Discovering VANTARA Jamnagar: Pioneering Sustainable Urban Development

Let's explore the sanctuary where nature thrives and wildlife flourishes in terms of conservation, preservation, nurturing, and fostering of wildlife at the highly acclaimed destination of the moment: Vantara, Jamnagar.

Vantara is a prominent project initiated by the Ambanis, garnering worldwide attention. While the project is undeniably geared towards the noble causes of sustainability, wildlife protection, and conservation, it also serves as a visionary endeavor for employment generation, blending tradition with modernity, and fostering urban development.

Jamnagar is renowned as home to the world's largest Mango Plantation and India's first Oil Refinery. Now, however, it has captured attention with the emergence of Vantara, a wildlife sanctuary established by Anant Ambani, Director of RIL and Reliance Foundation.

Under the stewardship of Anant Ambani, a dedicated animal lover, Vantara aims to protect and rehabilitate wildlife, providing them with a sanctuary to thrive. Rescued from abusive and cramped environments around the globe, these animals find solace here. The project, aimed at fostering wildlife conservation and preservation, is set to become the world's largest zoological park and rehabilitation center.

The name 'VANTARA' means 'the star of the forest.' Situated in Jamnagar, the rehabilitation center spans 3000 acres within Reliance's Jamnagar Refinery Complex, also known as the Green Belt of Gujarat. It was officially launched on February 26 this year. The sprawling 3000-acre premises of Vantara have been meticulously designed to mimic a jungle-like environment, providing a lush and verdant habitat for the rescued species to thrive.

It serves as a home for 200 elephants rescued by the organization, along with thousands of other animals. The organization focuses on breeding and conserving endangered species, with more than 43 species under observation, many of which were previously in exploitative circumstances. Large numbers of animals like lions, tigers, and around 200 leopards are also rescued here. Additionally, a wide range of reptiles, including crocodiles, snakes, and turtles, are housed here, along with approximately 3000 herbivores, including deer.

The facility boasts state-of-the-art shelters equipped with modern techniques and technology, as well as scientifically designed day and night enclosures. Special amenities include hydrotherapy pools, water bodies, and a large jacuzzi for treating arthritis in elephants. The complex also houses a 1 lakh sq ft hospital and medical research center, featuring advanced amenities such as MRI, X-ray, ICU, CT scan, dental scalers, endoscopy, lithotripsy, dialysis, ultrasound, and video conferencing for surgeries, with 25,000 sq ft dedicated to elephants. The facility offers fully equipped and diverse treatments for every animal.

A specialized kitchen spanning 14,000 sq ft is staffed by experts who curate diets tailored to each elephant's specific needs, including oral health. The center also provides various treatments and techniques for elephant care, from oil massages to Multani mitti applications. Within the 3000-acre premises, 650 acres have been designated for the Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre.

The staff includes Ayurveda Practitioners, approximately 2100 individuals who provide refuge to animals, and around 500 staff members, including veterinarians, experts from various fields of education, and medical professionals such as biologists, naturalists, pathologists, and nutritionists. This program employs around 3000 people, contributing to employment generation, with many hailing from tribal areas of the eastern region of India and the Naxalite or Naxalwadi community from Gadhchiroli. They have been trained to nurture wildlife, drawing upon their roots connected to the forest.

As per recent reports, this place is not open for public display. Being a non-profit organization, there is no clarity regarding public access. More detailed information about the entire project will soon be available on their official website and social media handles."