“The real wealth of the Nation lies in the resources of the earth – soil, water, forests, minerals, and wildlife”, quoted by the famous American biologist-cum-writer Rachel Carson, while Lois Crisler, the renowned American writer-cum-cinematographer believed that “Wilderness without wildlife is just scenery.” But there needs to be someone to protect this wilderness, whole-heartedly and selflessly, on this planet full of poachers and hunters. These tireless soldiers, who have the responsibility of protecting our wilderness, around the globe, are known as Forest Rangers. In India, we call them our Van Rakshaks.

Anti-snare walk by Forest Rangers at Valmiki Tiger Reserve | Photograph by Pavel Ghosh

World Ranger Day is celebrated on July 31st to commemorate these brave individuals killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work that Rangers do to protect the planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage. Contrary to the Indian context, the global usage of the term Ranger encompasses mostly the frontline staff who are involved in protecting and guarding the wilderness from illegal exploitation. In the Indian scenario, these Rangers, include the foresters, forest guards and the on-ground staff, like tiger trackers, rhino trackers, anti-poaching camp staff, etc.

In Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), these ‘Men in Khaki and Green’, roughly around seven hundred in strength, are the reason why, the wilderness of the lone tiger reserve of Bihar, is thriving. This is despite the ever-increasing threat of poaching and illegal wildlife trade.

Valmiki Tiger Reserve

VTR stretches along a long fringe, extending from Rampur in the west, following the meandering course of the Gandak River, all the way to Jasauli-Dhumatanr in the east, marking the Indo-Nepal Border. The forests are continuous with the famous Chitwan National Park and Parsa National Park of Nepal, collectively forming the Chitwan-Parsa-Valmiki (CPV) Complex. This grand expanse is a vital part of Terai-Arc Landscape (TAL) and stands as the easternmost unit of TAL. The geo-terrain of the protected area ranges from the waterlogged wetlands of the Madanpur Range to the undulating hills of the Someshwar Range, which includes  Bihar’s highest peak, Mt. Someshwar. The sanctuary’s landscape is adorned with montane streams locally called kholas and seasonal rapids, also known as nullahs. All of these features make Valmiki Tiger Reserve, a really tough and challenging landscape to manage. Yet, Valmiki is faring well, be it in terms of tiger numbers or decreasing number of poaching and hunting incidents. These indicators can be attributed to these unsung heroes, who along with the time-suitable directives from their senior park managers have left no stone unturned in safeguarding this park. Their vigilance and unwavering presence have helped VTR become an example of conservation success in the Terai Region of Bihar. The fact that there are scarcities and deficiencies in terms of several resources, cannot be denied, but whenever it comes to the management of the PA, the team of rangers stand strong and united for safeguarding the interests of the Tiger Reserve.

Enforcement training workshop for forest rangers in VTR | Photograph by WTI

Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) has been in constant engagement with the frontliners of VTR, ever since the inception of the Tiger Reserve. The organisation initially contributed through the Valmiki Recovery Project and Gharial Recovery Project, which could not have seen success without these Van Rakshaks. In the latter half of the last decade, WTI has also been operational in capacity building of the frontline staff in VTR, through theoretical training and on-site experience. The focus of such capacity-building exercises has been to ensure effective identification and prevention of wildlife crime and illegal wildlife trade, considering that VTR shares a long porous border with Nepal. This is despite areas like Valmikinagar, Tharhi and Thori that have been identified as transit points for potential illegal wildlife trade.

As we celebrate the triumphs of this protected area, let us remember and honour the tireless efforts of the unsung heroes in khaki and green who continue to inspire and ensure that the wilderness of Valmiki Tiger Reserve thrives despite the various challenges it faces.

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