Rising Sun Energy Private Limited (“RSE”), a Yinson subsidiary, through its partnership with the Wildlife Trust of India (“WTI”), has supported the rescue and treatment of demoiselle cranes affected by the H5N1 virus in India. The initiatives were conducted under WTI’s Rapid Action Projects (“RAP”), designed to respond quickly to wildlife emergencies throughout the country. This is one of two RAPs that RSE has supported from 2021 to 2022, with a total contribution of INR385,000.

RSE is an independent power producer that builds, owns and operates solar installations and supplies solar-generated electricity to governments and corporations. RSE currently operates the 175 MW Rising Bhadla 1 & 2 solar plants in Rajasthan, India, and is developing a 190 MW solar project in the same region.

RSE’s partnership with WTI is part of RSE’s vision of being a responsible enterprise working to solve environmental and ecological issues, which aligns with Yinson Group’s overall Corporate Social Responsibility Mission. WTI was formed in 1998 in response to the many crises confronting India’s wildlife and wild habitats. WTI’s mission is to conserve wildlife and their habitats and to work for the welfare of wild animals, in partnership with communities and governments.

Demoiselle cranes are the world’s smallest species of migratory cranes. During the winter, they would migrate over 6,000 km from Central Siberia over the Himalayas and spend their winters in the Indian states of Gujarat and Rajasthan before continuing their journey. In the 1970s, a local of the Khichan village in Jodhpur built a chugga ghar – feeding home for a flock of 100 demoiselle cranes visiting the area. Since then, between the month of September and March, the Khichan village and its surrounding areas are visited by more than 30,000 cranes every year.

In November 2021, around 56 demoiselle cranes were found dead with several others showing signs of illness in the Kaparda wetlands, near the outskirts of Jodhpur. After evaluation of test samples, these birds were found to be infected by the highly infectious Avian Influenza – H5N1 virus. The virus is also known to be communicable to humans. Precautionary measures, protocol and action plans were put in place following the discovery of the disease.

With support from RSE, birds were treated as per the protocol in partnership with Rajasthan Forest Department. Funds were also utilised to distribute PPE kits to officials at high bird density areas, including the Khichan Tal Chappar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Jorbeed Vulture Conservation Reserve to help in treating and monitoring birds. By the end of December 2021, the mortality rate declined and there was a significant increase in the healthy crane population. This programme has resulted in the rescue and treatment of 81 demoiselle cranes.

“The demoiselle cranes have a yearly tradition of travelling a few thousand miles from Central Eurosiberia to the Indian states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. This specific species of crane take a very challenging route and cross the Himalayas to reach the Khichan village. I am extremely happy that RSE was able to extend timely support for the rescue and treatment of the demoiselle cranes. ” said RSE Chief Executive Officer, Arunav Sharma.

In addition to this RAP, RSE’s support has also enabled WTI to extend aid to leopards in the Pali district of Rajasthan.

Photo credits: Snehaa Sundaram, Raksha NGO