Farmers complain that it is not easy to claim relief as it takes many days to collect documents and understand the process.
What you should know
Farmer Chetraj Ghimire of Dokhu Bhedawari, Phungling Municipality-8, has had his crops destroyed by monkeys and deer, ranging from fruits like mangoes, jackfruit, and lychees to crops like corn.
After repeated crop damage, he called Phungling Municipality Chief Amir Maden, Deputy Chief Bhima Devi Ojha, and Ward Chairman Kshitij Sunuwar to monitor the damage caused by wild animals that came near the settlement. He also requested the Division Forest Office and the Agricultural Knowledge Center to observe the damage. Even though the public representatives came and looked, there was no other solution except sighing, "What to do?"
Then Chetraj filed an application with the Division Forest Office demanding compensation. Along with the application, he submitted the damage deed of the Shimle Police Station, the land deed, the damage details certified by the ward office and the agriculture branch of Phungling Municipality, the landowner's certificate, and a copy of his citizenship. He has demanded compensation since the crops he planted have been completely destroyed.
According to Division Forest Office officer Lalit Narayan Yadav, preparations are underway to register Chetraj's application and send it to the provincial directorate. Yadav said, ‘The compensation amount will be handed over to him after he receives it from the directorate.’
It took Chetraj about five days to collect the documents and understand the process. While trying to prepare the documents, he expressed his regret that some employees of the forest office tried to discourage him by saying, ‘No matter how much he claims, he will not get more than 10,000, he would have been able to apply without applying.’ ‘But after I continuously followed up and said that the government must understand the pain of the farmers, they informed him about the process,’ he said.
According to officer Yadav, this is the only application received in the current fiscal year. Employees say that there were not many applications in the previous year as well. They informed that if there is damage within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, compensation will be provided from there and if in other areas, compensation will be provided through the provincial directorate.
Since there is no separate budget for this in the district, a lump sum fund is kept in the directorate and the office sends recommendations based on the application and bond. Chetraj says, ‘There is a provision to provide 10,000 rupees if you submit proof of the place where the crop was harvested. I don't even have to pay for oil on my bike. I'm running around hoping to get money and I'm getting frustrated.'
