Wildlife guards work for a pittance

Post News Network

Bantala, Dec 2: Wildlife guards in Satkosia tiger project of Angul district are working for a pittance despite contributing significantly towards the protection of flora and fauna in the region.

The wildlife guards have suffered government apathy despite having to work to protect the bio-diversity of the region under the constant threat from poachers and timber smugglers.

A majority of the wildlife guards have to work temporarily like casual labourers with a meager wage of Rs 150 daily which takes the total to Rs 4,200 for 26 working days. They do not get medical facilities nor do have any employee provident fund (EPF), general provident fund (GPF) or life insurance facilities to fall back on at times of emergency. They do get good food to eat and have to work under harsh conditions.

Sources said Satkosia tiger project consists of Satkosia wildlife division and Mahanadi wildlife division, which are home to Royal Bengal Tigers, elephants and various kind of herbivorous and carnivorous animals. The tiger project established in 2007 is spread over 963.87 sq km while the elephant reserve established in 2002 is spread over 1,038 sq km.

The core area of the tiger project is 523.61 sq km where 207 guards in 40 camps have to guard five ranges, 15 sections and 45 beats of Satkosia wildlife division. Similarly, 110 guards in 25 camps have to keep watch on four ranges, 12 sections and 37 beats of Mahanadi wildlife division.

The forest guards have to work under the most strenuous and hazardous conditions and have to guard against timber smuggling, poaching, jungle fire and infiltration. They are paid from funds available under the tiger project, elephant project, compensatory afforestation fund management planning authority (CAMPA) under the tiger project guidelines. Contractual guards are paid Rs 4,500 per month, while permanent guards are paid Rs 6,000 per month and are given no additional benefits.

A watcher, Abhiram Nayak, alleged that the supply of mosquito nets, blankets and medicines that were earlier provided to them has been disrupted for the last two years.

RCCF Anup Nayak said he is new to the place but assured that he would write to the state government to increase the salary of guards who play an active role in protecting the forest and wildlife.