Accident cover for Mahouts, Kavadis hiked from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh
Property damage cover doubled to Rs. 1 crore; Total coverage Rs. 8.80 cr.
Mysuru: In a significant change to the annual insurance scheme for the Dasara elephant squad, the Forest Department has decided not to insure the elephants this year.
Instead, the insurance coverage has been enhanced for Mahouts, Kavadis and frontline staff, besides increasing the cover for compensation towards property damage.
Traditionally, the elephants brought to Mysuru for the Dasara festivities were insured every year along with their handlers. In 2025, all 14 Dasara elephants, their Mahouts, Kavadis, supporting staff and public properties were insured for a total sum of Rs. 2.04 crore.
Each Mahout, Kavadi and frontline staff member was covered for Rs. 2 lakh. In addition, a policy of Rs. 50 lakh was taken to meet compensation in the event of loss of life or damage to public property caused by the elephants.
This year, however, elephants have been excluded from insurance scheme. Instead, the coverage for Mahouts, Kavadis, frontline staff and property damage has been substantially increased.
Coverage for 39 staff members
The revised policy covers 39 personnel associated with the Dasara elephant squad, including 12 Mahouts, 12 Kavadis, one Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), two Range Forest Officers (RFOs), one veterinary doctor, one assistant, 10 special Mahouts and other support staff.
Each person has been insured for Rs. 20 lakh, taking the total personal accident cover to Rs. 7.8 crore. The Forest Department has paid a premium of Rs. 22,308 for the coverage.
Property damage cover hiked
If an elephant causes an accident resulting in injury, death or damage to a third party’s property, the compensation cover has been doubled.
The cover, which was earlier fixed at Rs. 50 lakh, has now been increased to Rs. 1 crore. A premium of Rs. 5,900 has been paid for the enhanced coverage.
Insurance validity
The insurance coverage came into effect from Aug. 25, as the elephants left their respective camps for Mysuru and will remain valid until Oct. 22, the day after the grand Jumboo Savari procession on Oct. 21. In all, the Forest Department has secured insurance coverage of Rs. 8.80 crore for its staff and third-party property damage this year, paying a combined premium of Rs. 28,208.
Sources said that the decision to exclude the elephants from the insurance cover was taken after the question arose as to who would file a claim in the event of any untoward incident involving an elephant.
Since the Forest Department itself would have to file the claim, senior officials felt it would be inappropriate for the Department to seek compensation on behalf of the elephants. Following their directive, insurance coverage for the elephants has therefore been dropped this year, sources added.
Benefits under the policy
In the event of accidental death during the insured period, 100 percent of the insured amount will be paid. Loss of two limbs, both eyes, or one limb and one eye will also qualify for 100 percent compensation.
Loss of a single limb or one eye will entitle the insured to 50 percent of the coverage. Permanent total disability will be compensated at 100 percent, while partial permanent disability will be covered according to the scale specified in the policy.
Medical expenses arising from accidents will also be covered, up to 10 percent of the insured amount or 40 percent of the compensation payable for death or disability, as applicable.
From Aug. 25 to Oct. 22, all 39 personnel working with the Dasara elephant squad will be covered under personal accident insurance, with each person insured for Rs. 20 lakh.
—Dr. I.B. Prabhu Gowda, DCF (Wildlife), Mysuru Division
This post was published on August 26, 2026 7:30 pm