India’s First Green-Certified Zoo: Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park
Why in the news?
Himachal Pradesh’s Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park is set to become India’s first zoo certified by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for sustainable, eco-friendly infrastructure, promoting eco-tourism and conservation.
About Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park in Himachal Pradesh:
- Himachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister announced that Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park, located in Kangra’s Dehra constituency, will be India’s first zoo certified by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for eco-friendly infrastructure.
- The park has 34 enclosures within its Van Vaibhav Path and Biodiversity Court, approved by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), to house 73 species, including the Asiatic lion, crocodile, hog deer, and various birds.
- This project aligns with the state’s eco-tourism and sustainable development goals, aiming to reinforce Kangra as Himachal Pradesh’s “Tourism Capital.”
About Indian Green Building Council (IGBC):
- IGBC, established in 2001 and headquartered in Hyderabad, is India’s leading certification body for green buildings, formed under the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
- It offers services like green building certification, new rating systems, and training on eco-friendly construction.
- IGBC also hosts the annual Green Building Congress to promote sustainable architecture.
- The council assesses projects based on six environmental categories: sustainable facility, health and sanitation, energy and water efficiency, green initiatives, and innovation.
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII):
- The CII is a non-profit, industry-led organisation with around 9,000 direct members from the private and public sectors, including SMEs and multinational corporations.
- Representing over 365,000 businesses indirectly, CII fosters development by collaborating with the government, industry, and civil society through consultation and advisory support.
- CII is a board member of the World Green Building Council, representing India on global environmental platforms like COP.
Sources Referred:
PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times