Haryana Constitutes Committee to determine compensation for accidents caused by stray animals

Haryana Chief Secretary, Sanjeev Kaushal, revealed that the state government is taking significant steps to address accidents/incidents caused by stray animals. A committee, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner in all districts, has been established to determine compensation, with decisions expected within four months of claim submission.
The Chief Secretary was presiding over meeting convened today regarding the implementation of a decision by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Kaushal outlined the committee’s composition, which includes members such as the Superintendent of Police or Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic), Sub-Divisional Magistrate, and a representative of the Chief Medical Officer. Depending on the location and nature of the accident, specific officials like DDP0 for Panchayat areas, DFO for incidents involving wild animals, XEN of PWD B&R for state road accidents, and Additional Commissioner or Municipal Secretary for municipal areas will be part of the committee. If the accident happens on the National Highways ,the Project Director / nominee of the Commissionaire will be its member.

The committee will adhere to the guidelines and standards of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, while deciding on compensation for such cases. The decision will be forwarded to the Principal Secretary of the concerned department or the Project Director of NHAI, who must disburse compensation to the claimant within six weeks.The Chief Secretary said that stray animals, for the purpose of compensation, encompass animals like cows, bulls,dogs, donkeys, nilgai, and buffaloes.

Notably, the High Court has specified compensation amounts, such as Rs 10,000 for a dog’s bite and a minimum of Rs 20,000 for injuries caused by a dog bite. Highlighting the state government’s proactive approach, Kaushal emphasized that the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Parivar Suraksha Yojana is already in operation to provide compensation for such accidents. He directed the implementation of appropriate amendments to align with the High Court’s decision.