Dia Mirza has pledged 40 lakh rupees to the families of forest warriors who died as a result of COVID-19. Dia Mirza is a staunch supporter of the environment and climate change, and she has campaigned for numerous environmental initiatives. The actress said in a heartfelt appeal posted on the fundraising platform “Milaap” and on her social media accounts, “This year for my birthday, I’d like to ask everyone who might want to send me flowers or gifts to instead make a donation to WTI to help our VanRakshaks. There is no better way to celebrate a birthday! Your contribution will assist bereaved families of India’s “Guardians of the Wild” who died as a result of COVID-19 while protecting our natural heritage. ”
“Our guardians of the wild, our van rakshaks, risk their lives in service to nature,” the actress added. They are frequently victims of accidents in the most difficult terrain, inclement weather, and attacks by wild animals or poachers. When the second wave of COVID-19 swept through the country, causing nationwide lockdowns, these men and women were out on foot patrolling our country’s forests. India lost over 500 of these conservation heroes to COVID-19 between March and June 2021, when most of us were at home.
Dia Mirza has also asked her fans to help her raise the remaining funds to cover all 65 families who are still eligible for the Wildlife Trust of India’s (WTI) Conservation Heroes Covid Casualty Fund, which provides an ex-gratia of INR 100,000 and a scroll of honour to the fallen heroes’ next of kin. WTI has processed 135 requests out of the 200 claims it received, with 65 still pending.
