Mysore/Mysuru: Even as Forest personnel are working round the clock to save our depleting forests, the Department has reported the death of its 16 personnel in as many days due to deadly COVID-19 pandemic.

The second wave of attack, which is more fatal than the outbreak last year, has claimed the lives of 16 Forest Department personnel in the last  fortnight, including the one who died this morning.

The dead included an RFO and personnel serving as DRF, Forest Guard, Forest Watcher, Driver and Nursery staff, who all are on the frontline of duty.

While 4 of the dead are aged above 50 years, the rest are in the age group of 35-50 years. The death of such a significant number of Forest personnel in the second wave of COVID -19 has caused concern among senior officers of the Department. 

Upset by the death of their fellow staff, lower rank personnel of the Department allege that IFS officers, most of whom are from outside the State, have failed to protect their interests.

The Department personnel have expressed their anger against the Government by posting a message saying that Safety is First and Duty is Next.

Meanwhile, the Forest Department Employees Association has written a letter to Forest Minister Aravind Limbavali, expressing concern about the rising number of deaths of staff.  Expressing disappointment over the Government’s inaction, it has questioned the measures taken by the Government for ensuring the health, safety and well-being of the Department  personnel.

Urging the Govt. to declare Forest staff too as Corona Warriors, the Association demanded appropriate compensation to the families of the deceased employees who died of COVID.