Bankhandi set to become India’s first Zoo with IGBC certification: CM

State Secures CZA approval to establish animal enclosures at Bankhandi Zoo

SHIMLA 30 October, 2024-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said here today that the upcoming ‘Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park’ Bankhandi in Dehra assembly constituency of Kangra district would become India’s first zoo to receive certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for its sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives. The project has officially been registered with the IGBC, focusing on both building and landscape certifications, which will validate the park’s adherence to high environmental standards.

He said that the IGBC certification process signifies the Himachal Pradesh government’s strong commitment to environmental stewardship and ecological balance. The certification underscores the State’s priority on integrating sustainability into tourism and infrastructure development. Once completed, Durgesh Aranya will not only be a tourist attraction but also a model of sustainable infrastructure, blending conservation with innovation.

Sh. Sukhu said, “The first phase of the Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park project will cover an area of 25 hectares, with an estimated cost of Rs. 230 crore, which is slated for completion by the third quarter of 2025. The entire project, with a total investment of Rs. 619 crore, aims to establish the park as a significant tourist attraction and a cornerstone for boosting the tourism sector in Kangra and nearby districts.”

He further said that the State Government has secured permission from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to establish 34 animal enclosures within the Van Vaibhav Path and Biodiversity Court of Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park, as part of the project’s first phase. This approval enables the creation of spaces to showcase 73 species, including the Asiatic lion, hog deer, monitor lizard, crocodile, gharial, and various bird species. A notable feature of the zoo will be a nocturnal house, designed to provide a unique view of elusive cat species. The zoo will also have a wetland aviary, designed to showcase indigenous bird species in a natural, immersive environment, he added.

The Chief Minister said, “Durgesh Aranya, the new Zoological Park in Kangra district, is anticipated to significantly boost tourism and provide employment and self-employment opportunities for the youth, thereby strengthening the local economy. With its natural beauty, unique attractions, and eco-friendly infrastructure, the Park will make Kangra district as a premier tourist destination. This initiative aligns with the state government’s commitment to promoting eco-tourism and sustainable development, further establishing Kangra district as ‘Tourism Capital’ of the State.

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Chief Minister Celebrates Diwali with Orphans of Balika and Bal Ashrams

SHIMLA-30 October, 2024-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu celebrated Diwali with children at both Balika and Bal Ashram in Mashobra and Tutikandi in Shimla today and extended warm greetings to them on this festive occasion. He performed Lakshmi Pujan with the girls thereby wishing for the peace and prosperity of people of the State. Besides, he distributed sweets, fireworks, and other gifts to the children wishing them a bright future.

While interacting with the inmates of both the Bal and Balika Ashrams, the Chief Minister said that the government intends to take them for educational and exposure visit to 'Goa' besides other destinations in near future and will bear all the expenses of their air travel, boarding and lodging in good hotels.

The Chief Minister said that the State Government was committed to the welfare of orphans. "Their education, their bringing and care was the responsibility of the State Government and Himachal Pradesh is the first State in the country to have enacted a law to adopt orphans as 'Children of the State", he said. Furthermore, the government will provide Rs. 75,000 for coaching expenses to support their education pursuits.

Sh. Sukhu directed the district administration Shimla to establish a digital library at the Balika Ashram in Mashobra.

The children presented a vibrant cultural program.

Later, he also visited the Nari Seva Niketan in Mashobra, where he extended Deepawali greeting and distributed gifts to the inmates.

Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, Director, Women and Child Development Kiran Bhadana, Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Gandhi and other dignitaries were present on this occasion.