Relief for wildlife-affected households in Madi, Chitwan after insurance payouts

April 16, Kathmandu: Residents of Madi Municipality, near Chitwan National Park, in Chitwan district, are experiencing relief after receiving insurance payouts for homes damaged by wildlife. The municipality insured 1,500 households in wildlife-prone areas to compensate for losses caused by animals, particularly elephants.

Budhni Bote from Pandavanagar, whose house was destroyed twice by a wild elephant named Dhurbe, expressed gratitude for the timely insurance provided by the municipality. The payout has enabled her to rebuild her home on the same land. Similarly, Sarita Bote insured her house for Rs. 150, hoping for relief if wildlife causes damage.

The municipality, with an annual premium of Rs. 100 per household, insures homes up to Rs. 1 lakh. This initiative, covering 65 homes in Pandavnagar alone, has eased the burden on residents. The program also aims to reduce human-wildlife conflict in areas like Bandarjhula and Pyaulti Khola.