Infrastructure development for the eagerly anticipated lion safari at Bengal Safari Park near Siliguri has been delayed, disappointing wildlife enthusiasts and tourists alike. The state zoo authority cited the enforcement of the model code of conduct in March as the reason for the setback, preventing them from commencing the necessary infrastructural work.
The process faces further delays due to procedural requirements. Tendering for various tasks can only begin after the conclusion of the elections, expected by mid-June. Subsequently, issuing work orders will take approximately one month. With the monsoon season forecasted to disrupt operations for two to three months, significant progress is not expected until after the rainy season.
The park, also known as the North Bengal Wild Animals Park, spans 297 hectares adjacent to the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary and is a popular tourist destination. Earlier this year, a seven-year-old lion and a six-year-old lioness were acquired from the Sepahijala Zoological Park in Tripura as part of an animal exchange program. Currently, they are undergoing quarantine at the park in preparation for the lion safari.
The infrastructure required for the safari includes display and off-display areas, night shelters, ramps, nurseries, loops, and water pumping facilities, covering a 20-hectare plot. However, given the anticipated timeline, full-scale construction is unlikely to commence until after the monsoon, pushing the opening of the lion safari to the winter months.
Despite the delays, anticipation remains high for the introduction of the lion safari, enhancing the appeal of the park and offering visitors a unique wildlife experience
