Guwahati: A proposal for three wildlife rescue centres has brought fresh hope for elephant and wildlife conservation in Assam.Anant Ambani’s Vantara has offered to help establish the centres, including one exclusively for Asian elephants, and hand them over to state govt free of encumbrances.CM Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the proposal, saying the govt would examine its feasibility.“I appreciate Anant Ambani and the Vantara Foundation for this thoughtful initiative for Assam’s wildlife. We will examine the feasibility of the proposed centres and take an appropriate way forward. Initiatives that strengthen wildlife care, conservation and our natural heritage will always merit our consideration,” Sarma posted on ‘X’.In a letter to Assam’s special chief secretary for environment, forest and climate change, Vantara CEO Vivaan Karani conveyed Ambani’s commitment to supporting the state’s wildlife conservation efforts.“Vantara proposes to assist in the establishment of three wild animal rescue and rehabilitation centres in Assam under the guidance and supervision of the state forest department. Out of the three facilities, a facility would be dedicated exclusively for the welfare of the Asian Elephants. These facilities shall be composed of species-specific animal housing, advanced veterinary hospitals, diagnostic labs and animal nutrition centres. The location, scale and configuration of each of the three centres would be determined in consultation with the Assam forest department. These facilities shall be handed over to the state govt free of any encumbrances,” the letter stated.Forest and environment minister Jayanta Mallabaruah welcomed the initiative.“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,” he said.
