Nayagarh: Forest staff in the Mahanadi Wildlife Division have started wearing black armbands as a mark of protest, demanding better safety measures and compensation for their fallen colleague. From June 15 to June 21, 36 forest personnel, including guards, foresters, and range officers, have been working with black armbands while refusing to perform high-risk duties. If their demands are not met, they have warned of a complete strike starting June 22, along with mass leave. 
Forest Guards Protest in Nayagarh: Demand Arms, Insurance After Colleague’s Killing by Poachers

 

Growing Insecurity Among Forest Staff  

The forest employees claim they feel increasingly unsafe while performing their duties due to attacks by armed poachers and timber mafia. Recently, a forest guard, Prahlad Pradhan, was shot dead by poachers in the Dhenkanal division, raising serious concerns about the safety of frontline forest workers.  
Despite their crucial role in protecting wildlife and forests, the staff say they are ill-equipped to face criminals armed with modern weapons. "While the mafia operates with advanced firearms, we are given nothing more than a stick. How can we defend ourselves?" asked a protesting forest guard.  

Key Demands of the Forest Staff Association 

The Mahanadi Wildlife Division Forest Employees' Association has put forward several demands:  
  • Compensation for Prahlad Pradhan’s Family – ₹1 crore financial aid and a government job for a family member.  
  • Arms for Self-Defense – Despite training, forest staff are not provided with weapons to counter armed criminals.  
  • Reorganization of Forest Divisions – More staff should be hired, and forest divisions should be restructured for better efficiency.  
  • Insurance Coverage – Like the police, every forest worker should receive free insurance coverage of ₹1 crore.  
  • Formation of a State Forest Commission – To address systemic issues and improve forest protection.  

Government’s Response Awaited 

The association has warned that if the government ignores their demands, they will escalate their protest with mass leave and demonstrations. 
"We risk our lives daily to protect forests and wildlife, yet our safety is neglected. If no action is taken, we will have no choice but to stop work," said a union leader.  

Rising Threats from Mafia  

Illegal logging and poaching have become highly organized crimes in Odisha, with mafia groups using sophisticated weapons. The recent killing of Prahlad Pradhan has intensified anger among workers, who now demand immediate reforms.  
  
The protest highlights the dangerous conditions under which forest personnel work. Without better protection, arms, and policy changes, their lives remain at risk. The state government must act swiftly to address their concerns before the situation worsens.

Ratnakar Hota

Journalist

Ratnakar Hota is a journalist as well as an enthusiastic environmentalist and wildlife conservationist. He is also a passionate storyteller and development writer focused on rural livelihoods, tribal traditions, and sustainable practices in Odisha. With a deep interest in preserving disappearing crafts and cultures, they aim to bring grassroots voices to the forefront through impactful and human-centred narratives.