The Government of Kerala has approved new compensation norms for victims of wildlife attacks in the state. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, aiming to provide better financial support to families affected by such incidents.
According to the new policy, the family of a person killed in a wildlife attack will receive ₹4 lakh from the State Disaster Response Fund and an additional ₹10 lakh from the Forest Department, significantly increasing the total compensation amount. The move comes amid rising concerns over human-wildlife conflicts in forest border areas across Kerala.
The government has also introduced compensation for injuries and disabilities caused by wildlife attacks. Individuals who suffer more than 60% disability due to such incidents will receive up to ₹2.5 lakh, while those with 40–60% disability will receive financial assistance of around ₹2 lakh. Victims who require hospitalization due to wildlife attacks will also be eligible for compensation depending on the duration and severity of their treatment.
Officials said the revised compensation structure is designed to provide faster relief to victims and their families. Human-wildlife conflicts have increased in several districts of Kerala, especially in areas near forests where animals such as elephants, wild boars, and other wildlife occasionally enter human settlements.
The government hopes that the new compensation norms will help affected families cope with financial difficulties while authorities continue to strengthen wildlife management measures and preventive strategies in vulnerable regions.
News as reported
