CM Himanta lauds Vantara Foundation for wildlife rescue support amid Assam floods
Guwahati, August 6
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday expressed gratitude to Reliance Industries Limited Executive Director and Vantara founder, Anant Ambani, for providing specialised wildlife rescue teams and ambulance services to assist the state's Forest Department in dealing with the impact of floods on animals and wildlife.
In a post on X, Sarma said, "One of the lesser discussed yet deeply distressing consequences of the #AssamFloods has been the devastation inflicted on our animals and wildlife."
He further said, "Over 10 lakh livestock have been affected, hundreds of wild animals have been swept away, and many more remain stranded or missing. While our Forest Department has mounted an extensive rescue and relief effort, the scale of the crisis calls for even greater support."
The Chief Minister added, "I am grateful to the Vantara Foundation for stepping forward by placing its specialised wildlife rescue teams and ambulance fleet under the command of our Forest Department."
Highlighting the importance of animal rescue during disasters, Sarma said, "Animal rescue during natural disasters often does not receive the attention it deserves. We deeply value those who have chosen to stand for this cause."
Expressing gratitude to Vantara Foundation and Anant Ambani, he said, "My sincere gratitude to Shri Anant Ambani for this thoughtful and compassionate gesture."
Meanwhile, the flood situation in Assam remains grim as six more individuals lost their lives on Wednesday, taking the total death toll in this year's monsoon season to 95.
According to the report from the Disaster Reporting and Information Management System (DRIMS), the state is grappling with both widespread rural inundation and critical urban flooding across multiple districts.
Out of the six fresh fatalities reported, five deaths were attributed to the general flood situation--two each from Biswanath and Sivasagar districts, and one from Golaghat. One person died due to urban flooding in the Mayong revenue circle of Morigaon district. One person has also been reported missing in Udalguri.
The state government has intensified relief operations, opening 45 relief camps that are currently housing 12,356 inmates.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is the kind of corporate responsibility we need more of. While the government does its bit, private initiatives like this make a real difference. But let's also remember the 95 lives lost - we need equal focus on human rescue and rehabilitation too. Both matter.
As someone from Assam, I've seen how floods affect our villages and wildlife. The Kaziranga animals suffer every year. Vantara's ambulance fleet and rescue teams are a welcome addition. But honestly, we need long-term solutions - better embankments, early warning systems, and climate change mitigation. Rescue is important, prevention is crucial.
Great to see private foundations partnering with state governments for wildlife conservation. The Vantara Foundation has been doing impressive work. Hope this sets a precedent for more such collaborations during disasters across India. 👏
Heartwarming to see Anant Ambani ji personally involved in this cause. But let's not forget the bigger picture - our NDRF and state disaster response teams are the real heroes working day and night. Private support is good, but sustainable government funding for wildlife rescue should be the priority. Still, thank you Vantara 👍
As an animal lover, this news makes my heart happy. 🐘🦏 The floods in Assam are devastating and animals often get forgotten in the chaos. God bless Anant Ambani and the Vantara team for their compassion. Also praying for all the families who lost loved ones in these floods. 🙏
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