According to Maheshwar Dhakal, undersecretary and spokesperson at the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), the new directive is near completion and the changes have been made keeping in mind the demands of the victims."Human casualties and demands for better compensation had been major concerns. Some changes have been made to address the problems," said Dhakal.
As per the new directive, family of those killed by a wild animal will receive Rs 500,000 as compensation as against Rs 300,000 under the current directive.
Even the amount of compensation for the injured has been increased which can go up to Rs 100,000 depending upon the seriousness of the injury.
As per the previous understanding, locals were compensated only when a person was killed or injured by eight wildlife species including elephants, tigers and rhinos. The new directive has included three more species to the list: wild dogs, wolves and clouded leopard.
In order to claim the compensation, the victims will have to file formal request at the nearest conservation office or district forest office within 35 days of the incident.
"In addition to that, we have ensured that the victim families immediately receive some amount like expenses needed for the final rites or any other needs. The full compensation will e offered after regional conservation officers make full assessment of situation," said Dahal.
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