Guwahati, August 13: The Vantara Foundation has proposed establishing 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.
Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah said the state Forest Department had received the proposal from the Vantara Foundation, founded by Anant Ambani, on World Elephant Day.
According to the proposal, all three centres would operate under the supervision of the Assam Forest Department. One centre would be dedicated exclusively to Asian elephants and include a veterinary hospital, diagnostic facilities, specialised enclosures, medical and nutritional centres and other species-specific care facilities.
The centres would support the rescue, rehabilitation and welfare of wild animals, with their locations and configurations to be finalised in consultation with the Forest Department.
Mallabaruah said the state government was examining the proposal and appreciated Anant Ambani and the Vantara Foundation for their initiative and commitment to wildlife conservation.
He said Assam would continue to work with partners and institutions whose expertise and resources could complement the state’s efforts to protect wildlife and strengthen natural habitats.
The proposal comes amid continuing challenges related to human-wildlife conflict and wildlife conservation in Assam, with elephants among the state’s important but vulnerable species.
