Kerala strengthens support system for victims of rising wildlife encounters

The Kerala government has approved draft guidelines to provide enhanced financial assistance to victims of wildlife attacks , following growing public concern and judicial scrutiny over rising human-animal conflicts. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday.

Under the proposed norms, families of those killed in wildlife attacks will receive ₹4 lakh from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and ₹10 lakh from the Forest and Wildlife Department . In cases where deaths are caused by snakes, bees or hornets, the family will be eligible for ₹4 lakh from the SDRF.

The guidelines also detail compensation for injuries. Victims suffering 40-60% disability will receive ₹74,000 from the SDRF and ₹1.26 lakh from the Forest Department, while those with over 60% disability will be given ₹2.5 lakh. For serious injuries requiring hospitalisation for more than a week , ₹16,000 will be paid from the SDRF and ₹84,000 from the Forest Department. Those hospitalized for less than a week will receive ₹5,400 and ₹94,600 respectively.

The move comes amid recent interventions by the Kerala High Court, which directed authorities to ensure prompt compensation and effective preventive measures in vulnerable areas. The court observed that recurring wildlife attacks posed a serious threat to lives and livelihoods , stressing that relief must be timely, adequate and humane .

Public reaction has largely been supportive, especially in forest-fringe districts where incidents are frequent. However, several residents and farmers’ groups have demanded faster disbursal of compensation and stronger steps to prevent attacks, including better fencing, early-warning systems and habitat management.

In a separate decision, the cabinet also approved a comprehensive Kerala State Film Policy containing 92 recommendations aimed at strengthening the state’s film industry after extensive consultations with stakeholders.