At Kirloskar Ebara Pumps Limited (KEPL), we are deeply committed to safeguarding our planet’s biodiversity. We proudly support the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), a non-profit organisation dedicated to conserving India’s wildlife in collaboration with communities and governments.

One of our flagship initiatives with WTI focuses on the rehabilitation of rescued Asiatic black bear cubs through the Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation (CBRC). In June 2023, the Social Forestry department rescued two male Asiatic Black Bear cubs from Sagalee, Arunachal Pradesh, where they were being kept as pets. These cubs, named Saga and Lee, were transferred to CBRC for critical care and subsequent rehabilitation to the wild. Tragically, Lee succumbed to respiratory failure due to a viral infection. However, under the dedicated care of the CBRC team, Saga’s journey continued. After months of nurturing and rehabilitation, Saga was successfully acclimatised and released back into the wild in a carefully selected site.

In a significant milestone, on August 19, 2023, the CBRC team sighted and photographed another rehabilitated bear cub, Den, near the Rhino anti-poaching unit in Pakke. Den had been released back into the wild after a successful acclimatisation period in March 2023.

The impact of our partnership extends beyond individual rescues. The CBRC team actively engages in conservation events and initiatives, fostering collaboration with local communities and government agencies. These efforts include:

• Celebrating various wildlife events in collaboration with the Forest Department, involving local communities and children in conservation activities.
• Partnering with the Divisional Forest Office of Pakke Tiger Reserve to initiate a mass mobilisation event for Mission LIFE (Lifestyle for Environment). This initiative aims to foster sustainable behaviour among the masses through demonstrations and interactive sessions on energy and water conservation, as well as waste management for forest department frontline staff, WTI staff and local communities.
• Participating in key events such as World Elephant Day, Global Tiger Day, World Environment Day and National Moth Week, organised by the Pakke Tiger Reserve Authority in Seijosa. These celebrations included activities like cleaning the Pakke riverbed, organising tree planting initiatives on the outskirts of Seijosa, and conducting educational rallies with school students and the local community.

At KEPL, conservation isn’t just a commitment; it’s a way of life. Through our partnership with WTI and initiatives like the CBRC, we strive to make a tangible difference in preserving India’s rich biodiversity for generations to come.