Forest team rescues large python near drain; animal cleared by veterinarians and released
Forest department personnel rescued a 12-foot rock python found near a drain in Dhureri village of Barnagar tehsil, Ujjain district, and later released it into Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary in Dewas district after a veterinary examination cleared the animal for release, officials said on Thursday.
The rescue operation was led by wildlife rescue team in-charge Madan Maure along with five members, the officials said, adding the snake was located in a drain connected to the Chambal river near Ingoria Tappa, about 18 km from Ujjain.
- Location found: Drain linked to the Chambal river near Ingoria Tappa (Dhureri village)
- Rescue team: Wildlife rescue team in-charge Madan Maure and five members
- Veterinary examination: Conducted at a government hospital by Dr Mukesh Jain
- Release site: Forest behind Kheoni rest house, Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary, Dewas district
Officials said villagers had spotted the reptile in the drain and informed the forest department. The animal had apparently recently fed — the rescue team observed that the python had swallowed a wild animal. As no livestock loss was reported from the village, officials said the prey was likely a wild species such as a nilgai calf or a wild boar.
"Veterinary doctors found the python completely fit and healthy and cleared it for immediate release into the wild."
Veterinarian Dr Mukesh Jain examined the male python at a government hospital on Thursday morning and reported that the animal weighed more than 95 kg. He said there were no injuries or scratches observed on its body and that the snake was fit for release, according to departmental statements.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Rock python |
| Length | 12 feet |
| Weight | More than 95 kg |
| Found | Drain connected to Chambal river near Ingoria Tappa, Dhureri village |
| Released | Forest behind Kheoni rest house, Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary (Dewas) |
The forest department said the python was transported under care to the government hospital for a medical check. After clearance by the veterinary team, the animal was taken to a forested area behind the Kheoni rest house and released into the sanctuary that provides a more suitable habitat away from human habitation.
Human-wildlife encounters in rural and fringe areas of Ujjain district underscore the need for continued awareness among villagers and quick response from wildlife authorities. Forest officials frequently advise residents to inform the department rather than attempt to handle large reptiles themselves, both for human safety and for the wellbeing of the animals.
Local forest division sources noted that drains and riparian corridors along rivers such as the Chambal can become transit routes for wildlife, particularly during searches for food or shelter. Such corridors, while ecologically important, also increase the chances of animals moving close to villages.
Officials said no livestock or human injury was reported in connection with this incident. The departmental response — swift rescue, medical examination and relocation to a protected area — follows standard protocol aimed at reducing conflict and ensuring animal welfare.
Conservationists and forest staff in the region have been urging villagers to maintain open lines of communication with forest officials and to report sightings early. Proper reporting enables trained teams to respond and reduces the possibility of confrontation or harm to both people and wildlife.
The rescue highlights broader issues in the region around habitat connectivity, wetland and riverine preservation, and the balance between human settlements and natural movement of fauna in the Chambal landscape that spans multiple districts.
