In a bid to provide relief to families of a large number of people falling victims to wild animal attacks every year, the State Government has hiked compensation in deaths by attacks of wild animals to Rs 4 lakh.
This was announced by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at a function to mark the State-level Wildlife Week at the Jaydev Bhawan here on Saturday. Patnaik said, “The State Government has decided to enhance the compensation amount from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 4 lakh in favour of the legal heirs of a deceased person.”
Besides, compensation has been increased for the deaths of sheep and goats due to attack by wild animals. It has been decided to provide Rs 2,000 for every sheep and goat killed and Rs 750 for every lamb killed, added Patnaik.
Forest and Environment Minister Bijayashree Routray said a programme for relocation of tigers from the Central India tiger reserve to the Satkosia tiger reserve is in the offing.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister conferred the prestigious Biju Patnaik Award for Wildlife Conservation for 2016- 17 to Chakradhar Hembram of Mayurbhanj district. He was given Rs 2 lakh cash, a citation and a shawl as the award.
Besides, winners of the art and photography competition were also awarded. Environment and Forest Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra and PCCF Wildlife S Tripathy also spoke on the occasion.