By Monica Verma | Officer in Charge
Frontline forest staff are the unsung guardians of our natural world. Like soldiers on a battlefield, they risk their lives daily, yet their sacrifices and the dangers of their jobs remain largely unrecognized. These brave men and women leave behind their families—children, spouses, and aging parents—knowing they may not return home. They venture into the wilderness with little more than their resolve, battling harsh weather, navigating treacherous terrain, and confronting deadly poachers.
The risks they face are not just fleeting moments of danger but are a constant part of every day, every minute of their working lives. A single encounter with a poacher or an enraged wild animal can result in permanent disability or death, forever altering their lives and the lives of those who depend on them. Yet, despite the constant threat to their safety and the knowledge that their sacrifices may go largely unnoticed, they continue to keep the wild safe for future generations, driven by a deep sense of duty and love for the land.
The nature of their work and the perils they face are no different from those encountered by our brave soldiers, and they deserve the same respect. Their bravery is a testament to the quiet strength of those who serve on the frontlines, ensuring that the natural world remains intact, even at the cost of their well-being.
WTI and compassionate supporters like you understand their struggles and stand in solidarity with them. We have taken their challenges as our own and are doing our best to support them. Whether it’s providing them with adequate equipment to make their jobs slightly easier, offering training to strengthen their skills, or providing monetary support and covering them under the only NGO-run supplementary accident assurance scheme pioneered by WTI, we have devised a holistic approach to boost their morale and enhance their capacity.
For instance, last quarter, in one of the forest divisions in the biodiversity-rich state of Telangana, we provided equipment support to 15 young members of the tribal community employed as forest watchers and patrolling squads at two campsites. These individuals play a crucial role in monitoring wildlife movement, combatting wildlife crime, curbing the trade in wildlife articles, and mitigating human-wildlife conflict. Thanks to the support, the team conducted five raids, rescued animals from illegal trade, apprehended criminals in two hunting cases, and prevented two wildlife crime incidents by detaining poachers with illegal weapons.
During the reporting period, we also provided equipment to a four-member patrolling team monitoring wildlife corridors in Kaziranga National Park, Assam. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga is home to one-horned rhinos, Asian elephants, tigers, bears, panthers, eastern swamp deer, and more. Annual floods in the region push wildlife to higher ground, often leading them through highways and human settlements. With this support, the team ensured safe passage for wildlife by regulating vehicular traffic, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, and rescuing displaced animals. The patrolling team conducted round-the-clock surveillance, including night-time monitoring.
In addition to the equipment support, immediate monetary ex-gratia was extended to the bereaved families of Mr. Ramesh and Mr. Chikkamady (names changed to maintain anonymity), both of whom tragically succumbed to wild elephant attacks while on duty. They were long-term, valued members of the frontline forest staff with unparalleled contributions to conservation. Although no amount of financial aid can replace the loss of a human life—especially that of a family’s breadwinner—this immediate support is the least we can offer to their grieving families.
None of this would have been possible without your unwavering support. Your compassion and commitment enable us to stand beside the courageous frontline forest staff, providing them with the resources and recognition they so richly deserve. Thank you for helping us make a difference in their lives and for your continued dedication to protecting our natural world. Together, we ensure that their sacrifices are acknowledged and that they have the support they need to carry out their vital work.
By Monica Verma | Officer in Charge
By Monica Verma | Project Leader
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