The Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF) has entered into a partnership with Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve to advance TACO’s ‘Mission Vanraksha’. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed today, secures a grant of INR 6 crores over three years to establish a state-of-the-art surveillance centre and new housing for frontline conservation workers. This initiative aims to bolster the protection of endangered species like the Greater One-Horned Rhino, Asiatic Elephant, and Bengal Tiger. The MoU signing ceremony, which featured remarks from Assam’s Environment & Forest Minister Shri Chandra Mohan Patowary and AAF President Ms. Ritu Jhingon, underscores the commitment to safeguarding Assam’s natural heritage. The project also includes facilities for ‘Van Durgas’, women forest guards, highlighting a focus on enhancing support for the park’s dedicated staff.
This significant conservation initiative is set to stimulate Guwahati by generating demand for construction materials and services. Local businesses will benefit from the infrastructure development, creating new job opportunities and fostering economic growth. The project not only advances wildlife protection but also contributes to regional economic vitality, aligning with the broader goals of sustainable development in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Minister of Environment & Forest, Govt. of Assam,Shri Chandra Mohan Patowary, expressed his support for the initiative, stating, “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 surveillance centre to maintain a zero poaching zone and to promote conservation and sustainability in our state.The establishment of dwelling units for forestfrontline 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, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Ltd, and Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Ltd, emphasizing the importance of the partnership, 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 grant tobuild the surveillance centre and dwelling unitsfor the forest guards and staff marks a pivotal step towards enhancing conservation efforts atKaziranga National Park and will aid in the surveillance and protection of the Park’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.