In a significant move to support wildlife conservation efforts, forest trackers in the Gir and Greater Gir regions of Gujarat will now receive accidental and medical insurance coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh. The initiative, announced during an awareness workshop for trackers held in Sasan Gir, aims to provide financial relief to trackers and their families in case of unfortunate incidents.
Insurance Coverage Details
Around 220 trackers will be covered under this scheme, facilitated by the Gujarat State Lion Conservation Society in collaboration with the state forest department. The New India Assurance Company has been roped in to provide insurance cover ranging from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. Officials noted that many insurers were initially unwilling to offer coverage due to the high risks associated with the job.
Rajya Sabha member and lion enthusiast Parimal Nathwani played a pivotal role in persuading New India Assurance to agree to insure the forest trackers. Nathwani emphasized the importance of insurance for trackers, who are vital for wildlife protection and conservation. He highlighted that trackers face considerable risks while rescuing injured animals or managing human-animal conflict situations.
Compensation and Benefits
In the event of accidental death, the family of a tracker will receive up to Rs 10 lakh as compensation. Additionally, education assistance of up to Rs 25,000 for one child and a maximum of Rs 50,000 for two children will be provided. For permanent disability resulting from an accident, damages will be paid according to the insurer's rules. In cases of loss of limbs or vision, a certain percentage of the insurance cover will be disbursed based on the terms of the policy.
The insurance also covers leave compensation, medical expenses, and costs for shifting the remains of the deceased, subject to terms and conditions. A Rs 3 lakh cover has been allocated for hospitalization, which includes surgery costs, room charges, doctor's fees, tests, and medicines.
Funding and Commitment
Parimal Nathwani confirmed that the premium for the insurance has been donated from his personal funds. He further assured that the premium will be taken care of for the next 10 years, either through his personal funds or through his trust. This long-term commitment underscores the dedication to the well-being of the trackers who play a crucial role in protecting the Asiatic lions in the region.
The workshop, which began on Saturday, aims to raise awareness among trackers about the insurance benefits and other aspects of their work. The Gujarat State Lion Conservation Society continues to work closely with the forest department to ensure the safety and security of both wildlife and the human workforce involved in conservation.
