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140 Bagh Mitras Honoured at Pilibhit Tiger Reserve; ₹5 Lakh Life and ₹2 Lakh Medical Insurance Initiative Announced
Pilibhit | September 12, 2026
A significant initiative for the dignity, safety and economic security of frontline wildlife protectors was undertaken at Mustafabad in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, where Sarojininagar MLA Dr. Rajeshwar Singh honoured Bagh Mitras, forest personnel, guides and drivers and announced several measures for their welfare.
The programme was the 10th wildlife conservation event organised by Environment Warriors in the Terai region, in association with Shri Maa Pitambara Baglamukhi Siddhi Peeth Uttarakhand Trust.
The event was attended by Puranpur MLA Shri Baburam Paswan; Shri Manish Singh, IFS, DFO Pilibhit; internationally acclaimed wildlife filmmaker Shri Subbiah Nallamuthu; Shri Ambika Mishra, Founder, Environment Warriors and Chairman, Ambalika Group of Institutions; and Ranger Shri Shailendra Kumar.
140 Bagh Mitras Honoured; Safety Equipment Provided
A total of 140 Bagh Mitras were honoured with certificates, torches and sarees for their invaluable contribution to tiger and wildlife conservation.
Recognising the difficult conditions in which forest personnel operate, 50 raincoats and 10 medical and first-aid kits were presented to the Forest Department. Guides and drivers—who serve as a vital link between wildlife conservation, tourism and local communities—were also honoured and provided essential equipment.
Insurance, Employment and Financial Recognition Announced
Dr. Rajeshwar Singh announced that a special insurance camp would be organised during Wildlife Week in October 2026. Efforts will be made to provide eligible Bagh Mitras with life insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh and medical insurance coverage of ₹2 lakh.
To encourage excellence in conservation, five Bagh Mitras delivering outstanding work during the coming year will be honoured with ₹25,000 each.
The profiles and biodata of eligible Bagh Mitras and other conservation workers will also be compiled so that they can be connected with employment opportunities suited to their skills and field experience.
Dr. Singh further assured that, in the unfortunate event of the untimely death of any Bagh Mitra or conservation associate, all possible assistance would be extended to the bereaved family.
Subbiah Nallamuthu to Take Pilibhit’s Wildlife Story to a Global Audience
A major highlight of the programme was the announcement that internationally renowned wildlife filmmaker Shri Subbiah Nallamuthu has received permission to produce a film on the Terai landscape and Pilibhit Tiger Reserve.
Dr. Singh introduced Shri Nallamuthu as a five-time National Film Award recipient whose exceptional work has taken the stories of India’s forests and wildlife to audiences across the world.
His acclaimed film on Ranthambore’s legendary tigress Machli attracted international attention and became one of the most widely viewed and discussed films on Indian wildlife. Through years of patient filming, he documented not merely the life of a tiger but the complex relationship between wildlife, forests and human communities.
The proposed film on Pilibhit and the Terai will showcase the region’s tigers, leopards, forests, grasslands, biodiversity, conservation efforts and the contribution of local communities. It is expected to give Pilibhit Tiger Reserve stronger international visibility, attract responsible wildlife tourism and create new economic opportunities for local guides, drivers, homestays, artisans and rural youth.
Dr. Singh said that the film could become a powerful instrument of conservation awareness while positioning Pilibhit as one of India’s leading global wildlife destinations.
Pilibhit to Get an Advanced Leopard Rescue Centre
DFO Pilibhit Shri Manish Singh, IFS, announced that an advanced Leopard Rescue Centre would soon be inaugurated in Pilibhit.
The specialised centre will strengthen the rescue, treatment, rehabilitation and scientific management of leopards. It will also support faster responses to human–wildlife conflict, improving the safety of both local communities and wild animals.
“We Will Place Pilibhit on the Global Wildlife Map” — Baburam Paswan
Puranpur MLA Shri Baburam Paswan said that collective efforts would be made to establish Pilibhit as an internationally recognised wildlife destination and position Pilibhit Tiger Reserve among India’s finest tiger reserves.
He emphasised that responsible wildlife tourism could generate employment for local youth, increase rural incomes and become a powerful engine of economic development across the Terai region.
₹10 Lakh Government Proposal to Be Pursued
Dr. Rajeshwar Singh assured effective follow-up of the ₹10 lakh proposal submitted to the State Government for wildlife conservation and the welfare of associated stakeholders. He said that the matter would be taken up at the appropriate level to secure its early approval and implementation.
“Those Who Protect Our Tigers Must Also Be Protected” — Dr. Rajeshwar Singh
Dr. Singh said:
“Bagh Mitras, forest personnel, guides and drivers are the strongest grassroots defenders of our forests and wildlife. Their contribution must not be recognised merely with certificates. They deserve insurance, healthcare, safety equipment, employment opportunities and social security for their families.”
He stressed that wildlife conservation cannot succeed through government action alone. Communities living and working around forests must become respected, secure and economically empowered partners in conservation.
“Protecting tigers also means protecting the people who stand between danger and the forest every day. If tigers survive, forests survive; if forests survive, our environment and the future of coming generations remain secure.” — Dr. Rajeshwar Singh