Representative image of crocodiles.
Credit: Reuters
Mumbai: The Mumbai-headquartered Vedanta Ltd is set to play a major role to rejuvenate Baghdarrah crocodile conservation reserve located in Udaipur in Rajasthan.
For this, Vedanta’s Rajasthan-based subsidiary, Hindustan Zinc Ltd, has signed an MoU with the Department of Forest, Udaipur.
With an investment of Rs 5 crores, this initiative marks a significant step in public-private partnership for ecological restoration and aims to transform the nearly 400-hectare reserve into a thriving habitat for marsh crocodiles.
Nestled in the Kaladvas village, the Baghdarrah Conservation Reserve, a home to 200 avian species, is a biologically rich area centered around a perennial lake.
Vedanta’s multidimensional development strategy encompasses a wide range of conservation, infrastructure, and community-oriented activities. The initiative focuses on restoring the natural habitat for crocodiles through afforestation, water conservation infrastructure like check dams and ponds, and the development of eco-sensitive visitor zones including walking trails, shelters, and educational exhibits.
This initiative is in line with the company’s focus on UN SDG 15 (Life on Land) and aligns with this year’s theme of ‘Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development’.
Vedanta has been at the forefront of safeguarding wildlife through its flagship animal welfare project, The Animal Care Organization (TACO).
In a press statement, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Ltd, said: “Biodiversity is the heart of our planet, and every creature, from the smallest butterfly to the majestic tiger, plays a vital role in its rhythm. Through TACO and our conservation initiatives, we’re protecting ecosystems and building a future where animals and communities thrive together. Our partnerships with iconic sanctuaries like Ranthambore and Kaziranga reflect our deep commitment to nurturing nature’s delicate balance.”