Parliament Question: Compensation for Damage due to Wild Animal attacks

OIH GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3600 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.08.2026 Compensation for Damage due to Wild Animal attacks 3600. SHRI RUDRA NARAYAN PANY: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state: (a) whether elephants and other wild animals are causing extensive damage to farmer's crops in the State of Odisha particularly in Dhenkanal and Angul districts; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether any proposal is under consideration of the Government to provide higher compensation to farmers for crop loss; and (d) whether there is any proposal to provide additional financial assistance to the States and Union Territories in this regard? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH) (a) to (d): Incidences of human-wildlife conflicts have been reported from various parts of the country including from the State of Odisha. The management of wildlife including the mitigation of human-wildlife conflict is primarily the responsibility of the concerned States/UTs. The State Governments & Union Territory Administrations are the first responders to any conflict situation and they maintain the details of the conflict along with the species involved. The Ministry enhanced the amount of ex-gratia relief in case of death or permanent incapacitation due to wild animal attacks in December 2023 from Rs. 5 lakhs to 10 lakhs under these Schemes, subject to availability of funds, and the payment of which is also governed by State specific guidelines/ provisions made in this regard. The details are given in the table below: Nature of damage caused Amount of ex-gratia relief S. No. by wild animals Death or permanent Rs.10.00 lakhs i. incapacitation Grievous injury Rs.2.00 lakhs ii.Minor injury Cost of treatment up to Rs.25,000/- per iii. person Loss of property/crops State/UT Government may adhere to iv. the cost norms prescribed by them. The States/Union Territories make ex-gratia payments for loss of livestock, crops and human life including injuries due to human-wildlife conflicts as per the norms, which vary in States and UTs. This Ministry has developed landscape specific Regional Action Plans to assist the States in Management of Human-wildlife conflict. *****