CL John urges Naga people to stop hunting wildlife and abide by the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 during Wildlife Week in Mokokchung.
Officials clarify Wildlife Act applies in Nagaland under Article 371(A)
MOKOKCHUNG — Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change CL John on Tuesday remarked that it is very difficult to make the Naga people understand the need to stop hunting wildlife, while referring to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The observation was made during the observance of Wildlife Week at the Town Hall in Mokokchung. He noted that although people are aware of the Act, they tend to forget—intentionally or unintentionally—to protect wildlife the very next day.
“Fact to be told, it is very difficult to let Naga people understand not to hunt wildlife when it comes to the Wildlife (Protection) Act,” he said.
Drawing a parallel with the era of head-hunting, the minister observed that it had been equally difficult to end that practice in the past.
A similar kind of “head-hunting” trend, he said, continues in Nagaland today in relation to the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
To eradicate such practices, he stressed that the effort must begin from Mokokchung with proactive participation from the Ao Senden and church leaders.
John appealed to the people of Nagaland to abide by the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and all its subsequent amendments up to 2022. He particularly urged village councils, students and church bodies to advocate and sensitise the public about the Act as disseminated by the department.
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Vedpal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and HoFF, shed light on the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and Article 371(A), which has sparked public debate over whether the Act is applicable in the state or contradicts the special provision.
He clarified that the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, was passed by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on September 18, 1981, and adopted through a resolution as laid down under the provisions of Article 371(A). Therefore, the question of the Act’s non-applicability in Nagaland does not arise.
Singh further clarified that under the Act, wildlife is the property of the government. Consequently, it is illegal to keep, hunt or harm wildlife. He also added without a government permit it is illegal of kept wild life.
On the recent Nagaland wildlife case, he said the matter is subjudice but asserted that “the picture what you see now is not the complete picture.” He disclosed that the case involves two counts of offences—taking wildlife from the wild and possession or keeping it in captivity.
Underscoring that healthy forests and wildlife are a must, Singh said nature-based tourism is among the fastest-growing sectors in India. If Nagaland can attract even 0.1 per cent of that market, the approximate expected value would come to INR 800 crore, he said.
He also informed that the Government of Nagaland has declared wildlife damage a natural disaster. Victims of such incidents can therefore claim compensation through the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA).
Development Commissioner and Principal Secretary of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Y Kihheto Sema informed that the Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU) was set up in 2025.
Since last year till date, 49 individuals have been penalised for violations of the Act, with the penalty amounts deposited in the government’s coffers.
To create mass awareness, he said the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, should be incorporated into the school syllabus, with active participation from church bodies to lead the masses on the importance of protecting wildlife.