Legal Aid Awareness Camp Held for Human-Wildlife Conflict Victims: DLSA conducts awareness programme at Salepada High School

Nuapada, September 30: As part of the mega drive organised under the aegis of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), an awareness camp on the NALSA Scheme for Legal Services to Victims of Human-Wildlife Conflict, 2025 was organised at Salepada High School under Sunabeda Gram Panchayat on Tuesday, marking the observance of the 72nd Wildlife Week. The awareness programme was aimed at sensitising students and the local community about the legal rights and assistance available to people affected by human-wildlife conflicts. Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, Navanita Dash, attended the programme and elaborated on the provisions of the NALSA scheme and the assistance available to victims. Speaking on the occasion, Dash explained the various forms of legal assistance available to victims of wildlife attacks and highlighted the compensation and other support provided under the State Forest Department’s ex-gratia provisions. She also spoke about free medical treatment and the procedure for seeking assistance and compensation within the prescribed time. The issue assumes significance in Nuapada district, where incidents involving wildlife such as bears, tigers, elephants and wild boars have affected local communities. While attacks by tigers and bears have reportedly resulted in injuries to people and damage to livestock and property, elephant and wild boar activity has also caused damage to houses and crops in several areas. Dash urged people affected by such incidents to remain aware of their legal rights and approach the appropriate authorities within the stipulated time to seek compensation and other available assistance. She also stressed the importance of timely reporting of wildlife-related incidents to the concerned authorities. Headmaster of Salepada High School Debadas Sabar, Komna-based advocate Sohel Khan, teachers and members of the DLSA’s Para-Legal Volunteer (PLV) team participated in the programme. The awareness camp provided an opportunity for students and community members to interact with legal service representatives and learn about legal remedies, compensation provisions and support mechanisms available to victims of human-wildlife conflict.