Approaching the end of February, Modi visited Vantara, located in the Gir region of Gujarat, which serves as India’s largest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center. With his visit, he aimed to reinforce the concept of government conserving wildlife as well as the environmental sustainability.
Vantara is an initiative by the Ambani family’s Reliance Foundation. Spread across vast acres, it serves as a safe haven for rescued animals, including lions, leopards, elephants, and other endangered species.
Officials and environmentalists greeted Modi as he went off the plane. He spoke to the specialists and reviewed the developments of the rehabilitation projects. He further extended his appreciation on the ongoing work pertaining to protecting the wildlife heritage of India.
During the trip, Modi had the opportunity to tour the different cages of the animals that had been rescued. He was informed as to how the injured and orphaned wildlife was being treated, cared for and rewilded.
Vantara utilizes cutting-edge technologies like GPS tracking, AI surveillance, and veterinary medicine in monitoring and rehabilitating animals. PM Modi appreciated how technological advancement has enhanced conservation activities.
During his Vantara speech, PM Modi noted that it's equally vital to place importance on biodiversity preservation, habitat conservation, and socially responsible development. He called on the public to start participating in the protection of the environment.
One of the notable points of the tour was PM Modi supervising the feeding of the rehabilitated elephants and commending the handlers working closely with the animals.
PM Modi once again confirmed India's commitment to the conservation of wildlife by mentioning Project Tiger, Project Lion, and the Asiatic elephant and one horned rhinoceros conservation initiatives.
The Reliance Foundation intends to further develop Vantara by adding new ecosystems and eco-tourism projects. PM Modi pledged support from the government for these kinds of projects because they correspond with the goals of making India greener.
The visit of PM Modi to Vantara underscored the essence of wildlife conservation. Looking ahead, initiatives like Vantara are critical to achieving India's sustainable development goals and preserving the rich biodiversity of India for future generations.