Junagadh, India, the last refuge of the majestic Asiatic lion, is poised to become home to one of India’s largest wildlife treatment facilities, aptly dubbed the “AIIMS for wildlife.” The National Wildlife Disease Diagnostic and Research Centre (NWDDRC), a state-of-the-art referral hospital, will soon rise on 21 hectares of land in Nava Pipaliya village, roughly 20 kilometers from Junagadh city.
The forest department has acquired the land, and the state government is currently searching for an auspicious date for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lay the facility’s cornerstone.
The urgent need for this international-standard medical facility stems from the rising incidence of zoonotic diseases among animals.
“This referral hospital is being established under Project Lion, and the Indian government is developing a roadmap for its operation. It will be a cutting-edge facility with a strong focus on research to combat pandemics and other animal diseases,” explained Aaradhna Sahu, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) for Junagadh.
The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) serves as the nodal agency for this project undertaken by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. The state forest department is a partner in the project, with an estimated budget of Rs 500 crore.
“This won’t just be a hospital for treating sick animals; it will also have facilities for testing animal samples, developing vaccines, housing cutting-edge medical equipment, boasting an international-standard laboratory and diagnostic center, and employing a highly trained staff recruited from across the country,” said another official.
In 2018, an outbreak of canine distemper virus (CDV), an epizootic disease, claimed the lives of 34 lions in Gir alone. The vaccine had to be imported from the United States at the time.
“Once this facility is operational, vaccines will be produced domestically. In fact, India will be able to export animal vaccines,” the official added.
The NWDDRC’s establishment represents a significant step forward in India’s wildlife conservation efforts. This advanced facility will not only provide critical medical care to animals in need but also serve as a hub for research and development, ultimately contributing to the well-being of India’s diverse and precious wildlife.
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