SRINAGAR: More than 761 incidents of human–animal conflict, including at least 71 deaths and hundreds of injuries, were reported in Jammu and Kashmir over the past five years, with the government paying Rs 691.857 lakh as compensation to victims and their families, the Department of Wildlife Protection informed the Assembly.
The disclosure came in response to a cut motion moved by MLA Sajad Gani Lone, who sought a reduction of Rs 100 in Demand No. 21 to discuss the number of human-animal conflict incidents reported over the last five years and compensation provided to affected families.
According to the department, nine deaths and 110 injury cases were reported in 2020–21, with compensation of Rs 22.150 lakh paid for deaths and Rs 82.240 lakh for injuries.
In 2021–22, 14 deaths and 162 injuries were reported, with Rs 42.000 lakh paid as compensation for deaths and Rs 88.960 lakh for injuries.
During 2022–23, 15 deaths and 80 injuries were reported, with compensation amounting to Rs 60.000 lakh for deaths and Rs 70.605 lakh for injuries.
In 2023–24, 16 deaths and 124 injury cases were recorded. The government paid Rs 46.500 lakh as compensation for deaths and Rs 74.520 lakh for injuries.
In the financial year 2024–25, the department reported 17 deaths and 214 injury cases so far. Compensation of Rs 72.582 lakh has been paid for deaths and Rs 132.300 lakh for injuries.
The Department of Wildlife Protection said it has taken various measures to prevent human-wildlife conflict incidents both inside Wildlife Protected Areas and outside protected zones.
