BENGALURU: For farmers Ramesh, Madappa and Swamy, living in the wilds amid regular encounters with tigers and elephants is a way of life. However, the loss of life and property from human-animal conflict has added to their woes. Fortunately, Project Wild Seve of Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has come as a huge relief for many. WCS has stepped in to help affected farmers get compensation for their crops, cattle and property from the State Forest Department.
Since the programme was launched, 5,685 families have received `1.61 crore from the state government, facilitated by WCS. Using mobile technology linked to a portal, a team works on the field-visiting affected villages and documenting so that claims can be quickly processed.The project is being implemented in Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves and they have filed their 10,000th claim since it was started in July, 2015.
This claim was filed by a farmer in Shivapura village in Bandipur whose calf was killed by a leopard on July 8.Among those who benefitted greatly from the programme is Mandappa, a farmer who has sought help 19 times. He has received `56,700 for his losses so far and is waiting for the remaining compensatory amount. He said, “We know now that even if we incur damages, we are assured compensation from the government, thanks to Wild Seve.”
According to WCS, out of the 10,000 cases, 9,400 involve crop and property damages, 500 are cases of livestock depredation and there are 40 cases of human injury and death. Interestingly, the payment processing time has decreased from 248 to 60 days from the day of the incidence. WCS caters to 600 conflict-prone villages near Nagarahole and Bandipur.
Seve Statistics
10,000 Cases attended
Rs 1.61 Cr Compensation given
5,685 Families benefited
Incidents From 2000-2010, the state has seen compensation claims being filed for 1 lakh incidents. The claims are recorded and processed