Amravati: Demanding an advanced wildlife rescue, treatment and rehabilitation centre in Amravati, various environmental groups and wildlife conservation organisations submitted a memorandum to the deputy conservator of forests of the Amravati Territorial Forest Division.The memorandum called for the establishment of a modern centre with separate facilities for at least 25 large carnivores and 100 herbivores, along with dedicated facilities for birds and reptiles. It also asked for a fully equipped hospital, an ICU, a quarantine centre, and a dedicated rescue team. Such a centre will increase the survival rate of the wildlife, and human-wildlife conflict can be managed well. It will also provide a major boost to wildlife conservation in Vidarbha.The organisations pointed out that incidents requiring rescue and treatment of wild animals have been rising due to urbanisation. Accidents on roads and railway tracks, electrocution, animals falling into wells and trenches, and human-wildlife conflict have seen a rise. They noted that the existing facility at Paratwada has limited capacity and is unable to adequately cater to the growing demand.It also stated that being surrounded by several forest areas, including the Melghat Tiger Reserve, the Pohara-Malkhed forests, Katepurna, and Tipeshwar sanctuaries, makes Amravati a key administrative centre in Vidarbha. These forests are also home to nilgai, leopards, spotted tigers, and other wildlife.
