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India Gazette
3 hours ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Himachal CM dedicates Rs 100 crore development projects in Dehra constituency
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], June 3 (ANI): Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated and laid foundation stones of six development projects worth about Rs 100 crore in Dehra assembly constituency of Kangra district on Tuesday. Besides dedicating Rs. 4.96 crore Community Health Centre (CHC) Haripur in Dehra, the Chief Minister also laid foundation stone of Administrative and Diagnostic Block of the Hospital, Food Commissary and Quarantine at Durgesh Aranya- Zoological Park to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 47.62 crore and Lift Water Supply Scheme (LWSS) for International Zoo at Bankhandi (Seera Da Bharoh in tehsil Haripur) to be built at a cost of Rs. 16.25 crore. He also laid foundation stone of up-gradation of Haripur to Sakri Ghera road to cost Rs. 12.87 crore, road from Thathar Tripal to Mehwa panchayat to cost Rs. 6.64 crore, up-gradation of Guler to Nandpur Barial Ludret road to be completed with an outlay of Rs 10.29 crore. He said that International level Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park was being constructed at Bankhandi at a cost of Rs 619 crore. In the first phase, Rs 150 crore was being spent on construction of 43 enclosures. Around 90 per cent work of boundary wall has been completed besides eight check dams have also been constructed so far. The Chief Minister directed to construct more check to facilitate rain water harvesting. He said that it will not only be a tourist attraction but also a model of sustainable infrastructure, blending conservation with innovation. The Chief Minister said that this Park would have space to showcase 78 species, including the Asiatic lion, hog deer, monitor lizard, crocodile, ghadiyal and various bird species. The zoo will also have a wetland aviary of indigenous bird species, he added. The Chief Minister said that Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park will boost tourism activities significantly and provide employment and self employment opportunities to the local youth, thereby strengthening the local economy. With its natural beauty, unique attractions, and eco-friendly infrastructure, this Park will go a long way in making Kangra district as Tourism Capital of the State, he added. The Chief Minister also visited the various under construction sites in the Park and gave necessary directions for its improvement and on time completion. He said that this project must be completed within the stipulated period so that benefits of the project could be reaped well in time. (ANI)
United News of India
8 hours ago
- Business
- United News of India
HP CM dedicates Rs 100-crore projects in Dehra constituency in Kàngra
Kangra (Himachal Pradesh), June 3 ( UNI) Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated and laid foundation stones for six development projects worth about Rs 100 crore in the Dehra assembly constituency of Kangra district on Tuesday. Besides dedicating a Rs. 4.96 crore Community Health Centre (CHC) Haripur in Dehra, the Chief Minister laid foundation stone of an administrative and diagnostic block of the Hospital, Food Commissary and Quarantine at Durgesh Aranya- Zoological Park to be constructed at a cost of Rs 47.62 crore and Lift Water Supply Scheme (LWSS) for International Zoo at Bankhandi (Seera Da Bharoh in tehsil Haripur) to be built at a cost of Rs. 16.25 crore. He also laid foundation stone for upgrading the Haripur-Sakri Ghera road and other road projects. The CM said that an international-level Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park was being constructed at Bankhandi at a cost of Rs. 619 crore. In the first phase, Rs. 150 crore was being spent on construction of 43 enclosures. Around 90 per cent work of boundary wall has been completed, besides eight check dams have also been constructed so far. The Chief Minister directed construction of more check dams to facilitate rainwater harvesting. He said that it will not only be a tourist attraction but also a model of sustainable infrastructure, blending conservation with innovation. The Chief Minister said that this park would have space to showcase 78 species, including the Asiatic lion, hog deer, monitor lizard, crocodile, ghadiyal and various bird species. The zoo will also have a wetland aviary of indigenous bird species, he added. The Chief Minister said that Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park will boost tourism activities significantly and provide employment and self employment opportunities to the local youth, thereby strengthening the local economy. UNI AR PRS
The Hindu
4 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
World Environment Day Events in Chennai & Bangalore 2025
There is more to World Environment Day than corporate jargon and planting a tree (that you forget to water for the rest of the year). If you are looking at fun and engaging ways to connect with Nature, here are a few activities you can sign up for — outdoors, and from within the comfort of your homes. Caring for the crocs Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (MCBT) offers a range of volunteering programmes for children and adults. If you are looking for something to do over the weekends, their Docent Programme (₹3,000) 'supports the education and curatorial departments at MCBT', says Pramila Rajan, director. 'The primary motive is to spread awareness about reptiles and promote the need for their conservation.' Docents (18+) will be involved with activities like enclosure maintenance (pen cleaning, enclosure upkeep, etc.), park maintenance, etc, and they are expected to contribute a minimum of one day a month for a period of at least six months. Kickstarting this month is their Junior Volunteer Programme (11-17 years), a two-day camp for children. Their Be A Zookeeper Programme is tailormade for varied age groups and teaches children why we need zoos, the people behind them, etc. Details on Adopt an animal There is more you can do for your city's zoo than just visit it. Many zoos across the country offer virtual animal adoption programmes, including Vandalur Zoo in Chennai and Bannerghatta National Park in Bengaluru. Individuals can adopt animals such as tigers, elephants, bears, monkeys, and even birds, reptiles for a day or a year. At Bannerghatta, for instance, you can adopt an Asiatic elephant for ₹3,00,000 a year, or a Rusell's viper, spotted pond turtle for ₹3,000 annually. The adoption fee covers expenses towards the animal's feed, enclosure maintenance, health care expenses, among others. Details on and Intern with the fishes If you are looking at working at the intersection of 'wildlife conservation, education, and social impact', city-based Emden (a consulting firm focussing exclusively on social causes) has an internship programme for people across age groups. Volunteers can work on paid internships for projects at organisations such as Tree Foundation, VGP Marine Kingdom, Reptile Conservation Alliance, among others. Over the course of their projects, they can explore a range of activities: assisting in conservation projects with documentation, data collection, and research related to wildlife and ecosystem conservation; learning about reptiles; support zoo master plans; explore conservation breeding programmes by studying breeding strategies; education and outreach initiatives by accompanying students on Nature tours, to name a few. For more details, contact 9591530610. Spot the fireflies At Bengaluru's Arovi – Connect With Nature, a Nature play zone for children, a festival dedicated to fireflies has been planned this month. Once a common sight in Bengaluru, fireflies are disappearing due to urbanisation, rising pollution levels, and the use of artificial lighting, says founder Imran RA. 'Many children have never seen a firefly,' he says, adding how he can still witness fireflies at his farm near Arovi in June, just before the monsoon. Other activities offered at Arovi include farming, caring for animals, Nature walks, mud play, tractor rides, and more. On June 6,7,8 & 13,14,15 at Arovi, Sarjapur Road. 5:15 pm to 8:45 pm. ₹600 per person Sponsor a bear At non-profit Wildlife SOS' sloth bear rescue facility in Bengaluru, you can choose to volunteer or sponsor an animal. Situated within the Bannerghatta National Park, the Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC) is home to over 60 sloth bears. A majority of these animals have been rescued from the 400-year-old 'dancing' bear tradition. As a part of the virtual sponsorship programme, individuals get familiar with their day-to-day activities. Sponsors get access to a 'digital package' comprising a sponsorship certificate, detailed health updates on the sponsored animal, an animal fact sheet and a collection of printables such as bookmarks and illustrated prints of the sponsored bear. Sponsorships are ₹3,500 for a month, and ₹42,000 for a year. Details on Explore Cubbon Park At Bengaluru-based organisation A Green Venture — that organises eco walks and promotes Nature education in schools — two walks to explore Cubbon Park are being planned this month. Open to adults and children (4-10 years), the walks cover activities such as spotting insects, Nature sensory learning, exploring large trees, facts on flora and fauna, bird watching, tasting edible roots and leaves, quizzes, games, and more. On June 8 and 22, from 9 am to 11 am. A ticket is priced at ₹800, and includes one adult. To register, Whatsapp 9886400312
Hans India
6 days ago
- General
- Hans India
IGZP celebrates ‘World Dhole Day'
Visakhapatnam: Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam, celebrated 'World Dhole Day' here on Wednesday. Engaging students, a drawing competition was held at the zoo. The celebration aimed at raising awareness about the endangered Dhole (Cuon alpinus), also known as the Asiatic wild dog, and its critical role in maintaining ecological balance. Students unlocked their creativity and brought a number of artworks to life, some of them highlighted the habitats of Asiatic wild dogs also known as dholes. Through the event, participants also learned about the importance of dhole conservation and the species' presence in the enclosures of Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, said curator of the zoo G. Mangamma. Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is one of the soos in the country identified by the Central Zoo Authority to take up planned coordinated conservation breeding of endangered Asiatic Wild dogs in captivity with certain recommendations for conservation breeding initiatives. Technical guidance from Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Lacones, Hyderabad are taken in collaboration with other Universities for monitoring the populations, making necessary technical inputs when required, including training of the zoo personnel. Conservation breeding facility in the form of an off-display centre will be created for scientifically breeding wild dogs in IGZP, Visakhapatnam.
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Kanpur and Gorakhpur zoos extend closure amid bird flu concerns
LUCKNOW/KANPUR/GORAKHPUR Kanpur and Gorakhpur zoos extended their closure until June 10 and June 4, respectively, amid bird flu concerns while the Lucknow facility will take a call on Wednesday. Lucknow zoo authorities said there was neither any instance of bird flu nor any animal fell ill on the campus. 'The decision to open the zoo for public will be taken on Wednesday,' said Aditi Sharma, director, Lucknow zoo. Enclosures at the Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan Zoological Park in Gorakhpur had been covered with nets to protect animals from wild birds, suspected to be carriers of the bird flu virus. Gorakhpur zoo Director Vikas Yadav informed that samples from the infected animals were sent to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly. The zoo's closure began on May 13, which was extended following confirmation of H5 avian influenza virus in tigress 'Shakti' that died on May 7. So far, four animals had succumbed to bird flu - a lion on April 30, leopard Mona on May 8, tigress Shakti on May 7, and a wolf. Yadav stated that the condition of another infected tigress 'Mailani', aged 14, was currently stable. Though she had lost appetite and her eyesight weakened, her condition was under control. Four other infected animals were also reportedly showing signs of improvement. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath took feedback on the situation during a review meeting held at the Gorakhnath temple. Officials briefed him on the recent deaths of big cats at the zoo and measures being taken to control the spread of infection. Forest minister Arun K Saxena said, 'We are keeping a close watch on the situation at all three zoos and reports of animal samples and their health are being analysed by experts.' Kanpur zoo director Shraddha Yadav confirmed on Tuesday that lion 'Shankar' and lioness 'Uma' had shown significant reduction in appetite over the past few days. Their health was under close observation and fresh samples were collected for laboratory test. Two other lions, 'Nandini' and 'Asam' had also been tested as a precaution. The zoo had already sent 35 samples of animals — including those of birds and big cats — to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly and the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal. However, delays at the Bhopal facility, where a backlog of cases persists, mean that most reports were still pending. Only two samples had so far tested positive for avian influenza — one from a lion and another from a peacock. The situation began escalating on May 10, when a peacock in the zoo was found ill and later died during treatment. The post-mortem analysis revealed that the bird had contracted avian influenza. Days later, 'Pataudi', an Asiatic lion, transferred from Gorakhpur Zoo, fell ill and subsequently died. Zoo authorities acknowledged that the protocol may not have been strictly followed during the transfer process. 'At that time, no one was aware of the bird flu transmission,' Yadav said. To mitigate further risk, several animals had been relocated to other enclosures within the premises. The zoo director reiterated that reopening will only be considered after all pending reports were receieved and confirm absence of infection.
