GUARDIANS OF THE WILD
Recognising the crucial role played by our Van Rakshaks in wildlife conservation and the need to improve their capacity and boost their morale, Wildlife Trust of India initiated the Van Rakshak (Guardians of the Wild) Project in 2000, under the umbrella of its Wild Aid program. Through this project, WTI assists government agencies in developing a strong, well-equipped, and motivated force of frontline field staff in Protected Areas.
The morale-boosting component of this project, the VRP Supplementary Accident Assurance Scheme, which was launched in 2001, covers over 35,000 frontline forest staff above the age of 18 years, including temporary and daily-wage workers, across India, ensuring prompt financial support to an affected frontline forest staff or their family in case of an injury or death.
Click here to see the VRP support details for the year 2024-2025
June 2025
Conservation Heroes Covid Casualty Fund
The COVID-19 pandemic took a devastating toll on humanity. While it claimed countless lives among the general population, its impact extended across all sectors of society—including the conservation community, which was not spared from its far-reaching effects. While many working professionals had the option to work from home, forest frontline staff and wildlife professionals did not have that privilege, as their duties required them to remain in the field. Between 2021 and 2022, we received reports of a large number of such people who lost their lives to COVID. Taking cognizance of this, the Wildlife Trust of India started the Conservation Heroes COVID Casualty Fund to support the families of those who left us in that difficult time. Through this fund, we were able to extend assistance to the families of 173 forest frontline staff and nine wildlife professionals during that period.
The Wildlife Trust of India honours the invaluable contributions of each of our frontline heroes and remains committed to supporting them and their families through the VRP Supplementary Assurance Programme. However, the continuity of this initiative relies on the generosity of compassionate individuals like you. Your support is vital in helping us sustain and strengthen this effort.
Through this initiative, we stand in solidarity with our van rakshaks and their families and provide them with support to the best of our ability. It is an effort to recognise the selfless contribution of these unsung heroes to wild India, and record their exemplary work in this field, so it doesn’t go unnoticed and inspires the Gen Next.
Help us recognise a deserving Van Rakshak—email us at rap@wti.org.in