In a major relief to victims suffering losses in man-animal conflict, the Odisha Government hiked the compensation amount under its Anukampa initiative after a Cabinet proposal in this regard received approval by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday.
Anukampa, a user-friendly software introduced by the State Wildlife Organisation of the Forest Department, receives claims, processes and disburses compassionate grant in lieu of loss sustained to life and property due to wildlife depredation.
Villagers staying close to forested areas face the additional challenge of damage to crops, houses and property as wild animals keep straying into human habitations.
Now, as per the revised guidelines under the scheme, the compensation for the family of deceased will be hiked from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 6 lakh.
In case of permanent injury, if the victim suffers less than 60-per cent wounds, the assistance will be hiked to Rs 1.5 lakh from Rs 1 lakh; and if more than 60 per cent, the person concerned would get Rs 2.5 lakh. If a victim suffers temporary wounds, the treatment at Government hospital will be free of cost. If the treatment mandates more than a week at the hospital, the victim is entitled to get Rs 10,000; and if less than a week, Rs 5,000.
As regards livestock death, the compensation for cows and buffaloes is Rs 37,500, Rs 32,000 for bullock (as against Rs 5,000), Rs 5,000 for calves (against Rs 2,500), Rs 4,000 for goat/sheep (against Rs 2,000) and Rs 1,500 for lamb (against Rs 750).
For damage to cereal crops, the hike is from Rs 10,000 per acre to Rs 20,000. For commercial crops, the increase is from Rs 12,000 to Rs 25,000.
For damage to property like houses, the compensation will now be from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000. If a house is permanently damaged, the victim will be entitled to financial assistance under the Biju Pucca Ghar scheme along with additional Rs 20,000 as against Rs 10,000 earlier.