‘Mission Vanraksha’: Kaziranga National Park in Assam Signs MoU To Provide Surveillance Centre and Dwelling Units for Frontline Workers

Guwahati, August 22: In a significant move towards the protection of endangered animals, Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF) through its flagship animal welfare initiative The Animal Care Organization (TACO), on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve 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. The MoU signing ceremony was graced by Assam Minister of Environment & Forest, Act East Policy Affairs and Welfare of Minorities Chandra Mohan Patowary, 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. Kaziranga National Park is Fully Prepared to Tackle Flood Situation, Says Official.

Speaking on the occasion, Assam Minister of Environment & Forest Chandra Mohan 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."

Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Ltd, and Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Ltd, emphasizing the importance of the partnership, 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." Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve Celebrates World Elephant Day.

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 accordance with due compliances under Forest, Wildlife & Environmental laws and regulations, etc.

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. Notably, TACO's initiatives encompass a holistic approach to 'One Health', recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. TACO's commitment to wildlife conservation encompasses a multifaceted approach.

In 2022, it collaborated with to the Forest Department, Government of Rajasthan, by providing seven patrolling vehicles at Ranthambore National Park to enhance on ground surveillance efforts. TACO's shelter in Faridabad, Haryana is home to 160+ animals, including cows, bulls, and dogs, focusing on rescue, rehabilitation, advanced veterinary care and overall well-being. It recently unveiled a multi-specialty veterinary hospital focused on advanced animal healthcare in Faridabad where it is also running Mobile Health Van and Ambulance services.

Since its inception two years ago, it has treated more than 60,000 animals through health camps held across several operational areas of Vedanta group and rescued almost 5,000 animals during the Delhi and Haryana floods. Its dedication also extends to education and training through the TACO Academy, which conducts sessions for veterinarians and paraprofessionals. TACO is the animal welfare initiative by Anil Agarwal Foundation, the umbrella entity for 140+ social impact projects of Vedanta and its business units. Vedanta Ltd., one of the world's leading critical minerals, energy and technology companies, through its subsidiary Cairn Oil & Gas has been exploring and developing the untapped hydrocarbon potential of Northeast India.

Cairn has been providing gas supply to the tea estates, from its production facility in Hazarigaon. Further, through its association with Assam Gas Company Limited (AGCL), it is fuelling 100 CNG buses in Guwahati, supporting the clean energy initiative of the Government of Assam. In line with its mission to 'transforming communities', Cairn has set-up a Handloom Center at Borchapori Village, Borpathar District, Golaghat, Assam. This has been developed as a part of the livelihood generation initiatives in partnership with Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission (ASRLM) and District Handloom Department, Govt. of Assam.

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