THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite the fact that wild animal assaults resulted in 144 fatalities and 8,705 crop losses in the last one year, it has been claimed that compensation is not being provided promptly. Applications for compensations submitted since June 2021 are pending in various forest department offices.

Several farmers are unable to start cultivating for the next year as they have not received compensation for the damage to crops. The dependents of those injured and killed in wild animal attacks are also waiting for compensation.

The figures from the forest department show that the number of people injured and killed in wildlife attacks is increasing every year. In 2017–18, 956 persons suffered injuries. Injuries totalled 1,416 in 2021–2022 6,252 persons were hurt in the last five years. Wild animals killed 122 people between June and December of the previous year. 640 people were killed in the last five years.

Wildlife Attacks from June 2021

(Forest Department circle, deaths, crop damage in order)

Agasthyavanam ---1, 16
Kottayam Wildlife-----2, 67
Palakkad Wildlife ----1, 963
Southern Circle ---30, 1252
High Range Circle ----17, 512
Central Circle ----10, 991
Eastern Circle ----43, 1156
North Circle ----18, 3748

Compensation

Rs 10 lakhs- In case of death

Rs 2 lakhs- in case of permanent disability

Up to Rs 1 lakh- for loss of crops, pets, or house

Up to Rs 1 lakh- Hospital expenses for injured

Rs 2 lakhs- death due to snake bite