Compensation for wild animal attacks hiked

PANAJI
Nearly six years after introducing a compensation scheme for loss of life, injuries and property damage caused by wild animals, the State government has revised the compensation payable to victims, increasing the ex-gratia amount for death from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh.
As per a notification issued by the Forest Department last month, compensation for permanent disability, including loss of a limb or eye, has been increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7.5 lakh.
For injuries other than permanent disability, the compensation has been raised from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh or the actual cost of treatment, whichever is less.
The revised rates apply to cases involving death or injury to humans caused by wild animals. The department said the compensation would be determined and disbursed to affected persons as per the terms, conditions and rates specified under the scheme.
However, there has been no change in the compensation payable for loss of cattle or damage to property caused by wild animals.
In case of death, compensation will remain at Rs 10,000 for a calf, Rs 25,000 for a local cow, buffalo or bullock, Rs 50,000 for a Jersey cow and Rs 5,000 for a pig, sheep or goat.
For injuries to cattle, compensation will continue to be Rs 15,000 or the actual assessment, whichever is less. Compensation for damage to a house or other property will remain at Rs 25,000 or the actual assessed damage, whichever is less.
The department has also clarified that the term ‘wild animal’ for the purpose of the scheme will have the same meaning as defined in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.