The dark side of the forest (All life matters)

 Elephants and Frontline staffs. 

For those who think working in the forest gives pleasure. But that's not true. For a tourist, it's easy to come and go (enjoy) the protected areas for some days. But these frontline forest department staffs are the real ground workers and are solely responsible for safeguarding Indian reserves. They are the people who work for almost #24 hours a day. They are strong enough to face wild animals and prevent wild animals near agricultural lands. The department works, manages, accompanies researchers, guards guests, tourists, night rounds, poachers, petty politics, etc.

Many policies can be easily written on paper and passed out the order. But the implementation should be done by these frontline staff. If the Indian army parade gives 'emotions' and 'goosebumps,' you should also be proud of these forest department staff, who risk their lives daily to protect nature's wealth. 

The wealth of the country doesn't depend on the power or economy. It purely depends on the natural areas and resources. If you don't have resources, we can maintain strength and economy. The people who protect it also should be respected.

Note: Elephants are peaceful animals, but they are exceptionally aggressive during musth. Animal behavior is not only the reason for his life. People like us don't consider elephants as wild animals; we see them as entertainment. We poke, tease, and irritate them with our cameras and actions. Those who bullied elephants and other wild animals are also part of this sad incident of the accidental death of Mr. Mahendran, Forest Guard, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, in 2018).

It's almost a year (23/12/2019) since forest guard an elephant killed Mr. Mahendran in December-January. Now (17/12/2020), Two deaths and an injured forest guard by an elephant made a serious note on the safety of frontline staff. Though it was an accident, acceptance of deaths is intolerable for me. 

We all love the elephant, it's so easy to see an elephant in zoos, safaris, or in captives, but in the case of elephant reserves, it's a hard life for forest frontline staff. It's more challenging to walk on the elephant reserve than to drive a jeep. There is a lot of difference and obvious risk combined in it.

Elephants are indeed adorable in a long distance, but you won't use the polish terms cute or beautiful when they chase us.

So much risk is taken by these people (frontline staff). They have to walk for long hours in a day, do centry work, and a lot of work I can tell (as I being with them for three years). 

Most of them are professionally skilled and talented by nature but imagine if you are walking in the forest for long kilometers and finally up to your resting destination. Suddenly, an elephant charges you in close proximity - what will you do?

FIGHT OR PLIGHT.

Nothing! There is no other option than to run.

Yes, they tried hard for their life but time and elephant won their lives.

The blame should not be taken on the Elephant nor Frontline staff. The forest department tried very hard to rescue the victims in a real quick time. It's a hard setback and loss of life (two youths) for everyone who loves and lives in the forest.

So much debate, suggestions, alternatives, and discussion can happen later, but life cannot return, and it takes time to get back to normal.

Thank you, frontline staff, for being real always. I felt one among them.