NEW DELHI: Rasila Vadher, a 28-year-old forest guard together with other women colleagues at Gir National Park carried out over 600 rescue missions last year – amongst the highest number in any wildlife park in the world.
A peek into their lives and mission is going to be showcased on Discovery Channel’s new series “The Lion Queens of India”. A gripping tale of these women who surely know how to tame the wild with their strength and finesse is scheduled to premiere on September 28 at 9pm.
For Vadher, it all started because of financial constraints. A friend told her about the forest department’s recruitment drive and she presented herself at their doorstep.
Since then, women forest guards at Gir National Park have increased by a substantial number and their mission is to preserve the endangered species of Asiatic lions.
“I have been working in this field for the past 7 years. I came into this field when one of my friends told me about the forest guard job. I applied for it and got selected. We have more than 50 women working with us,” says Rasila P Vadher, In-Charge Rescue Team, Gir National Park.
“Ours is the first such women forest guard company and we have received proper training for our post. I guess the girls in our area have taken inspiration from our group and started to apply for this job,” she says.
The show intends to bring alive some of the most daring wildlife action of the gutsy and resolute female foresters of the Gir National Park – the last refuge to the endangered species of Asiatic lions.
The four-part series includes rescue operation of an injured lion cub stuck in a mango orchard; catching a leopard from a farmer’s house; and coming face to face with one of the most venomous snakes. Administering immediate medical care and rescue, the team covers an area of over 1800 sq km at the Gir Forest. The team ensures that none of the lions remain wounded and regenerate before the injuries become fatal.
“Each episode will showcase real-life challenges that these women forest guards experience in their day-to-day duties. It includes patrolling to safeguard the animals; tranquilizing lions, leopards, and other animals in the forest; taking injured animals to rescue centers for treatment; rescuing animals from wells or from villagers’ homes, and much more,” says Rahul Johri EVP & GM – South Asia Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific
The first batch of 51 women forest guards was appointed in 2007. Each year, the forest department announces requirements and invites applications for the required posts. The candidates have to go through various levels of aptitude and physical examination to quality for the posts.
“The Forest Department at Gir had a couple of women employed as senior officers before 2007. It was the then Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s encouraging appeal in 2007 to employ women to guard the reserve forest that had an inspiring effect,” says Sundeep Kumar Deputy Conservator of forest Gir Forest & Sanctuary, Gujarat.
The women guards are on an increase say park officials because they have been receiving cooperation from the society and their families. They have also been successful in creating new awareness amidst women and children in villages near the forest.
“It is noteworthy that the women now are more forthcoming than before. They aspire to study, want to become financially independent and have their distinct identity. This has not only benefited the forest department but also them.”
“The women guards have an emotional and gently persuasive approach which works in the benefit of the department. They have also been vigilant and mindful towards their duty,” says Kumar.–PTI
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