Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), a subsidiary of the central government undertaking Coal India Limited, inked an agreement with Jharkhand Zoo Authority on Saturday for adopting a pair of lions and a pair of tigers at the Ranchi-based zoo.

The MoU, worth Rs 36 lakh, will see the coal major adopting the animals for a period of three years at Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park at Ormanjhi, around 20km from Ranchi, as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives.

CCL will bear all the expenses related to upkeep, food and health of the animals for three years.

CCL chairman-cum-managing director P.M. Prasad said that the company is committed to fulfilling the vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat through sustainable mining.

“Wildlife protection is a critical aspect of environmental conservation and we have gone for the adoption of animals as it will help create awareness among the public regarding the importance of conservation of animals,” he said.