History of
Vatika & PFA
From a single act of compassion in 2015 to Chhattisgarh's largest animal welfare organisation — this is our story.
2015
Founded
10+
Years of Service
50+
Team Members
24/7
Emergency Response
One Belief Changed
Everything
In 2015, Vatika Animal Sanctuary was born out of a simple yet powerful belief — every animal deserves compassion and care. What began as a small initiative to stop cruelty and provide relief to injured animals grew into a sanctuary of hope in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
Over the years, our rescue and rehabilitation work has touched the lives of countless animals and brought communities closer to understanding their role in fostering coexistence with the creatures that share our world.
Every challenge taught us to innovate and act with purpose — not only to save lives, but to build a culture of kindness and responsibility across the state.
Est. 2015
Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
10+
Years of Service
Rooted in PFA,
Growing as Vatika
People For Animals (PFA) Raipur was among the earliest and most dedicated animal welfare voices in Chhattisgarh. Vatika Animal Sanctuary carries forward that founding spirit — turning grassroots advocacy into structured, scalable rescue and care.
PFA Raipur (People For Animals) was one of the earliest animal welfare bodies in Chhattisgarh
Vatika Animal Sanctuary grew out of the ethos and founding spirit of PFA Raipur
The PFA network connected local animal lovers, volunteers, and activists across the region
Kasturi Ballal channelled PFA's grassroots energy into building a permanent, structured sanctuary
The dual identity — Vatika / PFA Raipur — reflects this rich legacy of people-powered welfare
A Decade of Impact
From a spark of compassion to a full-scale sanctuary — every year brought new challenges and new lives saved.
The Beginning
A Sanctuary is Born
Vatika Animal Sanctuary was founded by Kasturi Ballal in Raipur, Chhattisgarh out of a simple yet powerful belief — every animal deserves compassion and care. What started as a small initiative to stop cruelty and provide relief to injured animals quietly laid the foundation of what would become Chhattisgarh's most significant animal welfare organisation.
The Beginning
A Sanctuary is Born
Vatika Animal Sanctuary was founded by Kasturi Ballal in Raipur, Chhattisgarh out of a simple yet powerful belief — every animal deserves compassion and care. What started as a small initiative to stop cruelty and provide relief to injured animals quietly laid the foundation of what would become Chhattisgarh's most significant animal welfare organisation.
First Rescue Teams
Boots on the Ground
Our first dedicated rescue teams hit the streets of Raipur, equipped with basic supplies and boundless determination. The emergency helpline — now spread across the entire city — began receiving its first calls. Every rescued animal proved this work was urgently needed. Word spread fast, and so did the volume of calls.
First Rescue Teams
Boots on the Ground
Our first dedicated rescue teams hit the streets of Raipur, equipped with basic supplies and boundless determination. The emergency helpline — now spread across the entire city — began receiving its first calls. Every rescued animal proved this work was urgently needed. Word spread fast, and so did the volume of calls.
Growing the Shelter
A Home for the Homeless
With growing rescue volumes, Vatika expanded its shelter capacity significantly. More than a temporary stop, the sanctuary became a permanent home for special-needs animals — blind dogs, paralysed animals, and large working animals like horses, camels, and cattle. Vatika became the only facility of its kind in the state.
Growing the Shelter
A Home for the Homeless
With growing rescue volumes, Vatika expanded its shelter capacity significantly. More than a temporary stop, the sanctuary became a permanent home for special-needs animals — blind dogs, paralysed animals, and large working animals like horses, camels, and cattle. Vatika became the only facility of its kind in the state.
Medical Milestones
When a Room Becomes an OT
Our team performed its first on-site surgeries in a makeshift operating theatre — a converted room that still runs life-saving procedures today. From wound stitching to fracture repairs, our veterinary team found ways to do more with less. This era underscored our urgent need for a dedicated surgical facility.
Medical Milestones
When a Room Becomes an OT
Our team performed its first on-site surgeries in a makeshift operating theatre — a converted room that still runs life-saving procedures today. From wound stitching to fracture repairs, our veterinary team found ways to do more with less. This era underscored our urgent need for a dedicated surgical facility.
ABC Programmes
Fighting the Root Cause
Vatika launched large-scale Animal Birth Control (ABC) programmes — the first of their kind in Chhattisgarh. Partnering with government bodies and local communities, we began humane sterilisations across the city and at sites like CRPF camps and waste management plants. This directly reduces road accidents and disease transmission.
ABC Programmes
Fighting the Root Cause
Vatika launched large-scale Animal Birth Control (ABC) programmes — the first of their kind in Chhattisgarh. Partnering with government bodies and local communities, we began humane sterilisations across the city and at sites like CRPF camps and waste management plants. This directly reduces road accidents and disease transmission.
Scaling Up
1,000+ Lives Every Year
By 2024–25, Vatika was rescuing and admitting over 1,100 animals annually, conducting 164 life-saving surgeries and 218 life-saving procedures. Our ambulance covered 50,000+ km in a single year. The team grew to 50+ dedicated individuals. What started with one person's conviction became a movement.
Scaling Up
1,000+ Lives Every Year
By 2024–25, Vatika was rescuing and admitting over 1,100 animals annually, conducting 164 life-saving surgeries and 218 life-saving procedures. Our ambulance covered 50,000+ km in a single year. The team grew to 50+ dedicated individuals. What started with one person's conviction became a movement.
Looking Ahead
Chhattisgarh's First Animal Hospital
Today, Vatika is constructing a fully equipped animal hospital and sanctuary — dedicated surgical theatres, ICU wards, recovery pens, and a permanent sanctuary for 500+ animals. This facility will transform what is possible for animal welfare in central India. Every contribution brings us one step closer.
Looking Ahead
Chhattisgarh's First Animal Hospital
Today, Vatika is constructing a fully equipped animal hospital and sanctuary — dedicated surgical theatres, ICU wards, recovery pens, and a permanent sanctuary for 500+ animals. This facility will transform what is possible for animal welfare in central India. Every contribution brings us one step closer.
The Beginning
A Sanctuary is Born
Vatika Animal Sanctuary was founded by Kasturi Ballal in Raipur, Chhattisgarh out of a simple yet powerful belief — every animal deserves compassion and care. What started as a small initiative to stop cruelty and provide relief to injured animals quietly laid the foundation of what would become Chhattisgarh's most significant animal welfare organisation.
The Beginning
A Sanctuary is Born
Vatika Animal Sanctuary was founded by Kasturi Ballal in Raipur, Chhattisgarh out of a simple yet powerful belief — every animal deserves compassion and care. What started as a small initiative to stop cruelty and provide relief to injured animals quietly laid the foundation of what would become Chhattisgarh's most significant animal welfare organisation.
First Rescue Teams
Boots on the Ground
Our first dedicated rescue teams hit the streets of Raipur, equipped with basic supplies and boundless determination. The emergency helpline — now spread across the entire city — began receiving its first calls. Every rescued animal proved this work was urgently needed. Word spread fast, and so did the volume of calls.
First Rescue Teams
Boots on the Ground
Our first dedicated rescue teams hit the streets of Raipur, equipped with basic supplies and boundless determination. The emergency helpline — now spread across the entire city — began receiving its first calls. Every rescued animal proved this work was urgently needed. Word spread fast, and so did the volume of calls.
Growing the Shelter
A Home for the Homeless
With growing rescue volumes, Vatika expanded its shelter capacity significantly. More than a temporary stop, the sanctuary became a permanent home for special-needs animals — blind dogs, paralysed animals, and large working animals like horses, camels, and cattle. Vatika became the only facility of its kind in the state.
Growing the Shelter
A Home for the Homeless
With growing rescue volumes, Vatika expanded its shelter capacity significantly. More than a temporary stop, the sanctuary became a permanent home for special-needs animals — blind dogs, paralysed animals, and large working animals like horses, camels, and cattle. Vatika became the only facility of its kind in the state.
Medical Milestones
When a Room Becomes an OT
Our team performed its first on-site surgeries in a makeshift operating theatre — a converted room that still runs life-saving procedures today. From wound stitching to fracture repairs, our veterinary team found ways to do more with less. This era underscored our urgent need for a dedicated surgical facility.
Medical Milestones
When a Room Becomes an OT
Our team performed its first on-site surgeries in a makeshift operating theatre — a converted room that still runs life-saving procedures today. From wound stitching to fracture repairs, our veterinary team found ways to do more with less. This era underscored our urgent need for a dedicated surgical facility.
ABC Programmes
Fighting the Root Cause
Vatika launched large-scale Animal Birth Control (ABC) programmes — the first of their kind in Chhattisgarh. Partnering with government bodies and local communities, we began humane sterilisations across the city and at sites like CRPF camps and waste management plants. This directly reduces road accidents and disease transmission.
ABC Programmes
Fighting the Root Cause
Vatika launched large-scale Animal Birth Control (ABC) programmes — the first of their kind in Chhattisgarh. Partnering with government bodies and local communities, we began humane sterilisations across the city and at sites like CRPF camps and waste management plants. This directly reduces road accidents and disease transmission.
Scaling Up
1,000+ Lives Every Year
By 2024–25, Vatika was rescuing and admitting over 1,100 animals annually, conducting 164 life-saving surgeries and 218 life-saving procedures. Our ambulance covered 50,000+ km in a single year. The team grew to 50+ dedicated individuals. What started with one person's conviction became a movement.
Scaling Up
1,000+ Lives Every Year
By 2024–25, Vatika was rescuing and admitting over 1,100 animals annually, conducting 164 life-saving surgeries and 218 life-saving procedures. Our ambulance covered 50,000+ km in a single year. The team grew to 50+ dedicated individuals. What started with one person's conviction became a movement.
Looking Ahead
Chhattisgarh's First Animal Hospital
Today, Vatika is constructing a fully equipped animal hospital and sanctuary — dedicated surgical theatres, ICU wards, recovery pens, and a permanent sanctuary for 500+ animals. This facility will transform what is possible for animal welfare in central India. Every contribution brings us one step closer.
Looking Ahead
Chhattisgarh's First Animal Hospital
Today, Vatika is constructing a fully equipped animal hospital and sanctuary — dedicated surgical theatres, ICU wards, recovery pens, and a permanent sanctuary for 500+ animals. This facility will transform what is possible for animal welfare in central India. Every contribution brings us one step closer.
Ten Years of Results
Every number represents lives changed, animals healed, communities touched.
0+
Animals Provided Care
0
Life-Saving Surgeries (2024–25)
0+
KMs by Ambulance Annually
0+
Dedicated Team Members
0
Life-Saving Procedures (2024–25)
0+
Animals Admitted Annually
Rescue Operations
Veterinary Care
Special Animals
ABC Programme
The road has not always been easy, but it has been deeply fulfilling. With each passing day, we strive to do more, learn more, and make a bigger impact. The dream is simple yet profound — to create a world where animals are treated with compassion, where humans and animals coexist peacefully, and where kindness knows no bounds.
Kasturi Ballal
Founder, Vatika Animal Sanctuary & PFA Raipur
Where We Are Headed
The story is still being written — and you can be part of it.
Building Tomorrow
Chhattisgarh's first dedicated animal hospital & sanctuary
Dedicated Surgical Theatre
From 30–50 surgeries/month in a makeshift room to 300+/month in a fully equipped OT.
Sanctuary for 500+ Animals
Safe, lifelong homes for special-needs, elderly, and unadoptable animals.
Expanded ABC Programmes
Taking humane birth control to rural highways, tier-2 towns, and accident-prone zones.
Statewide Reach
From Raipur to every district of Chhattisgarh — rescue, treat, educate.
Be Part of the Story
Ten years of compassion — and the next chapter is being written right now. Here's how you can help.
Help Us Continue
This Story
Ten years of compassion. Thousands of lives saved. And with your support, thousands more to come.