Question : Destruction by Wild Elephants

(a) whether wild elephants enter villages, tea gardens and attack humans due to lack of fodder in the forests of Assam and if so, the details thereof;
(b) the total number of people killed in man-elephant conflict during the last three years;
(c) whether incidents of attack on humans by elephants are on the rise and if so, the steps being taken to prevent the same;
(d) the details of provisions for compensation to victims of such conflicts along with the amount of compensation provided during the last three years;
(e) whether habitats have been allocated for wild elephants in various tea gardens; and
(f) if so, the details of the laws/agreements therefor along with the names of such tea gardens?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)

(a)(b)&(c) Elephant is a long ranging migratory animal which moves across the habitats and landscapes frequently. While moving from one habitat to another, elephants occasionally enter human habitation leading to crop and property damage and human injury and death. The ministry has undertaken water and fodder augmentation under CAMPA funds. The year-wise details of total human deaths due to man-elephant conflict in the last three years are given below which shows a decline over the years:-

Year 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19
Total No. of human deaths 516 506 452

(d) In addition to compensation schemes of the State Governments, the Ministry is also providing financial assistance to States under Centrally Sponsored Scheme, Project Elephant, for ex gratia relief at the following rates:

Sl. No. Nature of damage caused by wild animals Amount of ex-gratia relief
(i) Death or permanent incapacitation to human beings Rs.5.00 lakhs
(ii) Grievous injury Rs.2.00 lakhs
(iii) Minor injury Cost of treatment up to Rs 25,000/- per person
(iv) Los of property/crops State/UT Governments may adhere to the cost norms prescribed them

The year-wise details of compensation paid in case of human deaths due to elephant attacks in the last three years are given below:
Year
2016-17 2017-18 2018-19
Total amount paid (Lakh Rs.) 1495.3 1821 1498

(e) No, Sir.
(f) Does not arise.


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