Bengaluru, March 12 (NationPress) A debate regarding financial compensation for fatalities caused by wildlife incidents unfolded in the Karnataka Assembly during the Question and Answer session on Thursday. Congress MLA Puttarangasetty called on the government to broaden financial aid to all snakebite victims, regardless of land ownership.

Addressing the assembly, Puttarangasetty highlighted that while the government imposes penalties for the killing of wild animals, including snakes, it must also ensure that compensation is provided when individuals lose their lives due to such creatures. He challenged the limited scope of current compensation policies, demanding a more comprehensive approach.

“The government has stated it will penalize individuals for harming wild animals, including snakes. Therefore, if these animals cause fatalities, the government should offer compensation. Currently, compensation for snakebite incidents is only available to RTC holders. But what about shepherds and others who herd cattle without owning land?” he questioned.

He emphasized that while the Forest Department rigorously implements penalties for wildlife violations, the compensation policies do not extend to all victims. Puttarangasetty urged the government to allocate Rs 20 lakh in compensation for deaths resulting from snakebites as well.

In response, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre stated that the government already compensates Rs 20 lakh in incidents involving major wild animals such as tigers, leopards, and elephants.

“In cases where major wildlife like tigers, leopards, or elephants cause fatalities, the Forest Department provides Rs 20 lakh in compensation. These animals inhabit forest areas, and should fatalities occur due to their attacks, compensation is offered,” Khandre explained.

He further clarified that snakebite incidents are addressed through a separate compensation mechanism managed by the Revenue Department, which currently provides Rs 2 lakh.

However, Puttarangasetty contended that the existing compensation framework is insufficient, asserting that aid from the Revenue Department is limited to individuals with RTCs, who are primarily land-owning farmers.

“If compensation is reserved solely for those with RTCs, it benefits only farmers. What about shepherds and others without land ownership? The Forest Department punishes them for wildlife law violations. Why can't it provide compensation as well?” he argued.

Puttarangasetty also noted that compensation is awarded even when wildlife attacks occur in urban settings, not just within forests.

“If a tiger attacks and kills someone in a residential area, the Forest Department still compensates. Similarly, those who die from snakebites should receive compensation,” he asserted.

In response to the appeal, Khandre assured the assembly that the government would review the proposal.

“We will take MLA Puttarangasetty's suggestion into consideration. We will discuss the matter with the Chief Minister and make a decision,” stated the minister.