Nagaland inaugurates Doyang Wildlife Division in Wokha to address human elephant conflict and strengthen conservation efforts.
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WOKHA — The Government of Nagaland formally inaugurated the Doyang Wildlife Division under the Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change at Forest colony, Wokha, on Thursday, marking a significant step towards strengthening wildlife conservation and administrative efficiency.
The newly-created division follows a government notification on the reorganisation of forest divisions, under which the erstwhile Doyang Plantation Division has been upgraded and re-designated as the Doyang Wildlife Division
.
The division will have jurisdiction over Wokha, Mokokchung and Zunheboto districts.
Special guest for the event, Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change and Village Guards, CL John, in his address, emphasised the importance of maintaining ecological balance.
The minister highlighted the growing concerns over human–elephant conflict and stated that the new division would play a key role in addressing such issues, with additional staff to be deployed.
John stressed that while people desire a healthy climate and environment, unchecked human activities such as deforestation, hunting of wildlife, and destruction of habitats have disrupted ecological balance.
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He called for greater responsibility among citizens to protect forests, wildlife and the environment, adding that conservation must be a collective effort rather than solely the government’s responsibility.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and head of Forest Force, Vedpal Singh, in his remarks, stated that the division, initiated in 2022, was a long-pending demand.
He expressed optimism that it would effectively address wildlife-related challenges in the region. Singh further informed that a dedicated control room has been established at the Wokha Forest Office for reporting grievances related to human–elephant conflict.
Principal Secretary, Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Y Kikheto Sema, highlighted the increasing instances of human–elephant conflict due to habitat loss and stressed the need for coexistence, awareness and strategic intervention.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Wokha, Renbomo Ezung, noted that the district has been facing serious wildlife-related challenges and stressed the importance of habitat protection, preventive measures and awareness.
Chairman of Lotha Hoho, Mhondamo Ovung, stated that human–elephant conflict has claimed over ten lives in the district and assured full support from civil society organisations towards conservation efforts.
Meanwhile, the programme on distribution of fishing boats under the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA), which was scheduled to be held at Lanchi Erü, Doyang, was postponed due to unavoidable circumstances at the Doyang location. Officials informed that the programme will be rescheduled on a later date, which will be notified accordingly.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Suman W M Sivachar, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Wokha.
The inaugural programme was chaired by Hukato Chishi, Conservator of Forests (STC).