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), today signed aMemorandum of Understanding (MoU)with Kaziranga National Park& Tiger Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site situated in Assam, toprovide a surveillance centre and dwelling units for frontline workerswho 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 INR 6 crores to be utilised over a period of three years for this collaboration. The MoU signing ceremony was graced by Hon’ble Minister of Environment & Forest, Act East Policy Affairs and Welfare of Minorities, Govt of Assam, Shri Chandra Mohan Patowary, emphasizing the state’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage. The MoU was signedbetween Ms. Ritu Jhingon, President, Anil Agarwal Foundation and Dr.Sonali Ghosh, Director of Kaziranga National Park& Tiger Reserve. Also present at the ceremony was Ms. Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Ltd, and Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Ltd who anchors the TACO project.
Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Minister of Environment & Forest, Govt. of Assam,Shri 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 forestfrontline 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.” The grant tobuild the surveillance centre and dwelling unitsfor the forest guards and staff marks a pivotal step towards enhancing conservation efforts atKaziranga 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. Sonali Ghosh, Director of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve commented, “Assam state under the visionary leadership of Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma Hon’ble Chief Minister, 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 thebiggest projects in the country for the welfare of the frontline workers at the forest.”Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, spread over 1302 sqkm, 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 SambarDeer, 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.
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.
