Gir Forest Trackers to Receive Insurance Cover of Up to ₹10 Lakh

Initiative by Gujarat State Lion Conservation Society and Parimal Nathwani to provide Accident Insurance and Mediclaim

• Bilkul Online
• Ahmedabad | 18 May 2026

Around 220 forest trackers working in various circles of Gir and Greater Gir forests have been provided with Accident Insurance and Mediclaim cover up to Rs. 10 lakh with the support of Gujarat State Lion Conservation Society. With co-operation of the Forest and Environment Department, Government of Gujarat as well as the officers of the Gir Forest Department, Gujarat State Lion Conservation Society has roped in New India Assurance to provide insurance cover from Rs. 3 lakhs to Rs. Rs. 10 lakh to forest trackers. An awareness workshop was organized for the trackers on 16th and 17th May, 2026 at Sinh Sadan in Sasan Gir to provide all the details of the insurance cover scheme.

Considering the risk involved, the insurance companies are not willing to provide Accident Cover and Mediclaim to the forest trackers. However, due to the special efforts put in by Parimal Nathwani, The New India Assurance Company agreed to provide insurance cover to the forest trackers of Gir and Greater Gir.

In the unfortunate event of accidental death, the family of the trackers will get compensation of up to Rs. 10,00,000 (Rs. 10 lakh). In addition, education assistance of up to Rs. 25,000 for one child and a maximum assistance of Rs. 50,000 for two children will also be paid. In case of permanent disability due to an accident, compensation will be paid as the per rules of the insurance company, and in case of loss of limbs, loss of vision, a certain percentage of the insurance cover will be paid as per the rules of the accident insurance cover. Apart from this, leave compensation, medical expenses, transportation expenses for shifting the mortal remains of the deceased, etc. are also covered as per the rules of the accident insurance cover.

Mediclaim policy will provide a cover of Rs. 3,00,000 (Rs. 3 lakhs) in case of hospitalization. It includes expenses towards surgery cost, room charges, doctor’s fees, tests and medicines, etc. Apart from this, 30 days of pre-hospitalization and 60 days of post-hospitalization period are also covered under the policy. Trackers will also have benefit of Cashless treatment at various network hospitals of the insurance company.

Shri Parimal Nathwani said, “Accident and Mediclaim insurance cover will provide relief to the forest trackers and their family members in case of any unfortunate incident. I am pleased to donate the premium amount from my personal funds. The forest trackers play a vital role in the protection and conservation of wildlife and they are at a considerable risk when it comes to rescuing injured animals or those who become victim of human-animal conflict.”

Shri Nathwani expressed his commitment for funding the premiums towards accident cover and Mediclaim of the trackers for next 10 years either from his personal funds or through his trust.

The workshop for trackers was attended by dignitaries including Chief Conservator of Forests  Ram Ratan Nala, Deputy Conservator of Forests-Gir Shri Agneeshwar Vyas, Deputy Conservator of Forests-Gir West Shri Prashant Tomar and many others.