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

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