PATNA: The state cabinet on Monday decided to give compensation for loss of human life and property caused by the wild animals. A major decision was taken to give compensation of Rs 10,000 per hectare for the loss of crops caused by animals and Rs 1 lakh for loss of life of each of the people attacked and killed, said principal secretary, cabinet secretariat, Afzal Amanullah, adding that a proposal for this was given by the ministry of environment and forest.
Prior to this, there was a provision of giving only Rs 500 per hectare for loss of crop caused by elephants. The decision regarding damage to crops is important keeping in view the fact that incidents of damage to the crops in rural areas by the neelgai (blue bulls) has increased.
It also decided to give Rs 33,000 for grievous injuries caused by animals and Rs 5,000 for minor injuries to each of the affected persons. A decision was also taken to give Rs 10,000 for destruction of a `pucca’ house and Rs 6,000 for destruction of a mud house by wild animals.
To avoid delay in providing benefit under the National Family Benefit Scheme at the level of district magistrate office, the cabinet decided that from now on, the SDO will okay the benefit to be provided under the scheme.