Anil Agarwal Foundation Partners with Kaziranga National Park to Protect Endangered Animals
Guwahati (Assam) [India], August 22: In a significant move towards protecting endangered animals, the Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF) through its animal welfare initiative, The Animal Care Organization (TACO), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. This partnership aims to provide a surveillance centre and dwelling units for frontline workers involved in the Park’s conservation efforts.
Mission Vanraksha
As part of TACO’s wildlife conservation project ‘Mission Vanraksha’, this collaboration will enhance the protection of the Park’s wildlife, especially endangered species like the Greater One-Horned Rhinos, Asiatic Elephants, and Bengal Tigers. The MoU includes a grant of Rs 6 crore to be used over three years.
MoU Signing Ceremony
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Assam Minister of Environment & Forest, Chandra Mohan Patowary, who emphasized the state’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage. The MoU was signed by Ritu Jhingon, President of Anil Agarwal Foundation, and Dr. Sonali Ghosh, Director of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve. Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Ltd and Non-Executive Director of Vedanta Ltd, also attended the ceremony.
Statements from Key Figures
Assam Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary expressed his support, stating, “Kaziranga National Park is not just a treasure of Assam but of the entire world. We are committed to supporting TACO’s initiative ‘Mission Vanraksha’ to maintain a zero poaching zone and promote conservation and sustainability in our state.”
Priya Agarwal Hebbar highlighted the importance of the partnership, saying, “This MoU focuses on improving facilities for frontline workers, including ‘Van Durgas’ or women forest guards, providing an impetus to conservation activities in Kaziranga.”
About Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, spread over 1302 sq km, is famous for reviving the population of Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros and is home to over 2613 of these iconic species. The park also has the largest population of Asiatic Water Buffalo in the world, over 1200 Asiatic Elephants, and significant densities of Bengal Tigers and Eastern Swamp Deer. It hosts more than 30 mammalian species, 556 bird species, 17 freshwater turtles, 35 snakes, 29 lizards, and 24 frogs.
TACO’s Broader Initiatives
TACO’s commitment to wildlife conservation includes a holistic approach to ‘One Health’, recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. In 2022, TACO collaborated with the Forest Department, Government of Rajasthan, by providing seven patrolling vehicles at Ranthambore National Park. TACO’s shelter in Faridabad, Haryana, is home to over 160 animals and recently unveiled a multi-specialty veterinary hospital focused on advanced animal healthcare.
Since its inception, TACO has treated more than 60,000 animals and rescued almost 5,000 animals during the Delhi and Haryana floods. TACO also conducts educational sessions for veterinarians and paraprofessionals through the TACO Academy.
About Anil Agarwal Foundation and Vedanta Ltd
TACO is the animal welfare initiative by Anil Agarwal Foundation, which oversees 140+ social impact projects of Vedanta and its business units. Vedanta Ltd., a leading critical minerals, energy, and technology company, through its subsidiary Cairn Oil & Gas, has been exploring and developing hydrocarbon potential in Northeast India. Cairn has been providing gas supply to tea estates and fueling 100 CNG buses in Guwahati, supporting the clean energy initiative of the Government of Assam.
Doubts Revealed
Anil Agarwal Foundation -: The Anil Agarwal Foundation is a charitable organization started by Anil Agarwal, an Indian businessman. It works on various social causes, including animal welfare.
Kaziranga National Park -: Kaziranga National Park is a famous wildlife sanctuary in Assam, India. It is known for protecting endangered animals like the Greater One-Horned Rhinos and Bengal Tigers.
MoU -: MoU stands for Memorandum of Understanding. It is a formal agreement between two or more parties to work together on a common goal.
Rs 6 crore -: Rs 6 crore means 60 million Indian Rupees. It is a large amount of money used for funding projects.
surveillance centre -: A surveillance centre is a place where people monitor and watch over an area to keep it safe. In this case, it will help protect the animals in the park.
dwelling units -: Dwelling units are places where people can live. Here, they are for the workers who protect the animals in the park.
TACO -: TACO stands for The Animal Care Organization. It is an initiative by the Anil Agarwal Foundation to help animals.
Mission Vanraksha -: Mission Vanraksha is a project by TACO aimed at protecting forests and wildlife.
Greater One-Horned Rhinos -: Greater One-Horned Rhinos are large animals with one horn on their nose. They are endangered and live in places like Kaziranga National Park.
Bengal Tigers -: Bengal Tigers are big, striped cats found in India. They are also endangered and need protection.
Assam Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary -: Chandra Mohan Patowary is a government official in Assam, a state in India. He helps make decisions for the state.
Priya Agarwal Hebbar -: Priya Agarwal Hebbar is a member of the Anil Agarwal Foundation. She works on projects to help animals and people.