Leaders discuss human-elephant conflict in Wokha

• 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.
  
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• 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.
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  CL John speaking during the consultative meeting on human-elephant conflict mitigation in Wokha on June 6.

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• 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.
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• 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.

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• 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.
  
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• 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.
  
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• 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.
  
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• 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.
  
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• 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.
  
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• 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.
  
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• 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.
  
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• 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.
  
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• 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.
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• 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.