Compensation for Loss of Life and Property Caused by Wild Animals in and around Forest Areas: Assistance for Loss of Cattle Due to Wild Animal Attacks

The scheme “Assistance for Loss of Cattle Due to Wild Animal Attacks” is a sub-component of the umbrella scheme “Compensation for Loss of Life and Property Caused by Wild Animals in and Around Forest Areas”, which is implemented by the Department of Forest, Government of Uttarakhand. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who suffer losses due to attacks by wild animals in forest areas and their surroundings.

At present, the following compensation amounts are provided in case of animal loss due to attacks by wild animals:
Type of Animal LossTotal Payable AmountShare of State Disaster Response Fund****Share of Human Wildlife Conflict Relief Distribution FundMilch Animals- Buffalo / Cow / Camel / Yak / Mithun etc. (Per Animal)₹30,000/-₹30,000/----Agricultural and Transport Animals – Camel, Horse (per Animal)₹40,000/-₹25,000/-₹15,000/-Mule (per Animal)₹40,000/-₹16,000/-₹24,000/-Bull (per Animal)₹25,000/-₹25,000/----Heifer/Donkey/Pony (per Animal)₹16,000/-₹16,000/----Sheep/Goat/Pig (per Animal)₹3,000/-₹3,000/----

1. The applicant must be a permanent resident of Uttarakhand.
2. The compensation is applicable only for the loss of domestic animals caused by any of the following wild animals:

• Tiger
• Leopard
• Snow Leopard
• All three species of Bear
• Hyena
• Wild Boar
• Crocodile/Gharial
• Snake

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• In the event of the killing of domestic animals or cattle, the carcass shall be removed from the incident site only after confirmation by the village head or any currently serving public representative. If any poison or pesticide is applied to the carcass, or if it is tampered with in any manner, the ex-gratia payment will not be admissible. The owner must report the killing in writing to the concerned range office within two days of the incident.
• Upon confirmation of the killing of domestic animals or cattle by wild animals, firstly by the village head of the area or any currently in-charge public representative, along with the forest guard of the concerned area, 20% of the total payable amount for the incident will be provided to the owner in advance from the available funds. The remaining amount will be disbursed after receipt of the final investigation report.
• The certificate of killing of cattle by wild animals will be issued by the concerned Range Officer. Thereafter, the Divisional Forest Officer/Deputy Director shall have full authority to approve and disburse the ex-gratia payment based on the final investigation report submitted by the Assistant Conservator of Forests/Wildlife Warden. In this regard, the Divisional Forest Officer/Deputy Director shall ensure that all relevant information is sent to the Chief Wildlife Warden. The final investigation report will be made available within one month of the incident. If the report does not confirm that the cattle were killed by wild animals, the advance amount already provided to the owner will be recovered as revenue.

Note: The Forest Department has issued a toll-free number (1800-890-9715) for reporting any human-wildlife accidents or the presence of wildlife in populated areas anywhere in the state.