora and fauna.
To address these concerns, the government has assured that the project will follow all environmental safeguards and will be developed as an eco-friendly initiative. Special care will be taken to minimize disturbance to surrounding forest areas, and the zoo will include green zones, water harvesting, and eco-sensitive designs.
A Step Towards Wildlife Conservation
The Ujjain Zoo is not just about tourism – it is also a crucial step towards wildlife conservation in Madhya Pradesh. With increasing incidents of man-animal conflict and rising challenges of animal rescues, the state needs more facilities to handle injured, abandoned, or displaced wild animals.
By creating a modern rescue and rehabilitation center, Ujjain Zoo will help strengthen the state’s wildlife management capacity. It will also serve as an educational hub for students, researchers, and visitors to learn about biodiversity, endangered species, and the importance of protecting natural habitats.
Also read: Nehru Zoological Park Hyderabad Welcomes 309 Rare Animal Species
Conclusion
The proposed Ujjain Zoo is a project that combines wildlife conservation, education, rescue operations, and tourism under one roof. With a budget of ₹300 crore and an ambitious vision, it has the potential to become one of the most advanced zoological parks in India.
However, the project’s future rests in the hands of the Supreme Court, whose approval is essential before construction can begin. Once cleared, Ujjain will not only get its first modern zoo but also a second rescue center for Madhya Pradesh, a step that could transform the city into a major hub of wildlife tourism and conservation.
If the plans move ahead smoothly, the Ujjain Zoo will soon become a symbol of progress, care for nature, and a new pride of Madhya Pradesh.
