Guwahati, Aug 24, 2024: In an effort towards the protection of endangered animals, Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF) through its flagship animal welfare initiative The Animal Care Organization (TACO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site situated in Assam, to provide a surveillance centre and dwelling units for frontline workers who are at the forefront of the Park’s conservation efforts.
As part of TACO’s wildlife conservation project ‘Mission Vanraksha’, this collaboration will strengthen the protection of the Park’s wildlife especially endangered species such as the Greater One-Horned Rhinos, Asiatic Elephants and Bengal Tigers. The MoU outlines a grant of Rs 6 crore to be utilised over a period of three years for this collaboration.
Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, spread over 1302 sq km, is famous for its success story of reviving the population of Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros and is today home to over 2613 of these iconic species. Besides, the park also boasts of the largest population of Asiatic Water Buffalo in the world with estimates at over 2565 individuals, over 1200 Asiatic Elephants, along with significant densities of Bengal Tiger and Eastern Swamp Deer. More than 30 mammalian species, 556 bird species, 17 freshwater turtles, 35 Snakes, 29 lizards and 24 frogs have also been recorded.
The park also provides habitat for several globally threatened species including Sambar Deer, Hog Deer, Capped Langur, Hoolock Gibbon, Sloth Bear, Bengal florican and the Gangetic Dolphin. The park is a crucial part of the ecosystem that needs careful safeguarding, and TACO commits to supporting the authorities in their efforts.
The MoU signing ceremony was graced by Assam's Minister of Environment & Forest, Act East Policy Affairs and Welfare of Minorities Chandra Mohan Patowar emphasizing the state's commitment to preserving its natural heritage. The MoU was signed between Ritu Jhingon, President, Anil Agarwal Foundation and Dr Sonali Ghosh, Director of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve. Also present at the ceremony was Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Ltd, and Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Ltd who anchors the TACO project.
Speaking on the occasion, minister Patowary expressed his support for the initiative, stating, "Kaziranga National Park is not just a treasure of Assam but of the entire world. We are committing to support TACO’s initiative ‘Mission Vanraksha’ where they will provide surveillance centre to maintain a zero poaching zone and to promote conservation and sustainability in our state. The establishment of dwelling units for forest frontline workers is a critical component of this initiative, ensuring that those who protect our heritage are well-supported. The well-being of the frontline workers will help them maintain Kaziranga’s unparalleled beauty and biodiversity.”
HZL chairperson Hebbar said, “This MoU is especially important as it focuses on improving facilities for frontline workers, including ‘Van Durgas’ or women forest guards, providing an impetus to conservation activities in Kaziranga. I am delighted that TACO will be contributing to the ongoing efforts in collaboration with the Government of Assam to preserve the region’s unique ecosystem while supporting the green warriors of the forest. Together, we can create a sustainable model that benefits both wildlife and the local communities.”
The grant to build the surveillance centre and dwelling units for the forest guards and staff marks a pivotal step towards enhancing conservation efforts at Kaziranga National Park and will aid in the surveillance and protection of the Park's wildlife population, including rhinos and elephants. The structure set up shall be undertaken in consonance with due compliances under Forest, Wildlife & Environmental laws and regulations etc.
Dr Ghosh said Assam in recent years has opened up to corporate collaborations and partnerships. "It is indeed a proud moment for us at Kaziranga that Anil Agarwal Foundation has come forward to support, through CSR, one of the biggest projects in the country for the welfare of the frontline workers at the forest,” she said.
TACO is the animal welfare initiative by Anil Agarwal Foundation, the umbrella entity for 140+ social impact projects of Vedanta and its business units.
