THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Forest Department is preparing to implement an insurance scheme for the victims of wild animal attacks in the forest border area. A comprehensive insurance plan is being devised for all those who may fall victim to wildlife attacks as they become more common. Preliminary discussions in this regard are in progress at the level of the Forest Secretary.

Currently, with the permission of the Forest Department, there is insurance coverage for those who go trekking and for forest dwellers living in the forest. However, there is no insurance plan for those who cultivate in the forest border area or for those who are not forest dwellers but are attacked by wild animals while traveling on the road near the forest. The dependents of those who lose their lives in this way receive compensation of Rs 10 lakhs from the forest department fund. The government allows a maximum of Rs 70 lakh per year for this purpose. Unfortunately, only seven or eight people can be compensated with this amount. However, statistics show that more than 100 people die in wild animal attacks every year.

When there is a shortage of funds in the Forest Department, compensation is paid from the funds of the Forest Development Agency. According to the directive issued by the Finance Department in February, diverting funds in this manner is prohibited. However, the inability to compensate those who have been attacked can lead to public outrage. The Finance Department has not adopted any favourable approach. This is why the forest department has started contemplating an insurance scheme.

The Forest Secretary has held preliminary discussions with major insurance companies regarding the implementation of the scheme. Insurance companies have requested a 10-year record of deaths and injuries in these attacks. The companies have informed that after studying and evaluating such figures, they can provide a proposal regarding the premium amount.

Wildlife attack

Year --------------------------------Injured--------------------------------Dead

2016-17 ------------------798 ---------------------------- ------145

2017-18 --------------------846 -------------------- ------119

2018-19 --------------------765 --------------------------- -----146

2019-20 ---------------------649 ------------------------- -----102

2020 -21 --------------------977 -------------------- -------97

2021 -22 -----------------------830 ----------------------- ------152