Shimla’s Kangra Zoo: Overhead high-tension electric wires, small water catchment among other hurdles, says RTI

A revised plan, including modifications to the enclosures, monorail and highway route, submitted to Central Zoo Authority in May.

4 min readShimlaUpdated: Oct 3, 2024 01:31 PM IST

The RTI reply also revealed that the state government hired two Gurugaon-based firms — M/s Jain and Associates and M/s Brick by Brick — for Rs 7.96 crore to provide consultancy services, prepare the design-cum-DPR Master Plan, and carry out project monitoring and supervision for establishing the zoo. (Representative image)

Two overhead high-tension electric wires passing through the designated site for the proposed Bankhandi Zoological Park, a small water catchment and problems caused by the presence of sheath rock were among 15 flaws identified by the Expert Group of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) during its 108th meeting held in Delhi last year, a reply to the RTI query filed by The Indian Express revealed.

The Expert Group advised the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Wildlife-cum-Chief Wildlife Warden, that 30 per cent of the proposed zoo area should be maintained as a green belt, and animal housing should not exceed 30 per cent of the total area.

A communication from CZA’s Member Secretary Sanjay Kumar Shukla to the PCCF (Wildlife) stated, “Two existing overhead electric lines are passing through the middle of the proposed site and are proposed to be shifted. This should either be done, or the norms issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) regarding placement of animal enclosures must be followed. An underground tunnel is proposed for the monorail under the National Highway. The placement of this tunnel is in a low-altitude catchment area, which may adversely affect monorail operations in the zoo during the monsoon season.”

The communication further stated, “The proposal developed seems like a mix of various elements typically found in global zoo scenarios. The priority should be to create a natural habitat for animals. Slope analysis drawings superimposed with the layout plan should be submitted for better clarity, and a reconnaissance survey should be carried out. The repetition of animals in different zones should be reconsidered. Issues arising due to the sheath rock should be addressed.”

The communication, along with a detailed list of 15 points raised by the Expert Group, was part of the documents obtained through the RTI.

Interestingly, the CZA also asked the Himachal Pradesh PCCF (Wildlife) to rectify the designation of the Zoo Operator, which was incorrectly mentioned as the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Division, Hamirpur. As per Rule 2(m)(III) of the Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009, “In the case of a zoo owned or controlled by the Central Government, State Government, Union Territory Administration, or any Trust or Society funded by these entities, the Secretary of the concerned Department or the Union Territory Administration shall be deemed the Zoo Operator.”

Also Read | Himachal govt paid Rs 7 crore to private agencies to design Kangra zoo; Central Zoo Authority finds 15 flaws in it

Reginald Royston A., Member Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Zoo Conservation & Breeding Society, had informed The Indian Express a revised plan, including modifications to the enclosures, monorail, and highway route was submitted to the CZA in May 2024. “The revised plan addresses CZA’s concerns. We expect discussions on this in their upcoming meeting,” he said.

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On March 6, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu laid the foundation stone for the park in Dehra, the Assembly constituency of his wife Kamlesh Thakur.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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