Lok Sabha Question No. 2377 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-12-13
Subject: Unified Compensation Plan
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Kumbakudi Sudhakaran, Rajmohan Unnithan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2377

TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.12.2021

## Unified Compensation Plan

## 2377.   SHRI KUMBAKUDI SUDHAKARAN: SHRI RAJMOHAN UNNITHAN:

Will  the  Minister  of  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND  CLIMATE  CHANGE  be  pleased  to state:

- (a) whether  the  Union  Government  authorities  have  noticed  that  the  wild  animal  attacks recently reported in the hilly region of Kerala State are a menace to crops and mankind;
- (b) the  status  of  the  wild  animal  attack  compensation  policy  and  schemes  by  the  Union Government for Kerala State along with the total compensation distributed in each State and in Kerala;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  any  unified  nationwide  compensation  plan  for  victims  of wildlife attack and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) whether the Government has included any schemes for compensating the loss of crops and life due to wildlife attack and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (e) whether the Government proposes to set up Tribunals/Committee across states to address issues related to compensation for victims of wildlife attack and if so, the details therefor and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (f) whether the Government  will  review  the  compensation for crops also as present compensation system for crop loss is not successful and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reason therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

- (a) Incidences of wild animal attacks and crop loss due to wild animals have been reported from various parts of the country including the state of Kerala.
- (b), (c) and (d) The  Ministry  provides  financial  assistance  to  States  /Union  Territoriesfor management of wildlife under the CentrallySponsored Schemes of Development  of  Wildlife  Habitats,  Project  Tiger  and  Project  Elephant.  This includes funds for payment of compensation for depredation by wild animals.Funds for payment of compensation are provided by the Ministry to States/UTsat the following rates:

| S. No.   | Nature of damage caused by wild animals           | Amount of ex-gratia relief                                  |
|----------|---------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|
| (a)      | Death or permanent incapacitation to human beings | Rs.5 lakh                                                   |
| (b)      | Grievous injury                                   | Rs. 2 lakh                                                  |
| (c)      | Minor injury                                      | Cost of treatment upto Rs. 25000/-                          |
| (d)      | Loss of property/crops                            | States /UTs may adhere to the cost norms prescribed by them |

State  Governments  also  provide  compensation  for  damage  to  crops  by  wild animals from their own funds. The rates of compensation paid by the States differ from State to State. Details of compensation distributed by the States are not collated by the Ministry.

Under  the  revamped  operational  guidelines  of  Pradhan  Mantri  Fasal  Bima Yojna, States can provide add-on coverage for crop loss due to attack by wild animals.

- (e) and (f) The Ministry has issued an advisory on human-wildlife conflict to all States on 06.02.2021  which,  inter  alia,  provides  for  constitution  of  a  co-ordination committee at the State level. The functions of the committee include reviewing the  quantum  of  ex-gratia  relief,  issuing  guidance/instructions  for  expedited payments, and working  towards provision of  adequate  funds  for  payment  of

compensation.

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