Durgesh Aranya: Himachal’s upcoming wildlife wonder set to redefine conservation tourism

Nestled in the forested foothills of the Shivalik Himalayas, where the biodiverse Kangra landscape merges with the ecologically significant Pong Wildlife Sanctuary, the upcoming Durgesh Aranya International Zoological Park at Bankhandi is envisioned as a landmark conservation destination in northern India. Conceived by the Himachal Pradesh Government as its flagship wildlife project, the greenfield zoological park seeks to redefine the role of modern zoos by integrating conservation, education, research and eco-tourism within a natural landscape.

Spread across 233.536 hectares of forest land at Seeran da Paroh near Dehra, the project has been planned as far more than a conventional zoo.

Around 70 per cent of the area, covering over 164 hectares, will remain preserved as natural green habitat, allowing wildlife to thrive in surroundings closely resembling their native ecosystems.

Located along

NH-503, the park enjoys easy access from Dharamsala, Kangra, Jwalamukhi, Chintpurni, Baglamukhi and Pong Dam, strengthening its potential as a major tourism and conservation hub.

For Dehra, a region deeply affected by the displacement caused by the creation of Pong Dam in the early 1970s, the project represents an opportunity for ecological and economic renewal. Besides creating employment during construction and operations, the park is expected to boost hospitality, transport and allied sectors while encouraging sustainable tourism across western Himachal.

The park has been designed around modern conservation principles. It will house wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facilities, conservation breeding programmes, veterinary and quarantine infrastructure, research centres and environmental education spaces. Visitors will encounter animals in spacious, naturalistic enclosures instead of traditional cages, reflecting contemporary global standards in zoo design and animal welfare.

Among its major attractions will be dedicated Tiger Safari, Lion Safari, Composite Safari, the scenic Vanavaibhava Path, Panchvati Van with a walk-in aviary, Biodiversity Court, Nocturnal House, Aquarium and interactive interpretation centres.

The proposed collection will include more than 160 species, with nearly 75 per cent comprising indigenous fauna, particularly species native to the Shivalik-Himalayan region. Exotic species will be introduced selectively. Animal induction will begin in phases only after enclosures, veterinary facilities, trained staff and statutory approvals are in place.

Sustainability remains central to the project’s design. Water conservation measures include check dams and rainwater harvesting structures capable of storing nearly three crore litres of water, supported by storage tanks with a capacity of about 14 lakh litres, ensuring year-round water availability.

Construction is progressing steadily, with the hospital block, boundary wall and water supply infrastructure nearing completion. Civil works worth around Rs 284 crore have been tendered, while the overall project cost is estimated at nearly Rs 609 crore. The initiative is being implemented by the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department through the HP Zoo Conservation and Breeding Society with technical support from multiple agencies.

“The upcoming Durgesh Aranya International Zoological Park is set to become a landmark wildlife destination, promoting conservation, environmental education and sustainable tourism while attracting visitors from across the country,” says K Thirumal, CEO, HP Zoo Conservation and Breeding Society. Targeted to open around March 2027, it promises to become both a sanctuary for wildlife and a living classroom for future generations.