Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Saturday announced a revision in compassionate payment rates for victims of human-wildlife conflict, aiming to strengthen financial support for those impacted by wild animal attacks and damage.
The Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department issued an notification under the authority of the Additional Chief Secretary, invoking Rule 45-KK of the Wildlife (Protection) (Odisha) Rules, 1974.
As per the new provisions, ex-gratia compensation for human fatalities due to wildlife attacks has been increased to Rs 10 lakh. Additionally, the government has enhanced compensation for damages to houses caused by wildlife, covering both partial and full structural losses.
The revised compensation structure includes:
- Human Death (wildlife attack): Rs 10,00,000 under Rule 45-AA
- Partial House Damage (Rule 45-FF): Rs 10,000 for general partial structural damage; Rs 3,000 for damage to kitchens, paddy godowns, cattle sheds, goat shelters, and similar structures; and Rs 5,000 per running meter (up to Rs 25,000) for damage to pucca compound or boundary walls
- Full House Damage (Rule 45-FF): Compensation equivalent to the cost of a house under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana or other similar financial assistance schemes
The rates for other types of wildlife-related losses, including crop damage and livestock loss, remain unchanged.
