Uttarakhand Govt To Grant Up To Rs 15 Lakh For Wild Animal Attack Victims' Treatment

The Uttarakhand state government is set to bear treatment costs of up to Rs 15,00,000 for individuals injured in wildlife attacks. Of this, treatment up to Rs 5,00,000 will be covered by the Atal Ayushman card, while the government will provide additional assistance for the remaining amount of up to Rs 10,00,000. 

Following an announcement by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the relevant proposal has been sent to the Finance Department for its opinion, and a government order will be issued shortly. In the interim, the administration has instructed all District Magistrates to ensure that proper treatment arrangements are made for the injured if such a situation arises. There is hardly any area in the state that is not affected by the fear of wildlife.

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The constantly increasing attacks by animals such as leopards, tigers, bears, and elephants have raised both concern and challenges. Although numerous steps have been taken to prevent human-wildlife conflict, the attacks by wild animals show no sign of stopping. 

Earlier, the government increased the compensation amount for death in a wildlife attack from Rs 6,00,000 to Rs 10,00,000. Individuals injured in wildlife attacks are given compensation ranging from Rs 15,000 to 3,00,000 under various categories through the Human-Wildlife Conflict Relief Distribution Fund. However, there is no separate provision for treatment in the regulations. 

Although, the injured are provided treatment in government hospitals. Recently, the Chief Minister had announced that the government would bear the cost of treatment up to Rs 10,00,000 for individuals injured in wildlife attacks. 

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Now, rapid steps are being taken in this direction. In line with the government's decision, a proposal has been sent by the Forest Department to the administration. 

“The proposal for the state government to bear the cost of Rs 10,00,000 for the treatment of persons injured by wildlife, in addition to the Atal Ayushman scheme, has been sent to the Finance Department for its opinion. A government order will be issued in this regard soon. Additionally, all DMs have been instructed to ensure proper treatment for the injured,” said RK Sudhanshu, Principal Secretary (Forest).