Assam Government Evaluates Proposal for Wildlife Rescue Centers

Proposal for Wildlife Rescue Centers in Assam

Guwahati, August 13: The Assam government is set to assess the proposal from the Reliance Foundation regarding the establishment of three wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centers in the state, with one center dedicated solely to Asian elephants.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Wednesday that the government would consider initiatives aimed at enhancing wildlife care, conservation, and the preservation of Assam's natural heritage.

“The Assam government will evaluate the feasibility of the proposed centers and determine the best course of action. Initiatives that bolster wildlife care, conservation, and our natural heritage will always be given due consideration,” he stated in a social media update.

In a letter addressed to the Special Chief Secretary of Assam’s Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department on August 12, Vantara proposed to assist the state in setting up three Wild Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centers “under the guidance and supervision” of the State Forest Department.

The specifics regarding the location, size, and design of the three centers will be finalized in collaboration with the Forest Department, as mentioned in the letter, which also noted that the facilities would be “transferred to the State Government free of any encumbrances.”

Assam's Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, who shared the letter on social media, expressed his support for the proposal and commended Anant Ambani and the foundation for their “thoughtful initiative.”

This proposal aligns with Assam’s ongoing efforts to enhance animal healthcare infrastructure and address long-standing issues related to specialized facilities and access to quality veterinary care for wildlife.

In 2025, the state government revealed plans to establish five new veterinary hospitals in Kamrup, Lakhimpur, Golaghat, Tinsukia, and Sivasagar districts to improve medical care for domestic animals and livestock.

Sarma also announced plans for three dedicated pet care hospitals located in Birubari (Guwahati), Khanikar (Dibrugarh), and Bokakhat, with expectations for these facilities to be operational by the end of 2025.

However, updates regarding the implementation and operational status of the proposed pet care hospitals have been sparse, even as the deadline has lapsed.

The significance of the proposed wildlife centers is heightened by the ongoing human-elephant conflict in Assam. A report from the Wildlife Institute of India indicated that over 1,400 individuals lost their lives in human-elephant conflicts in the state from 2000 to 2023, while 1,209 elephants also perished during this timeframe.

As the human-elephant conflict continues to impact both communities and wildlife, the establishment of these centers could serve as a crucial test for integrating specialized care, rehabilitation, and conservation into a broader strategy aimed at protecting habitats and preventing unnecessary fatalities.