DIMAPUR — A
consultative meeting on mitigating human-elephant conflict was held in Wokha on
June 6, bringing together government officials, environmental experts, and
community representatives to discuss effective strategies for addressing the
escalating conflict between humans and elephants in the region.
Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, CL
John, attended the event as the special guest, where he highlighted the broader
impact of climate change on wildlife behaviour and habitat displacement,
according to a DIPR report.
CL John speaking
during the consultative meeting on human-elephant conflict mitigation in Wokha
on June 6.
He noted that the increasing frequency of human-elephant
encounters has led to significant losses, including damage to farmlands,
destruction of property, and even human casualties.
The minister underscored the urgent need to strengthen
forest guard training, pointing out that over half of the sanctioned posts
remain vacant, leaving critical areas vulnerable. He assured the deployment of
additional forest personnel in Bhandari, emphasising that while elephant
relocation is impractical due to logistical constraints, alternative solutions
such as population control measures would be explored.
The meeting was attended by key state leaders, including MLA
and Advisor for the Department of Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan, MLA YM Humtsoe,
MLA and chairman of the Sub-Divisional Planning and Development Board (SDPDB)
Bhandari, Achumbemo Kikon, and Advisor to the Chief Minister, Dr. Chumben
Murry.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Yanthan acknowledged the
persistent efforts by relevant departments in mitigating human-elephant
conflicts. He streeeed the need for swift compensation to affected individuals,
reinforcement of community-led conservation initiatives, and the implementation
of awareness campaigns, early warning systems, and outreach programmes to
reduce incidents of elephant-related damage.
Humtsoe advocated for a coexistence-based approach, urging communities
to foster a deeper understanding of elephant behaviour to minimise
confrontations. Advisor Dr. Murry spoke on the expanding human and elephant
populations, noting that the increasing proximity of these species has
intensified conflicts. He recommended the integration of technology, including
artificial intelligence, for better conflict prediction and resolution.
MLA Kikon stressed the importance of environmental
management and habitat preservation, urging authorities to adopt long-term
solutions that safeguard both human settlements and elephant populations. He
called for immediate, practical interventions that would offer lasting relief
to affected communities.
DC Wokha Vineet Kumar reiterated the government’s commitment
to addressing the crisis, reviewing incident reports and compensation
mechanisms, and advocating for technological innovations to tackle
elephant-related disasters more efficiently.
A special presentation by Dr. Rudraditya, a wildlife expert,
offered scientific insights into elephant instincts and behaviours, including
their natural sensory mechanisms and patterns of movement that contribute to
conflict situations. He outlined practical mitigation solutions to minimise
damages while ensuring safe intervention strategies.
Zuthunglo Patton, Conservator of Forests (STC), Nagaland,
discussed the Forest and Biodiversity Management (KfW) Project, which includes
135 villages across five districts—Kohima, Peren, Wokha, Tuensang, and
Mokokchung—under the Unified Mitigation Framework Initiative to manage wildlife
interactions. Research Associate at the Wildlife Institute of India, Rishi
Basumatary, provided an overview of conflict-reduction techniques through a
detailed presentation.
Representatives from affected villages and communities
shared first-hand experiences, describing the real challenges posed by elephant
intrusions and urging the government to implement effective long-term
solutions.
During the introductory session, Vedpal Singh, PCCF and
Chief Wildlife Warden, Nagaland, presented data revealing that since 2018, 15
elephants and 5 human lives have been lost due to conflicts.
He noted that Nagaland has approximately 440 elephants, with
almost half residing in Wokha district. Singh highlighted concerns over the
drastic decline in elephant numbers over the past century, while human
populations have multiplied sixfold, exacerbating territorial competition. He
detailed various mitigation strategies, alongside the challenges faced by
conservation departments in effectively implementing them.
