Vandalur, Mar 03: The inauguration of the Water Recycling System at the Langur Enclosure and the laying of the foundation for similar systems at the Otter and Chimpanzee enclosures at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, Chennai mark a significant milestone for the Institute for Climate and Environment (ICE) in its capacity as Knowledge Partner.
The ceremony was graced by Thiru. Srinivas R. Reddy, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force), who attended as the Chief Guest. Rtn. Nikhil Raj, President of the Rotary Club of Madras, was the Guest of Honour, and Thiru. T. Ritto Cyriac, IFS, Director of Arignar Anna Zoological Park, presided over the function.
The project has been made possible through the generous support of sponsors R B Agarwalla & Co., Aspire Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd., and DRA Homes, along with co-sponsors Rtn. Shri Shakthi Girish and Rtn. Suresh Amirapu. Circen Technologies served as the CTCe Implementation Partner, delivering environmentally responsible and efficient solutions aligned with sustainable water management practices.
Developed in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Madras, the initiative represents a meaningful step toward advancing environmental sustainability and responsible resource management within wildlife habitats.
Implemented by the Environmental Action Committee of the Rotary Club of Madras, the water recycling system has a treatment and recirculation capacity of 400,000 litres per day. The technology, provided by Circen Technologies, is designed to significantly reduce the enclosure’s dependence on fresh water while ensuring the highest standards of habitat care and animal welfare.
The system installed at the Nilgiri Langur wet moat enclosure is expected to reduce fresh water consumption by nearly 70% while maintaining optimal living conditions for the primate population. The initiative sets a benchmark for eco-friendly infrastructure and responsible water management practices within zoological parks. The project aims to promote efficient water usage while supporting the health and well-being of the animals, setting a benchmark for eco-friendly infrastructure in zoological parks.
In addition to the Langur enclosure system, the foundation stone was laid for a new water treatment plant at the Otter Pond, sponsored by Aspire Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd. Plans are also underway for a water recycling system for the Chimpanzee Enclosure, supported by DRA Homes. What began with the Langur enclosure is now expanding across the zoo, building momentum toward improved water efficiency and environmentally conscious operations.
This collaborative effort between Arignar Anna Zoological Park, the Rotary Club of Madras, and Institute for Climate and Environment (ICE) highlights how partnerships can play a crucial role in advancing sustainable conservation practices while promoting responsible resource management in public institutions.