Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced that the Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park, located in Bankhandi (Kangra district), is set to become India’s first zoo to receive Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) certification.
This certification marks a major milestone in eco-friendly and sustainable infrastructure in India’s wildlife parks.
🌿 What is IGBC Certification?
The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), a part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), was established in 2001 and is headquartered in Hyderabad.
IGBC promotes sustainable green building practices through:
- Rating systems
- Training programs
- Green certifications
Zoo certification is based on six key categories:
- Sustainable station facility
- Health, hygiene, and sanitation
- Energy efficiency
- Water efficiency
- Smart and green initiatives
- Innovation and development
🦁 Durgesh AranyaZoo – Project Highlights
📍 Location: Bankhandi, Dehra Assembly (Kangra District), Himachal Pradesh
💰 Total Cost: ₹619 crore
🛠 Phase 1: ₹230 crore over 25 hectares
🏁 Expected Completion: By Q3 2025
🐾 Enclosures Approved: 34
🐅 Animals to be Housed: 73 species including:
- Asiatic lion
- Hog deer
- Crocodile
- Monitor lizard
- Gharial
- Native bird species
🔦 Unique Features:
- Nocturnal house for elusive feline species
- Wetland aviary showcasing indigenous birds
- Van Vaibhav Path and Biodiversity Court
📈 Benefits of the Zoo Project
- Boosts eco-tourism and local employment
- Strengthens Kangra’s status as Tourism Capital of Himachal Pradesh
- Showcases a model for green infrastructure and wildlife conservation
🗺️ How to Reach Durgesh Aranya Zoo, Bankhandi (Kangra)
🚆 By Train: Nearest railway station – Pathankot, then take a taxi or local transport to Bankhandi.
🚌 By Road: Connected via NH-503, regular buses and cabs from Dharamshala, Palampur, and Dehra.
✈️ By Air: Nearest airport – Gaggal Airport (Kangra), approx. 40 km away.
Why Bankhandi, Kangra?
- Located in the Nurpur area of Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh
- Already home to a mini-zoo with basic wildlife infrastructure
- Surrounded by natural forests and rich biodiversity
- Close to tourist destinations like Dharamshala, Pathankot, and Palampur
This makes Bankhandi Zoo not just a zoo — but a green model for future wildlife parks in India.
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