Anti-poaching watchers demand risk insurance

The close to 1,000 APWs across the State have wholeheartedly thanked the Chief Minister, Forest Minister and senior forest department officials for helping them get a Rs 3,250 hike in their salary. Though their salary has reached Rs 10,000 through the CM’s announcement on Wednesday, these tribal men say that their life is at risk as they work in toughest environment at any add hour. 

Activists observed that APWs are badly injured while mitigating conflicts in the wild. “They account for close to two thirds of the field staff force of the forest department in the Coimbatore Forest Division and they work round the clock. 

Every year, at least half a dozen of them are hurt while driving the elephants back into the forest. They risk their lives and are at the spot during any adverse situation,” said wildlife activist M Siva, who has been fighting for their rights.  

“The pay hike is good, but they need risk and life insurance cover as they stay exposed to risks and have no financial support from the government,” says activist Mac Mohan.  While the salary has been revised, there are allegations that APWs in some districts get their wages only once in three to four months due to delay in getting funds from the government. 

Vice President of the Vana Vettai Thaduppu Kavalargal Matrum Ithara Paniyalargal Sangam, T Saravana Kumar, said that they are happy with the pay hike but it is insufficient. General Secretary of the association M Praveen said that job regularisation is their other big demand.