By P. Sreekumaran
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a significant move, the United Democratic Front (UDF) Government in Keralam has increased the compensation and medical assistance for victims of human-wildlife conflict by 25 per cent.
The revised rates of compensation ensure enhanced financial assistance to dependents of those killed in wildlife attacks, persons who suffer permanent disabilities, and those injured in such incidents.
Accordingly, the compensation for deaths caused by wildlife attacks, except those involving elephants, wild bears and bee attacks, has been raised from Rs 14 lakh to Rs 17.5 lakh. For deaths resulting from attacks by elephants, wild boars and bees, the solatium has been increased from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.
Likewise, the Government has also raised compensation for victims who suffer permanent disabilities. The assistance for persons who suffer disabilities ranging from 40% to 60%, including the loss of a limb or eye, has been raised from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh.
For those sustaining permanent disabilities over 60%, the compensation has gone up from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 3.124 lakh. The order also streamlines treatment assistance for persons hospitalised with severe injuries.
Meanwhile, the Public Works Department (PWD) has formulated an ambitious infrastructure development programme to modernize the State’s road and bridge network. The plan is to construct as many as 350 bridges and upgrade 15,000 km of roads to Bituminous Macadam and Bituminous Concrete (BMBC) standards during the current tenure of the State Government.
Announcing the ambitious programme, Public Works Minister P. K. Basheer said the UDF Government has already granted administrative sanction for projects worth Rs 2,000 crore. A comprehensive package is being readied for the development5 of major junctions, bypasses and flyovers across the State.
Projects will be implemented based on a prioritized list, following the receipt of a study report to be submitted by a committee. Special emphasis is being placed on developing junctions troubled by severe traffic congestion, as well as on the construction of new bypasses and flyovers.
Alongside, a plan to develop selected cities under the ‘City Road Improvement Project’ is also in the pipeline. Sanction has already been granted to 90 projects related to Sabarimala pilgrimage with an outlay of Rs 551.50 crore. Moreover, additional administrative sanction has been given to 126 road projects at a cost of Rs 260.28 crore. The tender process for these projects is under way.
Besides, proposals for 11 road projects under the Sabarimala Scheme (estimated at Rs 29.95 crore) and 136 road projects included in the Budget (estimated at Rs 338.46 crore) are under the Government’s consideration. Contractors with strong professional experience and technical expertise will be given preference to ensure timely completion of the projects.
In the meantime, ahead of the annual pilgrimage season beginning on November 17, the Pathanamthitta District Disaster Management Authority has expanded its Sabari Portal and WhatsApp-based chatbot to a range of services onto a single digital platform. Accessible at sabariportaldcpta.in, the portal works on mobile phones and computers without requiring a separate app.
A notable feature of the facility is that the portal brings travel information together in one place. Pilgrims can check train schedules from Chengannur, Thiruvalla and Kottayam, find KSRTC services, including Nilackal-Pampa chain buses and long-distance buses from Pampa, and access links for virtual queue and bus ticket bookings.
A ‘Lost And Found’ facility is also being developed to help trace missing persons and belongings, with reports forwarded to the police control room.
In another development to help women, Minister for Women and Child Development, Bindu Krishna has said that the new women’s policy of the UF Government will be announced on March 8, International Women’s Day.
As a follow-up to the framing of the policy, a ‘Youth-Gen Z conclave’ with the participation of college students and select youth leaders will be held.
Policy framing committees should ensure 50 % reservation for women – from the State level to the local body level. This suggestion was made by Deputy Speaker Shanimol Usman. (IPA Service)
