Gujarat wildlife worker who saved a bustard chick stages protest for better pay

A wildlife employee in Gujarat, credited with protecting a rare bustard chick, has joined a collective protest demanding higher pay. The worker, whose actions earlier helped safeguard the endangered bird’s offspring, says the current salary structure does not reflect the risks and responsibilities of the job.

The protest, organized by staff from the state forest department, highlights concerns over inadequate compensation, lack of hazard allowances, and delayed salary revisions. Participants have staged sit-ins at the department headquarters, presenting a list of demands to senior officials.

Department officials have acknowledged the grievances and promised to review the pay scales, though a concrete timeline has not yet been provided. The protest underscores growing discontent among frontline wildlife staff across India, who often work in challenging conditions to protect vulnerable species.

The incident has drawn attention from environmental NGOs, which have expressed solidarity with the workers while urging the government to ensure both fair wages and effective wildlife protection measures.