Indore’s Rescue Squad won ₹1 Lakh Award
In a significant recognition of on-ground conservation efforts, Indore’s Regional Rescue Squad of Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary was awarded a ₹1,00,000 cash prize by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav during a state-level felicitation event held at Van Vihar National Park. The award highlights the team’s outstanding performance in wildlife rescue and response operations across urban and forest-fringe areas.
This recognition comes at a time when the frequency and complexity of human-wildlife interactions are on the rise.
"We work so no life is lost unnecessarily,” Yohan Katara, in-charge of the squad, said, “The field is challenging — not only are we working with distressed wild animals, but we are also responsible for public safety. This award reinforces our commitment.”
Range Officer Yogesh Yadav, who oversees the broader operational framework, said, “Wildlife rescues are no longer rare events. Increasing urban sprawl has brought animals like leopards and nilgai into residential and agricultural zones. The demand for trained, rapid response teams is higher than ever.”
Range Assistant Sher Singh Katara, one of the earliest members of the squad, added, “Every rescue requires calm judgment. You might be dealing with a venomous snake one day and a cornered leopard the next. What keeps us effective is our coordination, training, and trust in one another.”
The team also includes Forester Sohan Dasoriya, Forest Guard Rakesh Soniya, Driver Harish Yogi, and Watchman Ramesh Ajnar, each playing an indispensable role — from field logistics and animal tracking to technical intervention and community safety.
Rescue Operations: Over 300 Lives Saved Since 2020
Between January 2020 and May 2025, the Ralamandal Rescue Squad conducted 302 documented wildlife rescues, reflecting both increased human-animal contact and the capacity of the unit to respond effectively.
Rescue Data Highlights (2020–May 2025):
Leopard rescues: 69 cases — many from densely populated or industrial areas.
Nilgai (Blue bull): 89 rescues — often from farmlands.
Monkeys: 74 rescues — primarily from urban zones.
Snakes: 36 rescues — including several venomous species.
Additional rescues include peacocks, civets, owls, wild boars, and even a black bear.
Year-wise distribution shows a rising trend:
Eco-Tourism Engagement Strengthens Conservation Efforts
Alongside fieldwork, the sanctuary has seen significant growth in public engagement and eco-tourism, especially through attractions like the Hunting Lodge Museum and Butterfly Park.
Visitor Footfall and Revenue (2021–August 2025)
June to 10 September 2025
Hunting Lodge Museum: 10,288 visitors | ₹1,02,880 revenue
Butterfly Park: 3,066 visitors | ₹30,660 revenue
In a significant recognition of on-ground conservation efforts, Indore’s Regional Rescue Squad of Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary was awarded a ₹1,00,000 cash prize by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav during a state-level felicitation event held at Van Vihar National Park. The award highlights the team’s outstanding performance in wildlife rescue and response operations across urban and forest-fringe areas.
This recognition comes at a time when the frequency and complexity of human-wildlife interactions are on the rise.
"We work so no life is lost unnecessarily,” Yohan Katara, in-charge of the squad, said, “The field is challenging — not only are we working with distressed wild animals, but we are also responsible for public safety. This award reinforces our commitment.”
Range Officer Yogesh Yadav, who oversees the broader operational framework, said, “Wildlife rescues are no longer rare events. Increasing urban sprawl has brought animals like leopards and nilgai into residential and agricultural zones. The demand for trained, rapid response teams is higher than ever.”
Range Assistant Sher Singh Katara, one of the earliest members of the squad, added, “Every rescue requires calm judgment. You might be dealing with a venomous snake one day and a cornered leopard the next. What keeps us effective is our coordination, training, and trust in one another.”
The team also includes Forester Sohan Dasoriya, Forest Guard Rakesh Soniya, Driver Harish Yogi, and Watchman Ramesh Ajnar, each playing an indispensable role — from field logistics and animal tracking to technical intervention and community safety.
Rescue Operations: Over 300 Lives Saved Since 2020
Between January 2020 and May 2025, the Ralamandal Rescue Squad conducted 302 documented wildlife rescues, reflecting both increased human-animal contact and the capacity of the unit to respond effectively.
Rescue Data Highlights (2020–May 2025):
Leopard rescues: 69 cases — many from densely populated or industrial areas.
Nilgai (Blue bull): 89 rescues — often from farmlands.
Monkeys: 74 rescues — primarily from urban zones.
Snakes: 36 rescues — including several venomous species.
Additional rescues include peacocks, civets, owls, wild boars, and even a black bear.
Year-wise distribution shows a rising trend:
Year | Total Rescues |
2020 | 37 |
2021 | 37 |
2022 | 42 |
2023 | 34 |
2024 | 65 |
2025 (Till May) | 87 |
Total | 302 |
Alongside fieldwork, the sanctuary has seen significant growth in public engagement and eco-tourism, especially through attractions like the Hunting Lodge Museum and Butterfly Park.
Visitor Footfall and Revenue (2021–August 2025)
Year | Visitors | Revenue (INR) |
2021 | 82,859 | ₹28,01,941 |
2022 | 1,12,258 | ₹47,89,424 |
2023 | 66,672 | ₹27,61,970 |
2024 | 87,785 | ₹35,78,354 |
2025 (till Aug) | 1,02,786 | ₹35,85,949 |
Total | 4,52,360 | ₹1,75,17,638 |
Hunting Lodge Museum: 10,288 visitors | ₹1,02,880 revenue
Butterfly Park: 3,066 visitors | ₹30,660 revenue