Recently, Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Arunachal Pradesh has made bold strides in the protection of their “green soldiers,” frontline staff members tasked with protecting India’s wildlife. This article delves into the specifics of this unique occurrence that puts PTR at the forefront of worker safety and protection against health hazards arising from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pakke Tiger Reserve’s Novel Initiative
Pakke Tiger Reserve, located in Arunachal Pradesh, has become the first among eight north-eastern states to offer insurance protection against Covid-19 for their “green soldiers”. These states are namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.
A total of 57 frontline employees, referred to as green soldiers, have been granted insurance policies which cover potential health issues attributed to Covid-19. This coverage lasts for a period of nine months.
Hailed as India’s wildlife’s frontline defence, these green soldiers carry the weight of wildlife conservation on their shoulders. To support their crucial role, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), a non-profit organization, has stepped in to fund the insurance premiums. Foundation Serge collaborates with the WTI in its endeavor.
Insurance Coverage Details
The insured sum for each green soldier amounts to Rs. 1 lakh. However, exceptions exist for those nearing retirement, who are covered for an amount of Rs. 50,000. It is noteworthy that the WTI has been helping to insure India’s frontline forest staff against accidents for the past two decades, highlighting a long history of assistance to these all-important protectors of India’s biodiversity.
Insight into Pakke Tiger Reserve
Declared in 1999-2000, the Pakke Tiger Reserve (also known as Pakhui Tiger Reserve) is nestled in the foothills of the eastern Himalaya in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. The reserve is located within the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot.
The reserve’s biodiversity is staggering, housing over 2,000 plant species, 300 bird species, and 40 mammal species. Furthermore, it serves as one of the last refuges for many globally threatened species of flora and fauna. It is especially renowned for sightings of its four resident hornbill species, including the great hornbill, which is regarded as ‘vulnerable’ under the IUCN Red List. The state bird of Arunachal Pradesh, the great hornbill, can be frequently spotted here.
Other Protected Areas in Arunachal Pradesh
In addition to the Pakke Tiger Reserve, several other protected areas exist within Arunachal Pradesh. These include the Talle Wildlife Sanctuary, the Dihang Dibang Biosphere Reserve, the Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary, the Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Mouling National Park, and the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary. All these reserves and sanctuaries play a critical role in conserving the rich biodiversity of the region.
The initiative taken by PTR in providing insurance cover against Covid-19 for their green soldiers is a significant step towards acknowledging and addressing the health risks faced by these wildlife protectors.
