The Vantara Foundation has submitted a proposal to the Assam government to establish three Wild Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centres in the state at its own cost, Assam minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said on World Elephant Day.
The proposal was submitted on August 12 and addressed to the Special Chief Secretary of the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department. It was signed by Vantara CEO Vivaan Karani on behalf of the foundation’s founder, Anant Ambani. According to Baruah, the Assam government is currently examining the proposal.
Under the proposal, all three centres would be established under the guidance and supervision of the Assam Forest Department. One of the proposed facilities would be dedicated exclusively to the welfare of Asian elephants.
The proposed centres would include species-specific animal housing facilities, a veterinary hospital, diagnostic laboratories and animal nutrition centres. The facilities are intended to provide specialised care and rehabilitation for rescued wild animals.
According to the proposal, the location, scale and configuration of each centre would be decided in consultation with the Assam Forest Department. The foundation has also proposed that the completed facilities be handed over to the state government free of encumbrances.
The proposal comes as Assam continues to engage with various partners in its wildlife conservation efforts. Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said the state would continue to work with partners whose expertise and resources could complement its efforts towards wildlife conservation.
