Kaziranga National Park inks pact with Anil Agarwal Foundation for surveillance centre and dwelling units for frontline workers

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 22, 2024

The Animal Care Organization (TACO), a flagship programme of the Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve to enhance the infrastructure and support for the park by providing a surveillance centre and dwelling units for the frontline forest workers who are crucial in protecting the National Park’s wildlife and ecosystem.

This collaboration will strengthen the protection of the park’s wildlife especially endangered species such as the one-horned rhinos, Asiatic elephants and Bengal Tigers.

The MoU outlines a grant of Rs 6 crore to be utilised over three years for this collaboration.

The MoU signing ceremony was graced by Assam Environment & Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary.

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, Patowary expressed his support for the initiative, saying, “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 a 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,” the Minister added.

Priya Agarwal Hebbar, chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Ltd, and Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Ltd, emphasized the importance of the partnership, said, “This MoU is essential 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 wildlife and the local communities,” she said.

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 by due compliances under forest, wildlife & environmental laws and regulations etc.