Thiruvananthapuram, 25 Oct (H.S.): The Keralam government has increased compensation and medical assistance for victims of wildlife attacks by 25 per cent, raising financial support for bereaved families, people with disabilities and those requiring hospital treatment.

Under the revised rates, families of people killed in wildlife attacks will receive Rs 17.5 lakh, against the existing compensation of Rs 14 lakh. Assistance for dependants of those who die following attacks by snakes, honeybees or hornets has been increased from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.

The government order follows the Forest Department’s recent decision to double compensation for crop damage caused by wild animals. Together, the measures seek to provide greater financial relief to families affected by human-wildlife conflict.

Compensation for people who suffer disabilities ranging from 40 to 60 per cent has been raised from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh. Those sustaining disabilities exceeding 60 per cent will receive Rs 3,12,500, compared with the earlier assistance of Rs 2.5 lakh.

People injured in wildlife attacks and requiring hospitalisation will be eligible for medical assistance of up to Rs 1.25 lakh, depending on the severity of their condition.

For victims whose hospital stay extends beyond one week, assistance of up to Rs 1 lakh may be sanctioned from the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF), according to the order.

The revised framework also provides for reimbursement of actual treatment expenses in exceptionally serious cases requiring prolonged medical care. Such assistance will be made available in full from the CMDRF on the basis of a certificate issued by the treating doctor.

The order thus covers several consequences of wildlife attacks, from loss of life and lasting disability to hospitalisation and extended treatment. It also specifies a route for meeting actual medical expenses when exceptionally serious injuries require care over a prolonged period.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman