First IGBC-Certified Zoo:Located in Bankhandi, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, it will be the first Indian zoo certified by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for its sustainable practices.
Project Details:The park will cover 25 hectares initially, expanding to 672 hectares, with a total investment of ₹619 crore.
Wildlife and Biodiversity: It will house 73 species, including Asiatic lions, hog deer, and various bird species, with special features like a nocturnal house and wetland aviary.
Economic and Environmental Impact: The park aims to promote eco-tourism, create local employment, and serve as a model for sustainable development in India.
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.
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1 / 5
Category:General Studies
Which feature of Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park reflects its commitment to biodiversity conservation and providing unique visitor experiences?
Answer: B
Explanation: The zoological park will include a wetland aviary to display indigenous bird species and a nocturnal house for nocturnal animals, providing visitors with immersive and educational experiences while promoting biodiversity conservation. These features allow visitors to appreciate local fauna in an environmentally sensitive way.
2 / 5
Category:General Studies
Which of the following best describes the environmental and economic impact expected from Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park?
Answer: B
Explanation: Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park aims to support biodiversity conservation by providing habitats for various species and is expected to create employment opportunities for the local population. By promoting eco-tourism, the park will enhance regional economic growth while preserving environmental integrity.
3 / 5
Category:General Studies
Which of the following statements best explains the significance of the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) certification for Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park?
Answer: B
Explanation: The IGBC certification signifies that Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park adheres to eco-friendly and sustainable building practices, making it the first zoo in India to receive this certification for its green infrastructure initiatives. This certification underscores the park's commitment to environmental stewardship by following practices that conserve resources and reduce environmental impact.
4 / 5
Category:General Studies
What is the primary objective of establishing Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, according to recent announcements?
Answer: B
Explanation: The primary goal of the Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park project is to set a benchmark for sustainable eco-tourism by integrating eco-friendly infrastructure and conservation principles. It aims to balance tourism with environmental protection and regional economic growth, aligning with Himachal Pradesh’s vision for responsible tourism.
5 / 5
Category:General Studies
In the context of the Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park, which of the following represents a direct benefit of integrating eco-tourism with sustainable development goals (SDGs)?
Answer: C
Explanation: Integrating eco-tourism with sustainable development allows the project to align with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by fostering sustainable infrastructure, and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by reducing the park’s ecological footprint. This approach supports eco-friendly tourism while promoting environmental and community well-being.
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Critically analyze the role of eco-friendly initiatives like Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park in promoting sustainable tourism in biodiversity-rich areas. How do such initiatives impact the local environment and economy? (Word Limit: 250)
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.
Question 2:
Examine the significance of green building certifications, such as those from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), in infrastructure projects across India. How does IGBC certification contribute to the broader goals of sustainable development in the tourism sector? (Word Limit: 250)
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.
Relevance to the UPSC Prelims and Mains syllabus under the following topics:
Prelims:
General Studies (Environment & Ecology)
Topics like Environmental Policies, Biodiversity Conservation, and Eco-Tourism are included in Prelims, where candidates need to be aware of recent developments in conservation, sustainable initiatives, and eco-friendly tourism projects.
Government Schemes and Initiatives: The establishment of eco-tourism projects and green-certified buildings falls under government initiatives aimed at sustainable development, a frequent topic in Prelims.
Mains:
General Studies Paper I (Geography and Indian Heritage)Geography: Location and environmental aspects of projects like the Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park tie into geographical knowledge about regions, land use, and environmental impact.
Indian Heritage and Culture: Understanding the cultural and regional significance of eco-tourism projects in preserving natural heritage and fostering local culture and livelihoods.
General Studies Paper III (Environment, Biodiversity, Economic Development)Conservation, Environmental Pollution, and Degradation: The eco-friendly approach of this zoological park serves as a case study on efforts to balance infrastructure with conservation.
Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Development: This park demonstrates how tourism can contribute to economic development sustainably, linking well with sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Biodiversity and Environment: The inclusion of diverse species and the creation of habitats for indigenous wildlife highlight biodiversity conservation, a critical topic under this paper.
Infrastructure Development: The development of eco-friendly infrastructure, such as obtaining the IGBC certification, exemplifies best practices in balancing ecological sustainability with development.
Essay PaperTopics related to Sustainable Development, Eco-Tourism, and Environmental Conservation can be broadly explored in essays, where students can discuss the implications of eco-friendly tourism infrastructure on conservation and local economies.
Case Studies (General Studies Paper IV – Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude)Ethics in Sustainable Development: This project reflects ethical considerations in development, providing a case for examining the integration of environmental stewardship within infrastructure projects, which can also serve as practical examples in ethics case studies.
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