Bettiah: Incidents of tigers and other wild animals straying out of the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) have increased in recent years, raising concerns over human-wildlife conflict in areas surrounding the reserve in West Champaran district.
According to the VTR administration, limited buffer space, inadequate habitat availability and territorial conflicts among tigers are among the factors contributing to animals moving out of the reserve in search of new territory.
The movement of wildlife into human-dominated areas has also resulted in casualties and damage to livestock and property. The forest department has been conducting awareness campaigns among villagers to reduce the risk of human-wildlife conflict.
Tiger trackers and forest personnel have been deployed to monitor the movement of tigers and other wild animals. Whenever information about a wildlife straying into inhabited areas is received, rescue teams are activated to respond to the situation.
259 Wildlife Attack Cases in Two Years
According to data provided by the VTR administration, 259 cases related to attacks by tigers and other wild animals were reported in Division One over the past two years.
The incidents resulted in six human deaths and four injuries, while 249 cases involved livestock being killed or injured.
The administration said a total of ₹95.08 lakh in compensation has been paid in these cases after verification and completion of the required procedures.
Apart from tiger attacks, incidents involving leopards, bears, wild boars and gaurs have also caused injuries and damage to people and livestock in areas surrounding the reserve.
The forest department has also paid compensation in 11 cases of crop damage caused by wildlife.
Compensation for Human-Wildlife Conflict
The VTR administration provides compensation according to the applicable rules for loss of life, injuries, livestock deaths and property damage caused by wildlife.
The compensation amounts include:
- Human death or permanent disability: ₹10 lakh
- Serious human injury: ₹1.44 lakh
- Minor injury: ₹24,000
- Death of cow, buffalo or bull: ₹24,000
- Death of sheep: ₹4,800
- Death of goat: ₹7,200
- Complete destruction of a pucca house: ₹96,000
- Destruction of a mud-wall or thatched-roof house: ₹48,000
- Severe damage to a pucca house: ₹48,000
- Severe damage to a kutcha house: ₹24,000
- Normal damage to a house: ₹12,000
The VTR administration said compensation is processed after verification of the incident and the relevant investigation report. Officials said efforts have been made to complete the payment process quickly once the required reports are received.
Villagers Urged to Report Wildlife Movement
Forest officials have urged residents to inform the authorities whenever they spot a tiger or other wild animal near inhabited areas rather than approaching or attempting to chase the animal.
People affected by wildlife-related loss or damage can approach the nearest Forest Campus Office, Forest Range Office or Forest Division Office to seek compensation under the applicable rules.
“Compensation is paid according to the rules in cases of loss of life or property caused by tigers and other wild animals. Affected people can approach the nearest forest office to avail themselves of the compensation,” said Shikhar Pradhan, Deputy Area Director, Division One, VTR.
