What is the news?

 

• • The Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park, to be established in Bankhandi, Kangra district, will make history as the first Indian zoo to receive IGBC certification.

• • This certification endorses the project’s adherence to green building practices, environmental sustainability, and energy-efficient infrastructure.

• • Registration with the IGBC not only highlights the Himachal Pradesh government’s commitment to environmental stewardship but also sets a benchmark for eco-friendly development in the Indian tourism sector.

 

About Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park:

 

• • The Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park is an upcoming eco-friendly zoological park located in the Bankhandi area of the Dehra assembly constituency in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.

• • Announced by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the park is set to become India’s first zoological park certified by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), recognizing its commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

 

Key Highlights of Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park

 

Location and Size

 

• • Location: Bankhandi, Dehra assembly constituency, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.
  • Total Area: The project will cover approximately 25 hectares in its first phase, eventually encompassing 672 hectares across its full development.

 

Phases and Project Cost

 

• • Phase 1: Estimated to be completed by the third quarter of 2025, focusing on foundational infrastructure and enclosures.
  • Total Investment: ₹619 crore, with an initial outlay of ₹230 crore dedicated to the first phase.

 

Design and Certification

 

• • IGBC Certification: As the first IGBC-certified zoo in India, Durgesh Aranya will adhere to sustainable building standards in both construction and landscape design, promoting a low environmental impact.
  • Central Zoo Authority (CZA) Approval: The project has received CZA clearance for the creation of 34 enclosures within the park, which will include enclosures for a wide variety of species and unique exhibits.

 

Wildlife and Biodiversity

 

• • Animal Enclosures: The park will house 73 species including the Asiatic lion, hog deer, monitor lizard, crocodile, gharial, and numerous bird species.

 

Special Features:

 

• • Nocturnal House: A specialized enclosure to provide visitors with a unique viewing experience of nocturnal animals and also provides rare glimpses of elusive feline species.
  • Wetland Aviary: A naturalistic aviary showcasing indigenous bird species, enhancing the park’s ecological authenticity.

 

What is Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)?

 

• • The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) is a part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and was established in 2001 to promote environmentally responsible building practices in India.
  • The council aims to facilitate sustainable growth in India’s built environment by defining standards and certifying green buildings that prioritize resource efficiency and minimal environmental impact.
  • IGBC certifications are awarded based on the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) framework and other standards tailored to the Indian context, making them a critical part of sustainable development initiatives in the country.
  • The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) is headquartered in Hyderabad, India.

 

Importance of IGBC Certification

 

• • Environmental Sustainability: IGBC certification promotes eco-friendly practices in design, construction, and operation. Certified buildings prioritize energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and pollution reduction, leading to a lower carbon footprint.
  • Resource Efficiency: Buildings with IGBC certification use resources like water and energy more efficiently. This reduces operational costs and lessens the strain on local resources, making buildings sustainable over the long term.
  • Enhanced Indoor Environment Quality: IGBC certification considers aspects like air quality, natural lighting, and ventilation, which improve the health and well-being of occupants. This is particularly important in public buildings like offices, schools, and hospitals.
  • Economic Benefits: While the initial cost of constructing a green building might be higher, IGBC-certified structures tend to have lower operational costs, especially in energy and water savings. This certification can also increase the building’s market value, making it an attractive investment.
  • Boosts India’s Global Green Goals: IGBC certifications contribute to India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering green building practices that align with global sustainability standards.

 

 

Environmental and Economic Significance

 

Sustainable Infrastructure

 

• • Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park emphasizes eco-friendly infrastructure that reduces resource consumption, minimizes pollution, and integrates renewable energy sources.

 

Eco-Tourism and Employment

 

• • The park is designed not only as a tourist attraction but also as an example of sustainable eco-tourism. The state government projects that it will stimulate local employment and self-employment opportunities, driving economic growth in Kangra and nearby districts.

 

Alignment with State Development Goals

 

• • The initiative supports Himachal Pradesh’s ambition to become a hub for eco-tourism and strengthens Kangra district’s branding as the ‘Tourism Capital’ of Himachal Pradesh. The park reflects the state government’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation.

 

Broader Impact

 

• • Once completed, Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park is expected to serve as a model for integrating conservation with modern infrastructure, highlighting India’s shift towards sustainable tourism and eco-friendly infrastructure in public spaces. It will contribute to preserving local biodiversity while promoting awareness about the importance of sustainable practices.

• • This project exemplifies how environmental stewardship and tourism can co-exist, setting a new benchmark for sustainable development in India’s zoological parks and other eco-tourism initiatives.

 

 

QuizTime:

 

Mains Questions:

 

Model Answer:

 

• Eco-friendly initiatives like Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park in Himachal Pradesh represent a forward-thinking approach to sustainable tourism, especially in ecologically sensitive and biodiversity-rich areas like Kangra. This zoological park, envisioned as India’s first IGBC-certified zoo, highlights the Himachal Pradesh government’s commitment to sustainable development through conservation-driven tourism.

Role in Promoting Sustainable Tourism:

• • Environmental Preservation: Eco-friendly zoological parks prioritize habitat conservation, allowing visitors to appreciate natural ecosystems without causing harm. By adhering to IGBC guidelines, the park incorporates green architecture and sustainable landscaping that limits its ecological footprint.
  • Biodiversity Conservation: Featuring over 70 species, including Asiatic lions and other indigenous species, the park contributes to biodiversity preservation and environmental education, raising awareness about endangered species and their habitats.

Local Environment and Economy:

• • Positive Environmental Impact: The park’s eco-sensitive design emphasizes minimal energy consumption, waste reduction, and water conservation. This sustainable infrastructure mitigates the usual ecological impacts of tourism by maintaining a balanced natural habitat.
  • Economic Boost: Eco-tourism projects attract environmentally conscious tourists, which can stimulate local economic growth by creating jobs, fostering small businesses, and promoting local handicrafts. With a planned investment of ₹619 crore, Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park is set to create numerous employment opportunities, aiding in socio-economic upliftment.

• • Challenges to Local Ecosystems: While the park promises sustainability, unchecked visitor influx can lead to habitat disruption. Effective management and visitor regulation are essential to ensure that the environmental benefits of eco-tourism are not compromised.

In conclusion, eco-friendly zoological parks, when managed responsibly, are a sustainable model for tourism, blending economic development with conservation goals.

 

Model Answer:

 

• Green building certifications by organizations like the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) are becoming increasingly significant in India’s infrastructure projects, particularly in the tourism sector. These certifications help ensure that projects like Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park prioritize environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, and reduced carbon footprints.

 

Significance of IGBC Certification:

• • Promotes Sustainable Building Practices: IGBC certification benchmarks the project’s adherence to eco-friendly construction standards, such as energy-efficient lighting, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable waste management. This helps reduce the environmental impact of infrastructure and contributes to India’s climate goals.

• • Enhances Tourism Sector Sustainability: In the tourism sector, green-certified projects are crucial for attracting environmentally conscious travelers. They help create an image of India as a responsible tourism destination, fostering eco-tourism and generating revenue without compromising on sustainability.

Contribution to Broader Sustainable Development Goals:

• • Alignment with SDGs: IGBC certifications support India’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By promoting green-certified tourism infrastructure, India moves closer to its goals of reducing environmental degradation and promoting sustainable urban and rural development.

• • Economic and Social Benefits: Sustainable infrastructure creates long-term benefits for the local economy, providing jobs and reducing resource dependency. In projects like Durgesh Aranya, this ensures balanced economic growth with minimal ecological disruption.

Thus, IGBC certification is an essential tool for embedding sustainability in India’s tourism sector, setting a precedent for responsible development practices that prioritize environmental and social well-being.

 

Remember: These are just sample answers. It’s important to further research and refine your responses based on your own understanding and perspective. Read entire UPSC Current Affairs.