While the government implemented lockdown has been planned with an intention to prevent the COVID-19 spread, the lockdown is posing serious issues for those who depend on day to day income. With all the tiger reserves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries currently closed, the question of survival has left the forest guides and safari drivers reeling. It is also said that in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to wild animals, there are chances that the national parks, tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries would remain close for the next few months.

However, Conservation Lenses and Wildlife (CLaW) along with Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) have started an initiative - The Friend in Need with an aim to provide 413 local families, comprising of 253 guides and 160 drivers with ration during the lockdown period. The initiative has been started on a pilot basis for Tadoba Andhari Tiger reserve and depending on the success it will be implemented at other places.