Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on 30th October that the Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park, located in the Bankhandi area of Kangra’s Dehra assembly constituency, will be the first zoo in India to receive certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). This certification will recognize the zoo’s commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure, setting a precedent for conservation efforts in the country.
Announcement
- Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the certification on 30th October 2024.
Location
- The zoo is situated in the Bankhandi area of Kangra’s Dehra assembly constituency.
IGBC Certification Goals
- The park has registered for IGBC certification to recognize its structural design and landscape planning.
- The certification aims to affirm the park’s commitment to high environmental standards, emphasizing sustainability and ecological balance.
Government Commitment
- CM Sukhu highlighted the state government’s dedication to integrating sustainability into tourism and infrastructure.
Tourist Attraction Potential
- Durgesh Aranya is expected to become a major tourist destination and a model for sustainable infrastructure that combines conservation with innovation.
Project Phases
- The first phase of the project covers 25 hectares with an estimated budget of ₹230 crore.
- Completion is anticipated by the third quarter of 2025.
Total Development Cost
- The entire zoological park will be developed at a total cost of ₹619 crore, aiming to enhance tourism in Kangra and surrounding regions.
Animal Enclosures and Species
The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has approved 34 enclosures within the park’s Van Vaibhav Path and Biodiversity Court.
The park will house 73 animal species, including,
- Asiatic lion
- Hog deer
- Crocodile
- Monitor lizard
- Gharial
- Various bird species
Unique Features of the Zoo
- The zoo will feature a nocturnal house that provides rare glimpses of elusive feline species.
- A wetland aviary will showcase indigenous bird species in a natural habitat.
Economic Impact
- CM Sukhu stated that the park is expected to significantly boost tourism, creating employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth, thereby strengthening the local economy.
Focus on Eco-Tourism
- The project aligns with the state government’s commitment to promoting eco-tourism and sustainable development.
- It reinforces Kangra’s status as the “Tourism Capital” of Himachal Pradesh, leveraging its natural beauty and innovative infrastructure.
About Indian Green Building Council
- The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) is part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) which was formed in the year 2001.
- It is India’s Premier certification body.
- The council offers a wide array of services which include developing new green building rating programmes, certification services and green building training programmes.
- The rating is based on six environmental categories which include sustainable station facility, health, hygiene and sanitation, energy efficiency, water efficiency, smart and green initiatives and innovation and development.
Headquarter: Hyderabad.
National Park in Himachal Pradesh
- Great Himalayan National Park
- Inderkilla National Park
- Khirganga National Park
- Pin Valley National Park
- Simbalbara (Col. Sher Jung) National Park
Wildlife Sanctuaries of Himachal Pradesh
- Chandratal Wildlife Sanctuary (Ramsar Site)
- Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kais Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary
- Lippa Asrang Wildlife Sanctuary
- Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary (BS) (Ramsar Site)
- Rakchham Chitkul (Sangla Valley) Wildlife Sanctuary
- Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary (Ramsar Site)
- Rupi Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary
- Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary
- Manali Wildlife Sanctuary
- Sech Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary
- Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary
Ramsar Sites of Himachal Pradesh (3)
- Chandra Taal
- Pong Dam Lake
- Renuka Lake