The representatives of Buffer Zone Consumer Committees Network participating in a seminar organized in Sauraha, Chitwan to discuss the problems faced by those living in the buffer zones demanded that the compensation amount be increased to Rs 500,000. [break]The seminar concluded on Sunday. Earlier this year, the compensation amount was increased to Rs 300,000 from Rs 150,000.
"The families of those killed in road accident are provided Rs 500,000 in compensation, so we demand that the compensation amount for those killed by wild animals should also be made Rs 500,000," said Laba Bishta, the coordinator of Buffer Zones Network and the Chairman of Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve Buffer Zone Management Committee. He said the compensation for those killed by wild animals is already low and that also is not provided on time.
National parks and wildlife reserves have to pay 30 to 50 percent of their income to Buffer Zone Consumer Committees. But, according to the consumer committees they are paid much lower amounts than prescribed by the law.
Tikaram Poudel, assistant conservation officer at Chitwan National Park, informed that the government is planning to provide the compensation to the victim families through the Regional Forest Directorate to make the process hassle free.
"The procedure for providing compensation should be simplified and it should be provided promptly. Otherwise, it will affect conservation efforts," said Bishta.
The meeting also demanded amendment to the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act so as to make the process of resources and revenue allocation effective. "The Act must be amended as some provisions are detrimental to the interest of the locals," said Krishna Bhurtel, former chairman of Chitwan National Park Buffer Zone Development Committee.
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