Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced 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).
Durgesh Aranya Zoo | India’s First Zoo With IGBC Certification
Why In News
- Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced 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. the park has already registered for IGBC certification, seeking recognition for both its structural design and landscape planning. The certification will affirm the park’s commitment to high environmental standards, emphasizing sustainability and ecological balance.
About Indian Green Building Council
- 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.
Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park
- The zoo is situated in the Bankhandi area of Kangra’s Dehra assembly constituency. The entire zoological park will be developed at a total cost of ₹619 crore, aiming to enhance tourism in Kangra and surrounding regions.
- The first phase of the project spans 25 hectares and comes with an estimated budget of ₹230 crore. It is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2025.
- Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has approved 34 enclosures within the park’s Van Vaibhav Path and Biodiversity Court, which will house 73 animal species, including the Asiatic lion, hog deer, crocodile, monitor lizard, gharial, and various birds.
- Notably, the zoo will feature a nocturnal house offering rare glimpses of elusive feline species and a wetland aviary showcasing indigenous bird species in a natural setting.
- “The park is expected to give a major boost to tourism, creating employment and self-employment opportunities for the youth, thereby strengthening the local economy,” Sukhu added.
- With its blend of natural beauty, sustainable infrastructure, and unique attractions, the park aims to position Kangra district as a premier tourist destination. The project aligns with the state government’s focus on promoting eco-tourism and sustainable development, reinforcing Kangra’s status as the “Tourism Capital” of Himachal Pradesh.
