Amendment to Wildlife (Protection) (Odisha) Rules, 1974 soon: PCCF

Bhubaneswar: Odisha forest department has suggested the State government to make amendments to the Wildlife (Protection) (Odisha) Rules, 1974 following which people killed in wild animal attacks will get compensation in a hassle free manner within 15 days of the incident.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Sandeep Tripathy on Friday said that the amendment will help the kin of the animal attack victims get the compensation amount without any lengthy police probe and administrative clearances.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Wildlife weekend 2018, Tripathy said he has proposed the State government to revise the rules so that people don’t have to go through lengthy probe procedure for compensation.

"Generally for human depredation, police probe and for property damage by wild animals, a probe by local Tehsildar is necessary but I have suggested that the local sarpanch and forest range officers’ probe should be enough for quick disbursal of ex-gratia and compensation. This will help ease tension and also win confidence of people," said Tripathy.

Awarding forest officials for their outstanding work in relocation programme of a tiger pair to Satkosia Reserve from Kanha National Park and Bandhavgarh Reserve, Tripathy said that due to efficient work of the department's personnel and attempt of the State government to conserve tigers, traces of the big cats have been found at four new locations in the State.

Tripathy informed that keeping in view of security of both people and animals, around 100 villages have been carved out from the Satkosia Reserve leading to rise in its core area to 1100 km. Soon, as many as 26 villages will be issued notices for relocation from the core area along with around Rs 260 crore of compensation, he added.