Forest Watcher's Death Exposes Worker Dangers

The death of forest watcher Mahadeva Swamy, a daily wage worker at M M Hills, has brought renewed attention to the dangerous and harsh conditions endured by outsourced staff within the Forest Department. These frontline workers are responsible for crucial anti-poaching and protection duties but often operate without adequate safety measures.

According to worker associations, anti-poaching camps are frequently staffed solely by outsourced employees, who are denied essential protection such as firearms. Despite their extensive experience, some having served the department for over 20-25 years, they are deemed ineligible for weapons due to their non-permanent status. This leaves them vulnerable during encounters with wildlife.

These outsourced employees work long hours, often a minimum of 12 hours daily, and are reportedly not entitled to paid leave, with salaries paid for only 26 days a month. The associations claim that despite repeated protests and government assurances, their demands for direct wage payments from the government, bypassing contractors, and the abolition of the outsourcing system remain unaddressed.

While one officer from Nagarahole Tiger Reserve stated that outsourced workers are provided with all facilities and that compensation of ₹25 lakh is given in case of death, along with an additional ₹30 lakh from a bank scheme and a job for a family member, the associations argue the system is exploitative. They assert that the government spends approximately ₹24,000 per worker, yet the worker receives only around ₹16,000.