Punjab Newsline, Shimla, October 30-
CM 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.