Baghdarrah Nature Park

Hindustan Zinc Pledges ₹5 Crore for Crocodile Conservation at Baghdarrah Nature Park on World Biodiversity Day

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Udaipur, May 23, 2025 – On World Biodiversity Day, Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s largest and the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer, has taken a significant step toward wildlife preservation by signing an MoU with the Forest Department of Udaipur to develop a Crocodile Conservation Reserve at Baghdarrah Nature Park. The initiative, backed by an investment of ₹5 crore, is focused on restoring and enhancing the natural habitat of marsh crocodiles while promoting sustainable eco-tourism.

Baghdarrah Nature Park
Baghdarrah Nature Park

Project Overview: Preserving Ecosystems & Enabling Eco-Tourism

The Baghdarrah Nature Park, a biologically rich area surrounding a perennial lake near Udaipur, will see a strategic transformation under this public-private partnership. Hindustan Zinc will support the development of:

  • Water conservation infrastructure, including check dams and ponds

  • Afforestation and ecological restoration

  • Eco-sensitive visitor infrastructure, such as walking trails, shelters, and educational exhibits

These developments aim to not only improve the habitat for crocodiles but also enhance visitor engagement, making Baghdarrah a hub for both wildlife protection and community-driven eco-tourism.

Hindustan Zinc’s Commitment to Biodiversity

Speaking on the initiative, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc and Non-Executive Director at Vedanta Ltd., said:

“Biodiversity is the heart of our planet. Every creature—from butterflies to tigers—plays a crucial role in its rhythm. Through our initiatives like TACO and conservation partnerships, we are not only protecting nature but creating a future where animals and humans thrive together.”

Government Applause and Future Vision

Sunil Kumar Singh, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Udaipur, highlighted the significance of the collaboration:

“Public-private partnerships like these are essential for ecological rejuvenation. With Hindustan Zinc’s support, Baghdarrah can emerge as a vibrant ecosystem and a knowledge center for wildlife conservation.”

Part of a Larger Sustainability Roadmap

This MoU is a milestone in Hindustan Zinc’s larger biodiversity strategy. The company is actively converting degraded lands into greenbelts using advanced methods like Mycorrhiza-based afforestation, in partnership with TERI. A key example is the ongoing transformation of 16 hectares of Jarofix waste land at the Chanderiya Lead-Zinc Smelter into a thriving green zone.

Industry Leadership in Sustainability

Hindustan Zinc’s green leadership includes:

  • Planting over 2 million trees across Rajasthan and Uttarakhand during Van Mahotsav

  • Signing a three-year strategic biodiversity collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

  • Being the first Indian mining company to initiate a TNFD (Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures) framework

  • Earning an A- Leadership Band rating from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) for its efforts in water and climate management

The company is committed to achieving “No Net Loss” in biodiversity across all mining sites by 2030, using 2020 as a baseline and including post-closure mine phases.

This partnership marks a defining moment in conservation, showcasing how corporate responsibility can blend with ecological priorities to foster sustainable development.

Author Profile

Ganpat Singh Chouhan
Ganpat Singh Chouhan
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.