Rising Sun Energy Private Limited (“RSE”), a Yinson subsidiary, through its partnership with the Wildlife Trust of India (“WTI”), has supported the rescue and release of wildlife in Jawai Bandh Leopard Conversation Reserve, 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.

The Jawai Bandh Leopard Conservation Reserve in the Pali district of Rajasthan is known for the peaceful coexistence between humans and leopards living in close proximity. The reserve is located near the Aravalli ranges, with a unique rocky terrain surrounding the Jawai dam that has provided a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including sloth bears, crocodiles, jungle cats, Indian grey mongoose, Indian eagle owls, ospreys, egrets and several migratory birds. However, the rise of unethical tourism practices in the area poses a threat to the local wildlife, especially leopards.

To facilitate local rescue operations in the Jawai Reserve, RSE has provided a rescue vehicle along with 10 snake rescue kits to support the team of volunteers and officials. This support has been instrumental in supporting the team with their rescue operations. Since receiving the aid, they have successfully carried out 10 wildlife rescue operations.

One such rescue and release operation involved a trapped leopard in the Jalam Singh’s well located in the Chamunderi Ranavatan village. The leopard was found sitting in a pit 2 to 3 feet above the well water. The leopard was ingeniously rescued by the team, utilising tarpaulin coverings to camouflage a cage into a cave, to minimise any further stress on the animal. After the leopard was rescued, it was taken to a Forest Department outpost for a checkup as per protocol, following which the leopard was released back into the forest.

“Leopards are protected species in India and these wild cats need to be handled with care. It was a very challenging rescue operation but the leopard was rescued and released back into the wild. RSE stands committed towards supporting such wildlife conservation initiatives,” said RSE Chief Executive Officer, Arunav Sharma.

In addition to this RAP, RSE’s support has also enabled WTI to extend aid to demoiselle cranes in the Jodhpur area of Rajasthan.

Photo credits: Dilip Solanki, Snehaa Sundaram, Jawai Rescue Team