Himachal Pradesh has taken another significant step towards strengthening biodiversity conservation and promoting sustainable eco-tourism, with Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launching an ambitious Thematic Garden Project for the Durgesh Aranya International Zoo at Dehra in Kangra district. The state government has sanctioned ₹4 crore for the initiative through the Himachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board (HPSBB), marking what officials describe as a landmark investment in environmental conservation, ecological education and nature-based tourism.
The financial assistance was formally released to the Chief Wildlife Warden, Himachal Pradesh, who will oversee the implementation of the project with technical guidance from the Himachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board.
Describing the initiative as a key component of the state’s sustainable development strategy, Chief Minister Sukhu said the project reflects the government’s commitment to preserving Himachal Pradesh’s exceptional natural heritage while creating new opportunities for environmental awareness, scientific research and responsible tourism.
Spread across 22,247 square metres—approximately 5.5 acres—the thematic garden has been conceived as a specialised ecological landscape where visitors will be able to explore the state’s rich floral diversity through carefully curated conservation zones. The project aims to transform the Durgesh Aranya International Zoo into an integrated centre for biodiversity interpretation, environmental education and experiential learning.
According to the project blueprint, one of the principal attractions will be a dedicated Ficarium, featuring a wide range of Ficus species that play a vital ecological role in sustaining wildlife habitats. The section will also highlight the cultural, ecological and conservation importance of the genus, which is regarded as one of the most significant groups of trees in tropical ecosystems.
Another major component of the project is the development of an Arboretum that will showcase both indigenous and selected exotic tree species. The facility is expected to serve as an open-air educational resource for students, researchers and visitors while supporting long-term conservation and scientific study of tree diversity.
To further enrich the visitor experience, the project includes the construction of a watch tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding forest landscape. Officials believe the elevated viewpoint will enhance ecological interpretation and encourage greater appreciation of the region’s natural environment.
The proposed Bamboosetum will be another distinctive attraction within the thematic garden. It will display a diverse collection of bamboo species of ecological and economic importance, demonstrating the versatility of bamboo as a sustainable natural resource while highlighting its role in environmental conservation, rural livelihoods and climate resilience.
Chief Minister Sukhu said biodiversity conservation remains central to the state’s long-term environmental vision and emphasised that the thematic garden would serve multiple purposes beyond tourism. It is expected to emerge as a centre for conservation awareness, ecological interpretation, scientific research and environmental education, while simultaneously creating fresh opportunities for sustainable, nature-based tourism in Himachal Pradesh.
He noted that the initiative would particularly benefit students, academic institutions, researchers, environmentalists and wildlife enthusiasts by providing an interactive platform to study and understand the state’s unique biological wealth. The project is also expected to strengthen public engagement with conservation by encouraging visitors to appreciate the ecological importance of native plant species and forest ecosystems.
The Chief Minister praised the Himachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board and the Forest Department for conceptualising the project and expressed confidence that, once completed, the thematic garden would significantly enhance the overall visitor experience at the Durgesh Aranya International Zoo. He said the initiative has the potential to establish the zoo as one of India’s leading destinations for biodiversity conservation, environmental education and eco-tourism.
Officials said the project will be executed under the supervision of the Chief Wildlife Warden, Himachal Pradesh, with continuous technical support from the Himachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board to ensure scientific planning, ecological integrity and long-term sustainability.
The launch ceremony was attended by Secretary, Environment, Science, Technology and Climate Change Sushil Kumar Singla, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sanjay Sood, Director of Environment, Science, Technology and Climate Change-cum-Member Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board Pushpendra Rana, Joint Member Secretary Dr. Suresh C. Attri, along with senior officials of the Forest Department and the State Biodiversity Board.
With increasing emphasis on climate resilience, habitat conservation and sustainable tourism, the Thematic Garden Project represents another step in Himachal Pradesh’s broader strategy to balance ecological preservation with responsible development. By integrating conservation, education and tourism within a single destination, the initiative is expected to contribute to both environmental protection and the state’s growing eco-tourism economy.
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