Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, Chennai, has taken a major step towards sustainable conservation with the launch of a new Water Recycling System at the Nilgiri Langur enclosure. Alongside this, the foundation stone has been laid for similar systems at the Otter and Chimpanzee enclosures, marking an important milestone for the Institute for Climate and Environment (ICE) in its role as Knowledge Partner.

The ceremony was attended by Thiru. Srinivas R. Reddy, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force), who graced the event as the Chief Guest. Rtn. Nikhil Raj, President of the Rotary Club of Madras, was present as the Guest of Honour, while Thiru. T. Ritto Cyriac, IFS, Director of Arignar Anna Zoological Park, presided over the function.

This initiative has been supported by sponsors R B Agarwalla & Co., Aspire Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd., and DRA Homes. Co-sponsors Rtn. Shri Shakthi Girish and Rtn. Suresh Amirapu also extended their support. Circen Technologies played a key role as the CTCe Implementation Partner, offering solutions designed to promote responsible and efficient water management.

Developed in association with the Rotary Club of Madras and implemented by its Environmental Action Committee, 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 reduce the enclosure’s dependence on fresh water while maintaining high standards of habitat care and animal welfare.

The system installed at the Nilgiri Langur wet moat enclosure is expected to cut fresh water consumption by nearly 70%. At the same time, it ensures that the primates continue to live in safe and healthy surroundings. This move sets a strong example for eco-friendly infrastructure and responsible water use within zoological parks.

In addition to the Langur enclosure, a new water treatment plant is set to come up at the Otter Pond, sponsored by Aspire Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd. Plans are also in progress for a water recycling system at the Chimpanzee Enclosure with support from DRA Homes. What started with the Langur enclosure is now expanding across the zoo, building steady momentum towards better water efficiency and environmentally conscious operations.

This joint effort by Arignar Anna Zoological Park, the Rotary Club of Madras, and the Institute for Climate and Environment (ICE) shows how strong partnerships can drive meaningful change. By focusing on efficient water usage and animal well-being, the project highlights how public institutions can lead by example in sustainable conservation practices.