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Panchkula, November 17

In a major relief to farmers in hilly areas of Panchkula, the proposal of compensation in case of loss of life by a wild animal or damage to crops had been forwarded by the Forest Department to the Finance Department.

In case of death due to attack by wild animals such as leopard, the families of the victim farmer would get Rs two lakh compensation while Rs 70,000 for minor injuries.

In case of permanent disability, the government would pay Rs one lakh while in minor disability Rs 35,000 would be paid to the victims.

As per information largest forest area falls in Panchkula, Ambala and Yamunanagar districts of the state and the wild animals like wild pig and nilgai damage crops causing huge financial losses to farmers.

The farmers had now decided to sow crops on their lands adjoining the forest areas.

Talking to The Tribune, senior vice president Haryana Kisan Congress Vijay Bansal said he had filed a contempt petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court on May 31, 2019 as the Haryana Government and the Forest Department had failed to comply with the orders of the court regarding grant of compensation to the farmers.

He said the Wildlife Department in its affidavit filed in the court had submitted that it proposed to give compensation of Rs 6,800 per hectare for loss to the crops in rainfed areas and restricted to sown areas while Rs 13,500 per hectare for loss of crops in assured irrigated areas. — TNS