The Odisha Forest and Environment Department has proposed to the State government to increase the compensation for human deaths caused in conflict with animals from ₹4 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
The department has also decided to procure special vans to rescue wild animals in distress.
“The department has proposed to increase the compensation amount for human deaths caused by wildlife from ₹4 lakh to ₹5 lakh. We hope it would have a positive impact in the region affected by man-wildlife conflicts,” said Sandeep Tripathi, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), here on Tuesday.
The proposal has been sent to State government for approval, Mr. Tripathi added.
Between 2011-12 and 2018-19, as many as 680 people died in wild animal attacks. Of these, 535 were killed by elephants. During the same period, 6,417 houses were damaged by elephant herds.
Special vehicles
The forest department is in the process of procuring four special vehicles equipped with a crane to rescue elephants in distress. These vehicles would also have a few veterinarians on board to attend to the animals. The vehicles, each costing about ₹25 lakh, would also be used to chase tuskers away from human habitations. The Odisha Forest and Environment Department has sought the help of its West Bengal counterpart in the procurement of these vehicles.
Since 2011-12, a total of 548 jumbos have died in Odisha with the annual average loss estimated at 70.
