Alipurduar, July 16 (Siliguri Chronicle) – The veterinary team of the state forest department stationed at Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR) was presented with the prestigious Best Wildlife Rescue Award 2025 on Monday.
Birbaha Hansda, Minister of State for Forests, handed over the award — comprising a trophy and a cheque of ₹1 lakh — to the BTR veterinary team during the state-level Bonmahotasav celebrations held in Jhargram.
Liton Pal, the veterinary officer, along with team members Sukamal Dhali and Joseph Bur, received the memento and the cheque on behalf of the team.
Located in Alipurduar district, Buxa Tiger Reserve is the only tiger reserve in north Bengal.
“I joined the BTR in 2021. This is the first award for me and my team. We will keep on delivering our responsibilities in treating wild animals after they are rescued,” said Pal.
Foresters face numerous challenges when rescuing or driving back wild animals—mostly leopards, elephants, and gaurs—that stray into human habitats.
“Leopards, when trapped, get injured by trying to free themselves from the cage. Also, there are instances when animals have sustained injuries because a group of people has attacked them. The veterinary team has an important role to play here. The team treats such animals and also animals that are tranquilised, before they are released in the wild,” said a senior forester.
Sources said the award was given in recognition of the team’s work in tranquilisation, treatment, and safe release of elephants, leopards, black bears, and gaurs (Indian bison) in BTR, Cooch Behar, and Jaldapara National Park.
“Amid the crowd, it also becomes tough to dart an animal that has strayed into the region. The team posted in the BTR has carried out their responsibility in an excellent manner and was thus handed over the award,” the forester added.
The recognition has brought cheer to the officials and staff of Buxa Tiger Reserve.
Harikrishnan P.J., the deputy field director (west) of BTR, said: “We feel proud as our team has bagged the prestigious award. The award will inspire all foresters at the BTR to work more sincerely for the conservation and protection of wildlife.”
