AI SummaryCompensation for Loss of Life and Property Caused by Wild Animals in and around Forest Areas: Assistance in case of Death/Injury/Disability due to Wild Animal Attack supports residents of Uttarakhand with direct ex-gratia payments if they face injury, permanent disability, or death from a wild animal encounter. Uttarakhand Forest Department runs this state scheme to help victims and their families cope with the sudden medical needs and loss of income that follow such tragic incidents.
As per the updated Human Wildlife Conflict Relief Distribution Rules 2024, the state has raised the compensation for loss of human life to ₹6 lakh. The scheme is fully in force and continues to accept claims from eligible residents of Uttarakhand in 2026.
Compensation for Loss of Life and Property Caused by Wild Animals in and around Forest Areas: Assistance in case of Death/Injury/Disability due to Wild Animal Attack
This scheme works as a key part of the wider human-wildlife conflict relief effort of the Uttarakhand Forest Department. When people or their dependents face tragedy from contact with predators such as tigers, leopards, or elephants, they receive timely financial relief. The support helps families manage the stress, treatment costs, or loss of income that results from attacks by wild animals in or near forest fringes.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Compensation for Loss of Life and Property Caused by Wild Animals in and around Forest Areas: Assistance in case of Death/Injury/Disability due to Wild Animal Attack |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Uttarakhand |
| Category | Social welfare and Empowerment |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| Nodal Department | Uttarakhand Forest Department |
| Helpline | 1800-890-9715 |
Benefits
The government provides structured financial support through this scheme to help those affected by wildlife encounters. The following table shows the current compensation structure as per the Human Wildlife Conflict Relief Distribution Rules 2024:
| Type of Injury | Ex-gratia Amount |
|---|---|
| Minor Injury | ₹15,000 to ₹16,000 |
| Deep wound requiring hospitalization | ₹15,000 to ₹25,600 |
| Serious Injury | ₹1,00,000 |
| Partial Disability | ₹74,000 to ₹1,00,000 |
| Total Disability | ₹3,00,000 |
| Death | ₹6,00,000 |
For safety and legal compliance, no compensation is paid if an elderly, disabled, or minor person was left unattended in the forest and then harmed. Such a claim is treated as illegal and a case may be registered.
Eligibility
To qualify for this support, the applicant should meet the following criteria:
- Must be a permanent resident of Uttarakhand.
- Must have suffered, or have a dependent who suffered, from an attack by a notified wild animal such as a tiger, leopard, snow leopard, wild elephant, bear, hyena, wild boar, crocodile, gharial, or snake.
Application Process
Follow these steps to claim the compensation:
STEP 1 - Report the incident immediately by calling the toll-free number 1800-890-9715 of the Forest Department.
STEP 2 - Get an initial confirmation from the local village head, a serving public representative, and the area forest guard to receive a 30% advance on the total compensation within 48 hours.
STEP 3 - Submit a medical certificate issued by a state government doctor to the nearest Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) or Deputy Director.
STEP 4 - Make sure the final investigation report is submitted within 15 days of the incident.
STEP 5 - After the DFO verifies the case and coordinates with the Revenue Department on the status of the dependent, the final payment is processed and released.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready while applying for these benefits:
- Aadhaar Card of the victim or dependent.
- Proof of mobile number and bank account details.
- Official medical report and certificate for injury or disability cases.
- Death certificate issued by competent authorities for death cases.
- Incident verification certificate signed by the village head and forest guard.
References
For detailed official rules and updates, refer to the following documents:
View Guidelines Amendment (Page 208)
Compensation hiked for loss of life in human-wildlife conflict
FAQ's
What types of incidents are covered under this scheme?
The scheme covers death, permanent disability, or serious injuries caused by protected wild animals like tigers, leopards, elephants, and bears in and around forest regions.
Who is eligible to claim compensation?
The victim or their legal dependent may claim the money. Claims are invalid if a vulnerable person, such as a child or someone with a disability, was left unattended in a forest area.
How is the advance payment provided?
30% of the total compensation amount is given as an advance within 48 hours of reporting, provided the incident is verified by local authorities.
Who approves the final ex-gratia payment?
The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) or the Deputy Director approves and releases the final payment once the investigation report is cleared.
Within how many days is the final investigation report submitted?
The final investigation report is submitted within 15 days of the occurrence of the incident.
What is the procedure if a person is seriously injured by a wild animal?
A certified report from a government hospital doctor must be collected and submitted to the DFO's office to begin the claim process.
How can incidents be reported?
Any wildlife incident or presence of animals in residential areas can be reported by dialing the toll-free number 1800-890-9715.