Wildlife Protection employees of Jammu & Kashmir constitute the frontline force of environmental protection and public safety in the Union Territory. Entrusted with safeguarding wildlife, forests, wetlands, and simultaneously responding to ever-increasing human–wildlife conflict, the employees perform duties that are hazardous, relentless, and round-the-clock. Despite the indispensable role, the wildlife protection department officials continue to remain deprived of rightful service benefits, including two-and-a-half day salary, risk allowance, ration money, and other admissible dues.
Wildlife protection duty is not governed by routine office hours. Field staff remain on constant alert, responding at any hour to emergencies involving wild animals entering human habitations, rescue operations, and protection of life and property. Alongside this, the officials undertake anti-poaching drives, habitat protection, enforcement of wildlife laws, and conservation of biodiversity, the green gold of Jammu & Kashmir. These responsibilities demand physical endurance, mental resilience, and personal sacrifice, often in remote and difficult terrains, under severe weather conditions and with limited logistical support.
Encounters with dangerous wild animals such as leopards, bears, and snakes etc are an everyday reality for wildlife employees. Many have sustained injuries, and some have even lost their lives in the line of duty. Yet, the absence of risk allowance for such high-risk assignments remains a matter of grave concern. Equally distressing is the non-payment of ration money, which is crucial for staff deployed for extended periods away from their homes in far-flung areas. Such denial of basic entitlements undermines the value of service and sends a discouraging message to those who stand between wildlife and human settlements. A demoralized frontline force ultimately weakens conservation efforts and compromises the timely management of human–wildlife conflict situations.
In the present era, where ecological imbalance and shrinking habitats have intensified human–wildlife conflict, wildlife employees have emerged as first responders and an essential emergency service. The role is comparable to other uniformed and risk-bearing services, yet the welfare and service conditions remain inadequately addressed.
In view of the above, it is earnestly and respectfully urged that the Higher Authorities and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir take immediate and compassionate cognizance of the genuine grievances of Wildlife Protection employees and ensure immediate release of two-and-a-half day salary and arrears, sanction and disbursement of risk allowance in recognition of hazardous duty, payment of ration money to field staff, formal recognition of wildlife protection duty as a high-risk, essential service and framing of a long-term welfare and compensation policy for wildlife employees.
Wildlife Protection employees are silent sentinels, protecting the natural heritage of Jammu & Kashmir while ensuring public safety. Their dedication, courage, and sacrifice deserve respect, security, and fairness, not neglect. The protection of wildlife and the environment cannot be achieved without the well-being and motivation of those who guard it. It is hoped that the Government and concerned authorities will rise to the occasion and take timely, just, and humane action to address these long-pending issues.
