THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, August 31: The ongoing strike by forest guards (FGs) across the state since August 16 has severely impacted the maintenance of the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR). All 110 forest guards in PTR are on strike, and there seems to be no resolution in sight.
One forest guard from the north division of PTR, speaking anonymously, highlighted the adverse effects on grassland management, stating, “The strike has affected the grassland management. Weeds are growing like anything.”
The guard also noted the proliferation of Parthenium weed, which is particularly harmful to pregnant deer.
“Parthenium weed is in a highly invasive spate. It’s very harmful to the health of the pregnant deer. We used to handle it when we were on duty,” the guard added.
Increased human activity and wildlife threats
A forest guard from the south division expressed concern about the rising human activity in the reserve due to the absence of guards.
“It’s time for desi mushroom. Hordes of people are entering into the forests to dig out mushroom. Human footfall in the tiger reserve has gone up. They are coming by all means on foot and by bicycle,” the guard said.
He also mentioned that youths armed with slings are killing birds, emboldened by the lack of forest guards.
The strike has also affected surface water management in the reserve. Typically, forest guards plug gullies to save rainwater runoff, but this is no longer being done.
The increased access to PTR has heightened concerns about human-elephant conflicts, and there are fewer warnings about the potential danger from bears, which can be hidden in high shrubs during the rainy season.
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Challenges in managing the reserve without forest guards
Deputy Director of the PTR’s south division, Kumar Ashish, acknowledged the challenges in managing the reserve without forest guards.
“We are managing things with the trackers in absence of the forest guards. It is a real pressure time on the PTR. Things are really difficult and hard,” he stated.
The PTR has about 300 trackers, but Ashish admitted that they cannot replace forest guards. He agreed trackers can’t be a substitute for the forest guards as villagers hardly take trackers any seriously. The locals treat trackers as their own men who will shut eyes to their any wrong doing in the PTR.
“A forest guard is one who is competent to institute a wildlife offence case against any intruder or trespasser or poacher or tree feller who indulges in any unlawful activity in the tiger reserve. He is feared for this. As now they are on strike, it’s the ranger who is to do this,” he explained.
Ashish also pointed out that handling and curbing wildlife offences is a significant task, and the loss of habitat is as serious an offence as felling trees. He noted the strain on the south division of PTR, which is spread over 650 square kilometres with only two range officers managing four ranges.
He said “We are managing south division of the PTR having 4 ranges with just 2 range officers thereby meaning one ranger is holding charges for 3 ranges! ”
He agreed “It’s just not possible for any officer to keep his eyes and ears open everywhere24x7.”
The south division of the PTR is spread over 650 sq km out of the total of 1,100 sq km of whole of the PTR.
The critical tiger habitat is in around 350 sq km and here the impact of the ongoing strike of the forest guards is acute and severe.
“A forest guard is the most seen thing in any tiger reserve and when they are so on strike makes a big difference” conceded this PTR deputy director.
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Impact on tiger monitoring and staff morale
The ongoing strike has also affected the monitoring of big cats using the M-STrIPES app, which the forest guards are trained to use. “It’s affected very badly. The app is available with the FGs. They are experts. Trackers have neither this M-STrIPES app nor can they handle this,” Ashish said.
Trackers are now relying on physical methods, such as observing routes, pug marks, scat, and roars, to monitor tiger movements.
Camera trapping, an essential task usually handled by forest guards, has also been disrupted. “Fixing a camera trap is an art. It’s not a simple job. It is done with precision, keeping movement, prey base, leaving of the kills, etc., at the forefront,” Ashish explained.
To cope with the situation, the PTR administration has issued orders for officials like foresters and rangers not to request leave unless there is a life or health issue.
“We have issued orders asking officials like foresters, rangers etc not to beg for leave except where there is a life/health issue,” added Ashish
All applications for leave on flimsy ground will be rejected reiterated Ashish.
Forest guards’ demands and govt response
The forest guards’ primary demand is that the state government adhere to the 2014 appointment rules and regulations, which provided for 100% promotion of FGs to the post of foresters. However, in a cabinet meeting on August 7, the government decided to allow only 50% promotion from the working FGs and to fill the remaining 50% through direct recruitment.
The forest guards are strongly opposed to this change and are demanding full promotional avenues without lateral entry into the forester posts.
The PTR, which covers 1,100 square kilometers with eight ranges, is already facing a severe shortage of rangers, with only five currently in place instead of the required eight. PTR is making do with only 5 rangers, three in the north division and 2 in the south division.
The FGs too are eagerly looking for early resolution of their conflict with the government which has created a problem for itself by tweaking the rules and regulations of their appointment in 2014.
Despite the gravity of the situation, no political leaders have voiced support for the forest guards. Political leaders often raise concerns when PDS dealers or para-teachers go on strike, but when it comes to forest guards and wildlife, they seem to turn a blind eye.
