Help Covid-19 Bereaved Families of Frontline Forest Staff
India’s frontline staff are the police and defence forces of Wild India and unlike most of us, they cannot work from home.
India’s Van Rakshak walk harsh terrain in inclement weather, encounter poachers, timber mafia, and wild animals at work. All this in remote locations, miles away from basic medical facilities or emergency medical care. Only their steely resolve and commitment to protecting our natural resources keep these men and women going with your support to boost their morale.
Wildlife Trust of India pioneered visionary Supplementary Accident Assurance Scheme 21 years ago for India’s Van Rakshaks, including temporary staff that provides immediate ex-gratia to families of deceased or financial relief to the injured. April 2021 saw WTI process 17 death claims of frontline forest staff, of which seven fell to Covid-19 when the second wave was just beginning.
WTI has covered almost 30,000 frontline forest staff across India, making it our longest-running and most critical project considering the increased perils our frontline forest staff face in the line of duty.
Our ex-gratia disbursement serves as immediate support to the next of kin at a time when they need it most. We urgently need to support families that have lost their breadwinner to Covid-19 currently a life-threatening risk.
For our unsung frontline warriors who venture out on duty even during lockdown, you can stay home, stay safe and help us help them.