NBCC signs MoU for iconic African Safari at Gorewada Project

NBCC (India) Limited took a significant step in wildlife conservation and eco-tourism by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FDCM Gorewada Zoo Limited (FGZL), a Government of Maharashtra initiative. This MoU focuses on developing the African Safari and Entrance Plaza at the Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park in Nagpur. The agreement was signed by Chandrasekharan Bala, CEO of FGZL, and Pravin Tukaram Doiphode, Executive Director of NBCC. The event took place in the presence of Shri Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, who sees this project as a symbol of the state's commitment to conservation-based tourism and quality infrastructure. 

Ganesh Naik, the Forest Minister of Maharashtra, Naresh Zurmure, MD of FGZL, KP Mahadevaswamy, CMD of NBCC, Shri Vikas Kharge, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Milind Mhaiskar, Additional Chief Secretary, Vivek Hoshing, Deputy Secretary of Forests, and several senior officials from NBCC and FGZL also attended the event. As the main agency, NBCC (India) Limited will handle the planning, design, execution, and overall development of the African Savannah Safari, the Kop-je walk trail that replicates the unique granite formations of Central Africa, and the Entrance Plaza.

 

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The project, estimated to cost Rs. 355 Crore, aims to provide a world-class wildlife experience over an area of about 63 hectares. This will include an African zoo, safari plaza, animal hospital, a quarantine center, landscaping, and a sewage system with a sewage treatment plant. The scope also covers other related work such as water supply, service area development, furnishings, and visitor amenities. 

The entrance plaza will be visitor-friendly, featuring food courts, scenic spots, ticket counters, interpretation centers, and a 6-hectare parking area with space for more than 1,900 vehicles. NBCC will also integrate eco-sensitive and sustainable design elements according to global zoological standards. The African Safari part of the project will include a genuine representation of African ecosystems, marking it as a first-of-its-kind initiative in India.

The zoo will house over 30 iconic African species, including the Giraffe, Burchell’s Zebra, Impala, Gemsbok, Kudu, Blue Wildebeest, Common Eland, Hippopotamus, Ostrich, African Lion, White Rhinoceros, Cheetah, Spotted Hyena, Red River Hog, Chimpanzee, Hamadryas Baboon, Patas Monkey, and Ring-Tailed Lemur. This unique setup will offer both a drive-through safari and a walking trail, allowing visitors to have close encounters and immersive experiences while prioritizing animal welfare and safety. 

This African Safari is not just a tourist attraction; it represents a vision. It connects with NBCC’s goal of creating impactful infrastructure that boosts local economies, raises conservation awareness, and demonstrates India's ability to meet global standards with local expertise. By providing a taste of Africa in India, NBCC is reaffirming its role in nation-building. This effort goes beyond constructing infrastructure; it involves creating lasting legacies.

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