Kota (RJ), March 26 Anita Chaudhary, a forest guard stationed at the Shergarh wildlife sanctuary in Rajasthan, has been awarded the 'Machhli National Award' presented by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature.
The award, recognizing her outstanding contribution to wildlife rescue and conservation, includes a cash prize of Rs 50,000, and was presented at a state-level event held in Jaipur on Monday.
Chaudhary, who joined the forest department in 2016 and served at the Shergarh sanctuary for nearly a decade, has rescued over 500 wild animals, including several rare and dangerous species.
Her work often involves significant personal risk, as she has repeatedly encountered critical situations to ensure the safety of both wildlife and local residents.
The Shergarh wildlife sanctuary, located about 65 kilometers from the Baran town, is home to several mammals, including Indian leopards, sloth bears, and striped hyenas.
Apart from rescue operations, Chaudhary has played a key role in curbing illegal activities in the forest area. She has led campaigns against illegal mining, tree felling, unauthorized collection of tendu leaves, and encroachment on forest land.
"While serving alone in the middle of the forest, forest guard Anita Chaudhary performed noteworthy tasks, including rescuing animals, including crocodiles, arresting poachers, including one who was hunting wild boars, and imprisoning him, and completely stopping the unauthorized collection of tendu leaves in her area, despite the aggressive opposition of local villagers," said Anurag Bhatnagar, Assistant Conservator of Forest and Wildlife, Kota.
Her consistent efforts have earned her recognition at multiple levels, including state, divisional, district, and sub-divisional levels.
Chaudhary is particularly noted for her crocodile rescue operations. Of the over 550 rescues she has carried out, over 50 involved crocodiles. In one widely cited incident, she safely rescued a nearly six-foot-long crocodile that had entered a 70-year-old woman's house and hidden under a cot, averting a potentially dangerous situation.
"The honor bestowed upon forest guard Anita Chaudhary with the prestigious Macchli award will motivate forest personnel to demonstrate their commitment to wildlife. She has consistently displayed courage and commitment to duty throughout her work, and that has earned her the award," said Vivekanand Bade, district forest officer, Baran.