AI SummaryCompensation 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 provides financial support to residents of Uttarakhand who lose livestock to wild animal attacks. The Uttarakhand government has raised the compensation amounts under the Human Wildlife Conflict Relief Distribution Fund Rules 2024, so families can now claim between ₹5,000 and ₹40,000 per animal depending on the species.
This scheme is a part of the broader support run by the Department of Forest, Government of Uttarakhand. It helps families recover from the money loss caused by wildlife conflict near forest areas. As of August 2026, the scheme is open and the updated rates are being paid under the new rules.
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 - Introduction
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 serves as a support for local families. The scheme covers the money burden when domestic animals are killed by wildlife in or near forest regions. The compensation is paid from the State Disaster Response Fund and the Human Wildlife Conflict Relief Distribution Fund.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | 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 |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Uttarakhand |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural and Environment, Social Welfare and Empowerment |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| Nodal Department | Uttarakhand Forest Department |
| Fund Source | State Disaster Response Fund and Human Wildlife Conflict Relief Distribution Fund |
Benefits
When livestock is attacked by protected wildlife, the government provides specific financial support. The compensation amounts were revised in January 2026 under the Human Wildlife Conflict Relief Distribution Fund Rules 2024. Below are the details of the current amounts:
| Type of Animal Loss | Total Payable Amount |
|---|---|
| Cow, Buffalo, Jabu, Jumo (found in higher altitudes) | ₹37,000 per animal |
| Buffalo of three years or older | ₹37,000 per animal |
| Horse and Mule of three years or more | ₹40,000 per animal |
| Camel, Horse, Bull | ₹32,000 per animal |
| Bull of three years or more | ₹32,000 per animal |
| Calf, Mule, Donkey, Heifer, Pony | ₹20,000 per animal |
| Calf of Cow or Baby of Buffalo | ₹20,000 per animal |
| Goat, Sheep, Pig | ₹5,000 per animal |
For example, if a family loses a milch cow, it becomes eligible for a total support of ₹37,000, provided the incident is verified by the local authorities. The amount is higher than the earlier rate, which shows the government's effort to reduce the burden of wildlife conflict.
Eligibility
To benefit from this scheme, a person should meet the following eligibility criteria:
- A person must be a permanent resident of Uttarakhand.
- The domestic animal must have been killed by a wild animal. The covered species now include tigers, leopards, snow leopards, wild elephants, all three species of bears, hyenas, wild boars, crocodiles, gharials, snakes, bees, wasps, langurs and monkeys.
- The loss must be confirmed by local public representatives and forest department personnel before the claim is paid.
Application Process
STEP 1 - Keep the animal carcass at the site until the village head or a public representative confirms the incident. Do not apply any poison or tamper with the remains, as doing so disqualifies the claim.
STEP 2 - Submit a written notice to the concerned range office within two days of the attack. The information about the incident should be given in writing to the local forest officer.
STEP 3 - After the village head and forest guard verify the loss, 20% of the total payable amount is paid to the family within 48 hours as an advance.
STEP 4 - The Divisional Forest Officer or Deputy Director processes the remaining amount after receiving the final expert investigation report, which is normally prepared within one month.
For immediate reporting of human-wildlife accidents, the toll-free number 1800-890-9715 can be used.
Documents
These documents should be kept ready for the application:
- Valid identity proof.
- Official certification or proof of loss due to a wild animal attack.
- The investigation report generated by the forest department.
- Any other supporting documents requested by the range office.
References
Compensation hiked for loss of life in human-wildlife conflict (Garhwal Post)
FAQ's
Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
Any permanent resident of Uttarakhand who loses cattle or domestic animals due to wildlife attacks in or near forest areas is eligible.
Which wild animals are covered?
Losses caused by tigers, leopards, snow leopards, wild elephants, bears, hyenas, wild boars, crocodiles, gharials, snakes, bees, wasps, langurs and monkeys qualify for compensation.
How much compensation will I receive?
The amount varies by animal type, ranging from a minimum of ₹5,000 for small livestock like goats, sheep or pigs to a maximum of ₹40,000 for horses and mules of three years or more.
How do I report an attack?
Contact the toll-free number 1800-890-9715 or visit the local forest range office within two days of the incident.
Who validates the damage?
The village head, a local public representative and the area forest guard perform the verification.
How is the money paid?
You receive 20% of the amount as an initial advance within 48 hours, and the rest is paid after a formal investigation is completed.