The compensation amount in case of loss of life by a wild animal has been increased from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change's (MoEF&CC) Wildlife Division has increased ex-gratia relief under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes to victims for loss of life or property and crop damage by wild animals.
A circular sent by the Joint Director of Wildlife Division, Roy P Thomas to the Secretaries from the forest departments of all states and union territories acknowledged human-animal conflict as a burning issue.
The compensation amount in case of loss of life by a wild animal has been increased from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh. (See box below for more)
Nature of damage caused |
Amount of ex-gratia relief |
Amount of ex-gratia relief (2012) |
Death or permanent incapacitation to human beings |
Rs. 5 lakh |
Rs. 2 lakh |
Grievous injury |
Rs. 2 lakh |
30% of Rs.2 lakh |
Minor injury |
Cost of treatment up to Rs.25,000 per person |
Cost of treatment |
Loss of property/crops |
State/UT governments may adhere to the cost norms prescribed them. |
Value of loss/damage assessed by authorised officer |
“Due to increasing human populations, human-animal conflict has also increased. That’s why we decided to increase the compensation amount,” a source at the MoEF&CC said, adding that compensation helps in maintaining people's participation in conservation efforts.
“There are times when a farmer takes a loan and then wild boars destroy the crop. The farmer cannot kill the boar as it is a protected animal. In such cases compensation becomes important to maintain a peaceful human-animal relationship,” the source said.
The enhanced compensation amounts are a guidelines for states to follow which have their own compensation rates.
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