Current Affairs-Topics

Durgesh Aranya India's First Green-Certified Zoo in Himachal

The first zoo in India to receive IGBC certification is located in Bankhandi, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. The project, which covers 25 hectares and costs ₹230 crore, aims to promote sustainable infrastructure and eco-friendly initiatives.

Project Overview & Certification

  • Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park, first zoo in India to receive IGBC certification
  • Located in Bankhandi, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh
  • Project announced by CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on November 2, 2024
  • Phase one covers 25 hectares, costing ₹230 crore
  • Total project budget of ₹619 crore
  • Expected completion by third quarter of 2025
  • Registered with IGBC for both building and landscape certifications
  • Focuses on sustainable infrastructure and eco-friendly initiatives

Wildlife and Infrastructure Features

  • 34 animal enclosures approved by Central Zoo Authority
  • Will house 73 different animal species including:
    • Asiatic lion
    • Hog deer
    • Monitor lizard
    • Crocodile
    • Gharial
    • Various indigenous bird species
  • Specialized facilities include:
    • Nocturnal house for elusive cat species
    • Wetland aviary for native birds
    • Van Vaibhav Path
    • Biodiversity Court
  • Natural and immersive environment design

Environmental and Sustainability Aspects

  • Emphasis on high environmental standards

Focus areas include:

    • Energy efficiency
    • Water conservation
    • Waste management
    • Ecological balance maintenance
    • Sustainable building practices
    • Natural habitat preservation
  • Integration of conservation with innovation
  • Educational platform for wildlife conservation
  • Commitment to eco-tourism principles

Economic and Tourism Impact

  • Designed to boost regional tourism sector
  • Expected to generate significant employment opportunities
  • Focus on local youth employment
  • Aims to strengthen local economy
  • Positions Kangra as "Tourism Capital" of Himachal Pradesh
  • Integration of local culture and heritage
  • Creation of sustainable tourism model
  • Enhancement of region's tourist infrastructure

More Related Articles

India’s First Child Marriage Free District

The Child Marriage Free India campaign was initiated in August 2024 with the objective of eliminating child marriage nationwide. The campaign emphasizes child rights in India, social developm

AI Command Centre Tirumala

In a groundbreaking move blending technology with spirituality, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has launched India’s first AI-powered Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) at

TN-SHORE Mission Tamil Nadu

The TN-SHORE mission Tamil Nadu, launched in 2025, is a major coastal restoration initiative funded by the World Bank. This flagship project aims to enhance coastal resilience in Tamil Nadu while

Air Purification with TiO₂ Coatings

Delhi, known for its severe air pollution, has initiated a time-bound feasibility study on TiO₂ coatings to combat harmful gases in the atmosphere. This step is part of the government’s co

Gujarat’s Solar Village Dhordo

Dhordo village in Kutch district, Gujarat, has recently achieved a historic milestone by becoming a fully solar-powered village, marking a significant step in India’s renewable energy journe

SHG Identity Cards in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has become the first state in India to issue official SHG Identity Cards to Women Self-Help Group (SHG) members, marking a significant milestone in the empowerment of women at the grass

Stubble Burning in Delhi

Every year, from late September to November, stubble burning in Delhi and nearby states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh becomes one of the biggest contributors to Delhi pollution. This pra

Tamil Nadu’s Anbu Karangal Scheme

In a compassionate move, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched the Anbu Karangal scheme (Hands of Love) on September 16, 2025. This social welfare scheme ensures financial security and ed

Unemployed Graduates Scheme in Bihar

In September 2025, the Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, announced a new financial assistance scheme for unemployed graduates. This scheme has been introduced as an extension o

New EVM Ballot Paper Guidelines by ECI

To enhance voter experience and clarity during elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced major revisions in the EVM ballot paper design. These changes aim to improve re

Toppers

anil kumar
Akshay kuamr
geeta kumari
shubham