Thiruvananthapuram | The Keralam government on Sunday announced a 25 per cent hike in compensation for deaths and permanent disabilities caused by wildlife attacks, along with enhanced medical assistance for the injured.

The government also said the Forest Department had issued an order on Saturday doubling compensation for crop damage caused by wildlife attacks.

Giving details of the revised financial assistance, the government said compensation for deaths caused by wildlife attacks had been increased from Rs 14 lakh to Rs 17.5 lakh.

The compensation for deaths caused by snake, bee and wasp attacks had been raised from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, it said.

Compensation for people who suffer 40 per cent to 60 per cent disability in wild animal attacks has been increased from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh, while the amount for those with disabilities exceeding 60 per cent has been raised from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 3,12,500.

The revised order also provides for medical assistance of up to Rs 1.25 lakh for injuries requiring hospitalisation, depending on their severity.

For serious injuries necessitating hospitalisation for more than a week, assistance of up to Rs 1 lakh can be provided from the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund.

In cases involving expensive treatment for serious injuries or conditions requiring prolonged medical care, the actual treatment costs can be met from the CMDRF, subject to certification by the treating doctor, the government order said.

"The new government order is intended to provide greater relief to families affected by wildlife attacks," the statement said.