Guwahati: Reliance’s initiative, Vantara, faces accusations of harboring illegally sourced elephants due to recent wildlife law amendments, according to a report by Himal Southasian.
Vantara, touted as a global effort for rescuing and sheltering traumatized wildlife, is located within Reliance’s Jamnagar refinery complex. While the exquisite fauna at Vantara garnered attention during the recent pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, concerns linger about the origin of its elephants.
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The report by M Rajasekhar delves into the creation of this massive open zoo by Anant Ambani, younger son of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani.
Vantara, an amalgam of the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust and Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre has 3889 birds and animals in its custody, belonging to 134 species as per its annual report for 2022–23.
It houses 200 elephants, over 300 big cats, and numerous herbivores. Vantara, meaning “star of the forest,” boasts 3,000 acres and shelters critically endangered species like the Spix’s macaw, with only 200 remaining worldwide.
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Previously, stricter regulations existed to prevent elephant trafficking. These included mandatory DNA profiling for proof of heredity, microchipping of calves, and a complete ban on capturing wild elephants.
However, recent amendments to the Wild Life Protection Act in 2021 relaxed rules regarding interstate transport of elephants. This eliminated the need for permits from wildlife authorities along the transportation route.
The report alleges that these relaxed regulations coincide with a trend in Assam, where wild elephants, both juveniles and adults, are being microchipped just before ownership registration applications are filed. This raises questions about the legality of acquiring these elephants.
The Himal Southasian report argues that recent amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act (2021) have weakened safeguards against elephant trafficking. The amendments relaxed regulations for interstate elephant transport “for religious or any other purpose” and eliminated permit requirements from Chief Wildlife Wardens along transport routes.
The Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, which merged into Vantara, denies any wrongdoing. They claim all elephant transfers before April 1, 2023, were vetted by a Supreme Court committee.