- The "Van Durgas" (Goddesses of the Forest) are female forest guards working in India's Kaziranga National Park to protect wildlife and prevent poaching.
- Appointed in August 2023, these women underwent rigorous training in combat, emergency response, and wildlife management to perform frontline duties.
Operational Duties
- Daily routines start at 5 a.m., involving patrols to monitor for signs of poaching and wildlife deaths.
- They perform armed patrols and enforce "Area Domination" along park embankments to deter poachers from entering.
- Guards work with local village women to disrupt potential poaching networks and gather intelligence.
Challenges and Adaptation
- Adapting to Wilderness: Guards have had to adjust to intense jungle life, including close proximity to dangerous wildlife like tigers, elephants, and snakes.
- Monsoon Resilience: During severe annual floods, the guards navigate submerged forests via rubber boats, assist in animal rescues, and manage traffic on highway corridors to ensure wildlife safety.
- Overcoming Stereotypes: Despite initial family resistance to women in such roles, the guards have successfully transitioned into their duties and are now viewed as role models for their courage.
Impact
- Their commitment during crises, such as the July 2024 floods, helped minimize human-related animal fatalities by managing safe corridors and traffic through the park.