In 2022, the Kerala government took a similar step by announcing a compensation initiative for individuals affected by bee, wasp, or hornet attacks, operating under the state’s pertinent laws. Following suit, the Uttarakhand cabinet in 2023 introduced comparable measures, extending relief to victims of bee and wasp attacks as well as the next of kin of those unfortunate enough to lose their lives in such incidents. The development came as part of an update to the “Man-Wildlife Conflict Relief Distribution Fund Rules, 2023,” which replaced the prior “Man-Wildlife Conflict Relief Distribution Fund Rules, 2012.”
The revised regulations outline that victims of human-animal conflicts, resulting in loss of life or property, can receive suitable ex-gratia compensation calculated based on prevailing market rates. Notably, individuals harmed or killed in encounters involving bee and wasp attacks will also now be eligible for compensation.
Decision was reached during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami
The decision was reached during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on the specified date. The state’s existing roster of wild animals encompassed species such as tigers, leopards, elephants, various types of bears, crocodiles, and snakes, among others. Victims of attacks perpetrated by any of these creatures are entitled to compensation according to the regulations.
The State Wildlife Board’s 18th meeting had earlier proposed the addition of bee and wasp attacks to the list of incidents meriting compensation. Following the cabinet session, Chief Secretary SS Sandhu confirmed this recommendation. However, the precise compensation amounts for such attacks were not explicitly disclosed.
Bee attacks are not uncommon in India, as highlighted by a recent tragic incident in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district. In this instance, a swarm of honey bees assaulted a funeral procession, resulting in one fatality and injuries to four others. The move by the Uttarakhand government echoes a similar approach taken by Kerala in recognizing the impact of these smaller yet potentially lethal creatures in the realm of human-animal conflicts.
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