Human-animal conflict in Kerala: Compensation to victims likely to be revised
image file | Photo credit: KK Mustafah
Compensation for victims of human-wildlife conflict is likely to be stepped up by the Kerala government even as crop damage caused by wildlife in Kozhikode has crossed ₹1.35 crore in the first eight months of this year, highlighting the growing pressure on farmers in the district.
Sources in the agriculture department confirm that the revised compensation package is likely to be announced after the state-level conclave on human-wildlife conflict to be held on September 29 in Thiruvambady.
Also read the visual story: Awakening to the Call of the Wild
Compensation for families of those killed in wildlife attacks could be increased from the existing ₹14 crore to up to ₹21 crore. Aid to the injured and medical costs may also be increased.
“The proposed revision is expected to take into account the recommendations of various farmers’ organizations and experts from the Kerala Forest Research Institute and Kerala Agricultural University, among other stakeholders,” says senior Congress leader Karshaka, who was part of various delegations on the issue. He notes that a similar revision is expected in case of crop loss.
Agriculture Minister T. Siddique recently hinted that the compensation would be increased as per farmers’ demands. Currently, the family of a person killed in an elephant, tiger, leopard or wild buffalo attack is entitled to ₹10 lakh-₹14 lakh from the state government and ₹4 lakh from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA).
Panel created
According to agriculture ministry officials, the state government has already set up a five-member expert committee to prepare guidelines for determining and providing compensation to people killed or injured in human-wildlife conflicts. The panel is headed by the Chief Wildlife Warden, whose members include the KSDMA Secretary, the Commissioner of Land Revenue and the Directors of Animal Husbandry and Agriculture, they said.
The move is aimed at formulating uniform guidelines and precise criteria for assessing compensation, reducing the need for case-by-case administrative review and preventing delays in payments. The establishment of the committee forms part of the 100-day action program of the United Democratic Front government.
The possible increase in compensation comes against the backdrop of increasing crop losses. According to agriculture department data, crops worth ₹1,35,29,000 were damaged in Kozhikode between January and August 14. Cultivation on an area of 72.42 hectares was affected, with banana accounting for the major share of losses. Other crops damaged included rubber, coconut, arecanut and nutmeg.
“The conclave on September 29 is expected to discuss scientific and practical measures to prevent wildlife from entering agricultural land,” said one of the state-level program coordinators.
According to him, in addition to conventional methods, the Ministry of Agriculture proposed measures including artificial intelligence, biological fencing and technological barriers.
The demand for higher compensation gained momentum after Sunil, a court employee from Nadapuram, died in a wild buffalo attack in Vilangad last month. Local residents postponed his burial as part of a protest demanding increased compensation.
Published – 24 Sep 2026 12:02 IST