Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the forest department to expedite the ongoing construction work of Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park Bankhandi in Dehra Sub Division of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh.
File Photo
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the forest department to expedite the ongoing construction work of Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park Bankhandi in Dehra Sub Division of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh.
He asked the department to complete the first phase of the project by December, 2026.
Advertisement
The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of the project here on Saturday and said that the park would offer world class facilities to the tourists and would emerge as a major tourist attraction in Kangra district.
Advertisement
“The park will have three parking facilities, food court restaurants and other basic amenities for the visitors. Spread across 233 hectares, the park would feature lion and tiger safaris, in addition to enclosures of various animals, reptiles and bird species,” he said.
He further directed to issue the tenders of hospital and administrative buildings, second parking, hospital OT and diagnostic building, quarantine area and commissary area, including toilet block and underground tanks, immediately.
Sukhu instructed the forest department to integrate eco tourism activities, planetarium and adventure activities such as rock climbing and boating to make the project a self sustainable and enhance the tourist experiences.
He also asked the officers to plant indigenous species to enhance the aesthetic and ecological appeal to attract the tourists.
Sukhu said that Zoological Park is the first in the country to receive certification from Indian Green Building Council for its sustainable and eco friendly initiatives.
He said that one MW solar power project would be set up in the park to meet the energy requirements.
The Chief Minister was also presented with cheques of Rs. 5 lakh each towards Aapada Rahat Kosh and Mukhyamantri Sukh Asharay Yojna on behalf of Bio Conservation Society, Great Himalayan National Park Kullu, while Rs. 5.50 lakh each on behalf of Bio Conservation Society Khajjiar by Additional Chief Secretary K K Pant.
Advertisement
