Wokha District Planning and Development Board addresses human-elephant conflict

DIMAPUR — The District Planning and Development Board (DPDB), Wokha, convened its monthly meeting on July 19 at the DC’s conference hall, chaired by Deputy Commissioner and DPDB vice chairman, Vineet Kumar, in the presence of Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan and Mhonbemo Humtsoe, MLA.

According to a DIPR report, the session commenced with a review of previous meeting agendas, followed by a comprehensive presentation from the Forest department.

Key areas discussed included human-elephant conflict mitigation, where the department presented data indicating elephant presence in over 100 villages, with 60 identified as conflict zones.

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It was informed that the Wildlife Institute of India had surveyed 126 villages to support detailed data collection. Major crop losses due to elephant activity include rice, areca nuts, taro, and rubber. The department also notified that plans are underway to establish a dedicated human-elephant conflict control room to address these concerns with greater efficiency.

The house also deliberated focused on the Amur Falcon Conservation and JICA Project, where updates were shared on ongoing conservation efforts and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) initiative, encompassing 20 villages in the district.

The discussion also covered nursery development and afforestation initiatives, highlighting activities under Nagar Van Yojana and other schemes that focus on plantation and eco-restoration efforts.

During the discussion, Advisor MhathungYanthan emphasised the importance of long-term ecological and livelihood planning. He called upon all departments and agencies in Wokha to align their strategic proposals with the vision of Viksit@Wokha2047, inspired by the national roadmap of Viksit Bharat@2047.

He further stressed the need to integrate district-level plans with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and urged stakeholders to submit actionable proposals targeting improved outcomes.

In referencing the Northeast SDG Index, the Advisor underscored that it was imperative to elevate Wokha district’s performance across development indicators and work towards a higher ranking in subsequent assessments.

“The meeting showcased a unified commitment towards cohesive planning, environmental stewardship, and transformative development, reinforcing the district’s aspiration to achieve equitable progress through collective effort,” the report stated.

Minister Bashangmongba chairs Tuensang DPDB meet

The monthly Tuensang DPDB meeting was held on July 18 at DC’s conference hall, under the chairmanship of Minister for Housing & Mechanical Engineering P Bashangmongba Chang

After reviewing last month’s meeting minutes, the board discussed the agenda submitted by the Chang Khulei Setshang regarding the road conditions of the BRO Road connecting Tuensang and Mon, which had deteriorated over years due to lack of maintenance. After discussion, the matter was forwarded to the relevant department for action. Additionally, the board approved LADP and iconic schemes for three assembly constituencies: 51 Noksen, 53 Tuensang Sadar-I, and 54 Tuensang Sadar-II.

Earlier, during the felicitation and presentation of meritorious award programme to the six HSLC toppers from Tuensang district, Minister Bashangmongba Chang congratulated the toppers and thanked the principals and teachers of St. John Higher Secondary School, Holy Angel School, and Eklavya Model School for their guidance and support.

Exhorting the students, the minister said, “Behind every high achievement is a story of hard work and perseverance. Be an author of your success.” Bashangmongba cautioned that while challenges and temptations would arise, determination and diligence would help overcome obstacles. Noting the risks of alcohol and drug abuse, he emphasised the need for vigilance. He concluded by advising students to remain humble and seek divine guidance for future success.