First in NE to provide COVID-19 insurance for it's 'Green Soldiers'

Environment and Ecology Biodiversity

08-Nov-20

Context: Recently, Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Arunachal Pradesh has become the first in the Northeast to provide insurance cover against COVID-19 for its 'Green Soldiers'.
About "Green Soldiers"

Just as the soldiers of our defence forces protect India's borders, it is this green army which is at the frontiers of wildlife protection in our country.
The story of India's wildlife is incomplete, unless its frontline warriors are part of the script.
They are the first line of defence in protecting India's precious natural heritage and safeguarding its ecosystems.
They are the most important, unsung elements in India's conservation success story.

Key Points

Under this 57 frontline staffs of the Park have been insured for nine months against health issues due to infection by the Novel Coronavirus.
The 'Wildlife Trust of India' (WTI), an NGO, paid the insurance amount with support from 'Foundation Serge'.
The NGO has been supporting India’s frontline forest staff with accident cover for the last 20 years.
The insurance coverage is of Rs. 1 lakh each but a few who would be retiring soon has been insured for Rs. 50,000.

Pakke Tiger Reserve

Lies in the foothills of the eastern Himalaya in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is also known as Pakhui Tiger Reserve.
Falls within the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot.
Neighbouring areas and rivers: Towards the south and south-east, the sanctuary adjoins Nameri National Park of Assam. To the east lies the Pakke River and to the west, the park is bounded by the Bhareli or Kameng River.
Known for its amazing sightings of four resident hornbill species.
India is home to nine species of hornbills. three of them, the wreathed hornbill (Aceros undulatus), the brown hornbill (Anorrhinus austeni) and the Rufous-necked hornbill (Aceros nipalensis)great hornbill is the state bird of Arunachal Pradesh and Kerala.
It is ‘vulnerable’ under the IUCN Red list.

Other Protected Areas in Arunachal Pradesh