SRINAGAR: Adequate compensation or ex-gratia relief is provided for human injury or loss of life arising from human–wildlife conflict under the prevailing policy framework in the Union Territory, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana informed the House.
Replying to a question from Legislator Sajad Shaheen, the Minister said there is currently no approved policy or dedicated budgetary provision to compensate livestock losses caused by wildlife attacks.
During supplementary questions, legislators Choudhary Mohammad Akram, Balwant Singh Mankotia, Qaiser Jamsheed Lone and Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi urged the government to strengthen relief measures and extend coverage to agriculture and livestock to safeguard farmers’ interests.
Rana said the government is in correspondence with the Animal Husbandry Department to explore compensatory support for farmers in cases of animal loss. He added that the Forest Department is in discussions with the Agriculture Department and other authorities regarding inclusion of additional crops under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana for damage caused by wild animals.
Officials indicated that inter-departmental consultations are under way to address gaps in coverage within the existing policy framework.
