Employees of Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh have threatened to vacate their camps and suspend work if their pending wages for six months are not released within 10 days. The employees say they have not received their salaries from April to September 2026 despite continuing their duties in wildlife protection and reserve management.
In a memorandum submitted to the park authorities in Miao, contingency and Project Tiger staff highlighted the financial difficulties caused by the prolonged delay. They have demanded immediate payment of all outstanding wages and warned of a peaceful, democratic protest if their demand remains unmet.
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Key Facts
- Location: Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh
- Issue: Six months of unpaid wages
- Pending period: April to September 2026
- Deadline demanded: Within 10 days of submitting the memorandum
- Employees involved: Contingency and Project Tiger staff
- Authorities addressed: Conservator of Forests and Field Director, Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve, Miao
- Proposed action: Vacating camps, suspending work and holding a peaceful protest
Namdapha Employees Demand Immediate Wage Payment
In their memorandum addressed to the Conservator of Forests and Field Director of Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve in Miao, the employees stated that their wages for six consecutive months remained unpaid.
The employees said they had continued working to protect and manage the reserve despite the delay. However, the prolonged non-payment had created serious financial difficulties for them and their families.
They explained that regular wages were essential to meet household expenses, including food, children’s school fees, medical treatment, electricity bills and cooking gas. Without their salaries, many employees have struggled to manage even their basic needs.
Employees Report Rising Debt and Financial Pressure
According to the memorandum, several employees initially depended on credit from local shopkeepers to purchase essential items. However, as unpaid wages accumulated, shopkeepers reportedly stopped providing further credit.
Consequently, some employees had to borrow money from private lenders to cover daily expenses. They said the loans had added to their financial burden because of the interest payments involved.
The employees also expressed concern about the approaching festive season. They said the absence of regular income had made it difficult for their families to purchase essential provisions, clothing and other customary items.
Staff Allege Recurring Delays in Wages
The employees claimed that delays in wage payments had become a recurring problem. According to them, staff members have repeatedly submitted representations and resorted to peaceful protests to secure their outstanding dues.
They said such repeated delays affected their morale, dignity and financial security, even as they continued to perform their responsibilities in the Forest Department.
The employees stressed that timely payment was necessary to maintain their livelihoods and enable them to carry out their duties effectively.
‘No Pay, No Work’: Employees Set 10-Day Deadline
The employees have demanded the release of their entire outstanding wages within 10 days of submitting the memorandum. They warned that failure to meet the deadline would prompt them to vacate their camps and organise a peaceful, democratic protest in accordance with the law.
Invoking the slogan “No Pay, No Work,” the staff members stated that they would not resume work until the full wages for April to September 2026 were paid.
The memorandum was submitted by the contingency and Project Tiger employees, with a list of staff members and their signatures attached as an enclosure.
The threatened action could create challenges for the day-to-day operations of the reserve if the dispute remains unresolved. However, the employees have indicated that their proposed protest would follow democratic and lawful procedures.
Why Namdapha Tiger Reserve Matters
Located in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district, Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve is an important protected area in Northeast India. Its forests support rich biodiversity and provide habitat for several wildlife species.
The work of forest staff is essential for wildlife protection, habitat management and conservation activities. Timely payment of wages is therefore an important concern for employees responsible for these duties.
The employees’ demand has highlighted the financial challenges faced by staff working in protected areas and the importance of resolving wage-related issues to maintain essential conservation work.
Questions and Answers
Why are Namdapha Tiger Reserve employees protesting?
They are demanding six months of unpaid wages covering April to September 2026.
What deadline have the employees given?
They have asked the authorities to release all outstanding wages within 10 days of submitting their memorandum.
What action have they threatened?
They have threatened to vacate their camps, suspend work and organise a peaceful protest if their demands are not met.
Will the employees resume work?
According to their memorandum, they will resume work only after receiving their full outstanding wages.
Where is Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve located?
It is located in Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh, in Northeast India.
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