Assam: AAF signs MoU with KNP for TACO's ‘Mission Vanraksha’
Guwahati: The Anil Agarwal Foundation(AAF) through its flagship animal welfare initiative The Animal Care Organization (TACO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve in Assam to provide a surveillance centre and dwelling units for frontline workers.
According to a press statement, AAF said that 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 Rs 6 crore to be utilised over a period of three years for this collaboration.
The MoU signing ceremony was graced by Minister of Environment & Forest Chandra Mohan Patowary.
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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.
Chandra Mohan Patowary during the event said, "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."
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He added, "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.”
Priya Agarwal Hebbar 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 statement read that 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.
The statement also read that it ill aid in the surveillance and protection of the KNP'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", the statement read.
Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve spread over 1302 sq km, 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 the largest population of Asiatic Water Buffalo in the world with estimates at over 2565 individuals, and 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 Sambar Deer, Hog Deer, Capped Langur, Hoolock Gibbon, Sloth