Khattar’s Jungle Dream Hits ₹5,000 Cr Wall
Haryana admits it can’t fund safari alone; seeks Centre’s help for mega project…..
chandigarh : A bold dream may be heading towards a roadblock as Haryana’s grand Jungle Safari project—once envisioned as a world-class wildlife destination by former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar—now stares at an uncertain future. The reason? A staggering ₹5,000 crore budget requirement and limited state resources.
The ambitious Aravalli-based jungle safari was announced as a flagship eco-tourism initiative that would boost tourism, generate jobs, and offer a green alternative to city life. However, the state government has now openly admitted that the project cannot proceed without substantial financial support from the central government.
State Forest Minister Kanwar Pal, addressing media queries, stated bluntly, “It is not possible to carry out a project of this magnitude with only state funds. We need the Centre’s help if this dream is to become reality.”
The proposed safari, stretching over 10,000 acres in the Aravalli region, was expected to be Asia’s largest of its kind—home to exotic animals, natural trails, eco-resorts, and even a jungle-themed amusement park. The project was not just about tourism but also about conservation and local employment.
However, since Khattar’s exit from the Chief Minister’s chair and the new leadership’s cost-centric governance approach, questions are now being raised about the project’s feasibility. Bureaucrats and opposition leaders alike argue that such a massive investment may not be practical in the face of competing priorities like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Environmentalists have also voiced mixed opinions. While some welcomed the focus on conservation and green tourism, others warned that the project could disrupt fragile ecosystems if not planned sustainably.
For now, the project hangs in limbo. No formal budget has been sanctioned, and the Centre has not yet committed to any funding. The state government insists that discussions are ongoing, but hopes are dimming as deadlines pass and political focus shifts elsewhere.
Khattar’s jungle safari dream, once backed by glossy presentations and lofty goals, now stands as a stark example of how visionary ideas often clash with financial realities. Unless a breakthrough comes from Delhi, the roar of Haryana’s jungle may remain a mere whisper on paper.