Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards supporting families affected by human-wildlife conflicts, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a significant increase in compensation for victims of wild animal attacks.
According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the ex-gratia amount given to the families of those who lose their lives in such attacks has been raised from ₹6 lakh to ₹10 lakh. This decision comes in response to the growing number of incidents reported from villages located near forest areas, where residents often face the threat of wildlife intrusions.
Apart from the enhanced compensation for loss of life, the government has also taken steps to address damage to property caused by wild animals. Under the new policy the affected families will receive assistance to build concrete houses through the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana, or will be granted an equivalent monetary amount if their houses are damaged in such incidents. For damage to essential structures like kitchens, grain storage rooms, and animal pens, an immediate relief of ₹3,000 will be provided. In cases where a household’s concrete boundary wall is damaged, the government will offer ₹5,000 per metre—capped at ₹25,000 per household.
These measures aim to provide much-needed support to rural communities bearing the brunt of increasing human-animal conflicts and to help them rebuild their lives with dignity and security.
