Kangra- Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park in Kangra’s Bankhandi area will become India’s first zoo to receive Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) certification for eco-friendly and sustainable construction. Set to complete its first phase by late 2025, the park will incorporate green building principles across its design and landscaping, underscoring the state's commitment to environmental sustainability.

With an investment of ₹230 crore for the initial phase and an overall project budget of ₹619 crore, the park will feature 34 enclosures across its Van Vaibhav Path and Biodiversity Court, housing 73 species, including the Asiatic lion, crocodiles, and indigenous birds. The park will also include a nocturnal house and a wetland aviary, enhancing visitor experiences while promoting wildlife conservation.

Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized the park’s potential to strengthen tourism and the local economy, creating employment and positioning Kangra as a key eco-tourism destination within the "Tourism Capital" of Himachal Pradesh.