Delhi Plans New Policy to Compensate Victims of Human-Wildlife Conflicts

The Delhi government is planning to launch a compensation policy addressing human-wildlife conflict, a pioneering move for the city. This policy will cater to individuals experiencing losses due to encounters with wildlife, including fatalities, injuries, livestock damage, and property destruction.

The Forest and Wildlife Department is finalizing the draft framework, which will soon be presented for necessary approvals. The policy aims to provide structured support to affected residents while encouraging collaboration between communities and wildlife authorities to mitigate conflicts. Currently under discussion, the policy's specifics such as compensation amounts are yet to be decided.

This initiative strives to bridge existing gaps in Delhi's support mechanisms by crafting a tailored program similar to those in other states, like Maharashtra and Rajasthan. The policy hopes to garner greater cooperation between local populations and conservation initiatives by offering a balanced approach to protecting both human and wildlife interests.

(With inputs from agencies.)