A wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre is being built in Hastinapur, Meerut, to house wild animals rescued from the 2,073 sq km sanctuary area. Three phases of the rescue centre, being constructed on nine acres near the Forestry Training Centre in Hastinapur at a cost of Rs 4.74 crore, have been completed. This rescue centre will become a stronghold for the protection of wildlife in western Uttar Pradesh.
Arrangements are being made here for the treatment and rehabilitation of animals such as tigers, leopards, and bears, as well as chital and nilgai. Large enclosures have been built for them. Infected wild animals will be cared for in the quarantine centre, while treatment will be provided in a state-of-the-art treatment room.
Operational Timeline And Progress
Divisional Director of Forestry Vandana Phogat said, "The fourth phase was started on 1 January. The work on the Hastinapur wildlife rescue centre was planned in four phases; three phases have been completed. Thirty-five per cent of the fourth phase is also complete. Some construction work remains, which will be completed by April 2026, after which the centre will be opened".
Modern Facilities: From Watchtower To Training Hall
The work planned for this rescue centre includes modern accommodation, a treatment centre, a quarantine centre, a watchtower, a training hall, a guard room, a post-mortem house, a cremation centre, street lights, a sewerage tank, landscaping, a solar power system, a water tank, and 28 enclosures. Of these, the post-mortem house, street lights, sewerage tank, quarantine centre, staff room, landscaping, 21 enclosures, and roads have already been completed. Twenty-one enclosures have been built at the rescue centre to house animals such as tigers, leopards, chital, deer, barasingha, rabbits, and nilgai.
Protocol For Rescue And Staffing
Wild animals are kept at the rescue centre when they are injured, sick, orphaned, or displaced. This is to provide them with medical treatment, temporary shelter, and specialised care. Here, they will be treated until fully fit and then released back into their natural habitat. However, staff have not yet been deployed here. A deputy ranger, a veterinarian, and other staff will be stationed here.
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Foundation Laid By CM Yogi
The foundation stone for this rescue centre was laid by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on 10 June 2022. At the time, he announced that four such rescue centres were being built in the state: in Pilibhit, Maharajganj, Chitrakoot, and Meerut. This will allow dangerous wild animals, such as leopards, to be rescued and housed here. This will ensure public safety.