Bankhandi Set to Host India’s First IGBC-Certified Zoo: CM Announces Sustainable Initiative.
Dharamshala:
In a landmark announcement, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu revealed that the upcoming Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park in Bankhandi, Kangra district, will be the first zoo in India to receive certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). This certification underscores the park’s commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices, focusing on both building and landscape certifications.
The project, officially registered with IGBC, aims to align with high environmental standards, reflecting the Himachal Pradesh government’s dedication to ecological balance and environmental stewardship. CM Sukhu stated that the zoo would not only attract tourists but also serve as a model for sustainable infrastructure, blending conservation with innovation.
The first phase of the project will span 25 hectares and is estimated to cost Rs. 230 crore, with completion anticipated by the third quarter of 2025. The overall investment for the park totals Rs. 619 crore, aiming to enhance the tourism sector in Kangra and surrounding areas.
Additionally, the State Government has received approval from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to establish 34 animal enclosures, showcasing 73 species, including the Asiatic lion, hog deer, and various bird species. A notable feature will be a nocturnal house and a wetland aviary designed for indigenous birds.
CM Sukhu emphasized that the Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park will significantly boost tourism and create employment opportunities for local youth, reinforcing the region’s economy and establishing Kangra as the “Tourism Capital” of Himachal Pradesh.
