GUWAHATI, Dec 1 � Honouring a forest guard who lost his life fighting poachers in Orang National Park, State Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain recently handed over the terminal benefit of Rs 1 lakh to the deceased�s family. This was facilitated through Wildlife Trust of India (WTI)�s Van Rakshak Project (VRP) that runs an umbrella insurance scheme for frontline staff across the country.
Late Hasen Ali, a forest guard at Panchnoi Camp No 1, was shot during patrolling duty around 2:30 am on June 12 this year. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Ali, the sole breadwinner of the family, is survived by his wife Rabia Khatun, his aged parents and six children.
An event was organised at the office of the Forest Minister in Dispur to hand over the cheque to Khatun.
It was attended by Suresh Chand, PCCF (Wildlife), VK Bishnoi, PCCF (General) and Sushil Kumar Daila, DFO, Orang NP, as well as WTI representatives Dr Rathin Barman and Sashanka Barbaruah, among others, a press release stated.
Handing over the cheque, the Forest Minister said, �We thank WTI for this help to the family of the deceased. It is definitely a significant support for our staff. We need such organisations to help us.�
�Wildlife in Assam is safe because of dedicated personnel like Hasen Ali. They have devoted their lives to protect the wildlife heritage, biodiversity and habitats and their supreme sacrifice should be recognised, respected, and compensated,� said Suresh Chand, PCCF (Wildlife).
�The WTI family extends its deepest condolences to Ali�s family,� said Dr Rathin Barman, Coordinator of WTI.
�This tragic incident exemplifies the adversities that our forest guards face and the sacrifices they make to protect the country�s natural heritage. It is heroes like Ali who give us hope that our wildlife and our heritage still have a chance.�
