Jharkhand: 300 PTR, wolf sanctuary trackers unpaid for 6 months to 1 year

Daltonganj, April 17: Resentment is growing among around 300 trackers working in the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) and Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary, as they have not received wages for months. Sources said delayed payments have become a recurring issue in PTR, pushing workers into difficult living conditions.

Trackers deployed in both the north and south divisions of PTR, as well as in the Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary, are facing similar hardships while continuing their duties under challenging circumstances.

Union blames management, calls situation ‘insensitive’

According to sources, trackers in PTR have not been paid since October 2025, while those in Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary have been without wages since April 2025.

Jharkhand Van Shramik Union president Sidhinath Jha said the delay ranges from six months to one year. He blamed PTR management, calling it “insensitive and unconcerned” towards the plight of the trackers.

“We have met the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife)-cum-Chief Wildlife Warden Ravi Ranjan and informed him about our problems,” Jha said.

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Officials cite fund, payment bottlenecks

PTR sources said there is a corpus fund that could be used to pay wages, but officials are hesitant to utilise it due to fear of administrative action. They stressed the need for an amendment to allow its use.

Deputy Director of PTR (South Division), Kumar Ashish, confirmed the delay, stating that around 300 trackers have not been paid for six months to one year.

“Trackers in Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary are the worst affected, with payments pending for nearly a year. Those in PTR divisions have not received wages since October 2025,” he said.

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Explaining the delay, Ashish pointed to issues related to fund availability and digital payment processes, adding that efforts are underway to clear the pending dues.