WOKHA — At least 30 farmers at Changsu Old village in Wokha district have suffered extensive crop damage following a wild elephant rampage on August 31.

According to local sources, a herd of elephants entered the village early in the morning, destroying large swathes of paddy fields, banana plantations, and other standing crops.

Speaking to Eastern Mirror, Sulamo Patton, the village GB, lamented the recurring nature of such incidents. “Every year, our farms are attacked. This time, the elephants reached the very edge of our village. It’s not just our daily bread and livelihood—our lives are at risk,” he said, distressed by the destruction of their year-long efforts in a single night.

Villagers recalled that last year, the Forest department provided a compensation of INR 1,700 per affected farmer, which they described as grossly inadequate given the labour and resources invested throughout the year.

Also read: Wild elephants cordon Wokha district amid ongoing conflict

Nagaland: Wild elephants wreak havoc in Ruchan village

R Chumben Enny, VDB secretary of Changsu Old, expressed concern over the sustainability of coexistence efforts. “We are told to live in harmony with the elephants through various awareness programmes. But how can that be sustainable when farmers’ lives and their only source of livelihood are under constant threat?” he questioned.

He further stated that wild elephant incursions occur two to three times annually, not only destroying crops but also damaging farmers’ huts. Appealing to the state government, he urged for a balanced mechanism that ensures peaceful coexistence and adequate compensation for affected farmers.

As the harvest season approaches, the human-elephant conflict continues to escalate in Wokha district. Many farmers have resorted to camping in their fields, constructing makeshift watch posts atop trees to monitor elephant movement.

However, several were unable to protect their crops when they returned home briefly to collect essentials or rest during the weekend.