Gorewada should be developed as a major tourism destination in Vidarbha
Nagpur, August 2026 : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday inspected the Gorewada project and reviewed various ongoing works aimed at the planned and comprehensive development of the Hinduhṛdayasamrat Late Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park.
The Chief Minister sought detailed information from officials on the current status of work being undertaken to launch the African Safari, the overall progress of the project and the expected timeline for commencing the safari. He directed officials to set fresh and clearly defined deadlines for all ongoing works at Gorewada and ensure that the projects are expedited accordingly.
A review meeting was held at the Vasantrao Naik Administrative Building at the Wildlife Research and Training Centre in Gorewada. Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, MP Maya Inwate, Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest Department Milind Mhaiskar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) M. Srinivasa Rao, Divisional Commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari, Rural Superintendent of Police Harsh Poddar, Wildlife Rescue and Training Centre Director Shirish Upadhye, Additional Collector Pravin Mahire, and Divisional Manager and Zoo Director Pandurang Pakhale, along with senior Forest Department officials, attended the meeting.
During the review, Fadnavis discussed various aspects of the Gorewada project with the concerned officials. He said the African Safari was a crucial component of the Gorewada project and sought details about the status of infrastructure and other works required for its launch.
The Chief Minister directed officials to identify all works necessary for commencing the African Safari and complete them in a time-bound manner. He particularly sought details on the progress of the safari, its present status and the proposed schedule for its commencement, instructing officials to accelerate the work.
Additional Chief Secretary Milind Mhaiskar presented details of the Gorewada project's journey so far, its current status and various ongoing works. According to the presentation, the first phase of the Gorewada project was completed in 2021. This phase included the Wildlife Rescue Centre, Indian Safari and Entrance Plaza.
Following completion of the first phase, several facilities were planned under the second and third phases for the further development of the Gorewada project. The second phase includes several important works, including the African Safari, Walking Trail, Safari Plaza, Animal Hospital and Quarantine Block.
Fadnavis specifically reviewed the progress of the African Safari. He sought details about the works required to make the safari operational, their current status and the future plan. He also asked officials when the African Safari could be opened and directed them to speed up the remaining work.
The third phase of the project will include the Trail of Senses, Biopark, Night Zoo, Gondwana Park, Bio Discovery Plaza and Tribal Trail. Through these facilities, the project is envisioned as a major tourism destination offering visitors experiences related not only to wildlife tourism but also biodiversity, nature and local culture.
The Chief Minister also directed officials to appoint an experienced and competent consultant for the further development of the project. He stressed the need for long-term planning that takes into account the future requirements of tourism while developing Gorewada.
Fadnavis said Gorewada should be developed in such a manner that tourists visiting Tadoba and Pench are encouraged to spend one or two additional days exploring Gorewada. He suggested effective planning to connect Tadoba and Gorewada as tourism destinations and develop facilities that would encourage visitors to extend their stay.
He further said the project should include facilities offering tourists diverse experiences alongside wildlife tourism, with the objective of establishing Gorewada as an important tourism hub in Vidarbha.
Chief Minister inspects Gorewada Zoological Park
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also conducted an on-ground inspection of the Hinduhṛdayasamrat Late Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park. During the visit, he obtained information from senior Forest Department officials about various facilities at the project and the works currently underway. He also discussed with officials the measures required for the future development of the project.
