Kottayam: The Kerala government's Forest Department has announced compensation for families affected by fatal wasp and bee stings. Relatives of victims who perish in forest-related attacks will receive Rs 10 lakh, while those outside forest areas will receive Rs 2 lakh. Until last year, such incidents were not covered under wildlife attack provisions.

Medical Aid and Compensation

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  • Rs 10 lakh compensation for deaths caused by snake bites within forests; Rs 2 lakh if outside.
  • Rs 10 lakh for fatalities resulting from encounters with elephants, wild buffaloes, and wild boars, irrespective of location.
  • Up to Rs 1 lakh medical assistance for injuries sustained in wildlife attacks, with full coverage for scheduled tribes.
  • Up to Rs 2 lakh for disabilities resulting from encounters with wild animals.
  • Up to Rs 1 lakh for damages to homes, huts, agriculture, and livestock caused by wildlife.

Ineligibility

Compensation will not be granted to those convicted or involved in offences under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, or the Kerala Forest Act. Non-habitual offenders may receive compensation for wildlife incidents unrelated to forest crimes.

Application Process

Applications for injuries from wildlife attacks must be submitted within six months; for fatalities, within one year. Apply to the Divisional Forest Officer via e-District or Akshaya Center if unable to use the former method. Include hospital bills and doctor's certificates with the application.

Upon a Forest Range Officer's recommendation, an investigation into fatalities must commence within 15 days. Fifty percent of the compensation will be disbursed upon presentation of a kinship certificate issued by the village officer, with the remainder settled within seven days upon submission of the inheritance certificate.