Bhubaneswar: In a significant move aimed at providing greater relief to victims of human-wildlife conflict, the Odisha government has revised the compassionate relief package for damages caused by wild animals.
Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Satyabrata Sahu, issued a revised notification today, exercising powers conferred under Rule 45-KK of the Wildlife (Protection) (Odisha) Rules, 1974.
The most notable change, as per Rule 45-AA, is a substantial increase in compassionate relief in cases of human fatality due to wild animal attacks. The next of kin of a person killed by wild animals will now receive Rs. 10 lakhs, a significant jump in the compensation amount.
Furthermore, Rule 45-FF outlines revised compensation for property damage. For partial damage to a house, a compassionate assistance of Rs. 10,000 will be provided. In cases of damage to specific structures like kitchens, granaries, cattle sheds, or goat sheds, the relief has been set at Rs. 3,000. For damage to pucca walls or compound walls, compensation will be Rs. 5,000 per running meter, with a maximum limit of Rs. 25,000.
In instances of complete destruction of a house, the revised rules stipulate that either one house or equivalent financial compensation will be provided under the “Antoday Griha Yojana.” Departmental sources have confirmed that compassionate assistance payments for other types of damage or loss not specifically mentioned in the revised rules will remain unchanged.
This revised notification is expected to bring much-needed financial support to individuals and families affected by the increasing instances of human-wildlife encounters across the state.