The Vantara Foundation has proposed setting up three Wild Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centres in Assam at its own cost, including a dedicated facility for the conservation and care of Asian elephants.The proposal was received by the Assam Forest Department, Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah said on World Elephant Day. The Vantara Foundation was founded by Anant Ambani. According to the proposal, all three centres would operate under the supervision of the Assam Forest Department. The proposed facilities would focus on the rescue, rehabilitation, treatment and welfare of wild animals, with their locations and detailed configurations to be finalised in consultation with the state Forest Department. One of the three centres would be dedicated exclusively to Asian elephants. The facility is proposed to include a veterinary hospital, diagnostic facilities, specialised enclosures, medical and nutritional care centres and other infrastructure required for species-specific animal care.
The proposed centres are intended to provide organised facilities for animals requiring rescue, treatment, rehabilitation and long-term care. The proposal also envisages infrastructure suited to the particular needs of different wildlife species. Mallabaruah said the state government was examining the proposal and welcomed the initiative by Anant Ambani and the Vantara Foundation. The minister said Assam would continue to work with institutions and organisations that could contribute expertise and resources to wildlife protection. “Assam will continue to engage with like-minded partners and institutions whose expertise and resources can complement our efforts to protect wildlife and strengthen their natural habitats,” Mallabaruah said.
The proposal comes at a time when Assam continues to deal with human-wildlife conflict while working to protect its diverse wildlife and natural habitats. Asian elephants remain an important part of the state’s wildlife landscape, but their conservation also presents challenges because of habitat pressures and increasing interactions between people and animals. If approved and implemented, the proposed centres would add to the state’s existing wildlife rescue and rehabilitation infrastructure and provide specialised facilities for animals requiring medical care, rehabilitation and managed support.
