Changing Climate threatens Nagaland forests and livelihoods

Omnyei M Konyak

The total geographical area of Nagaland is 16579 sq km of which forests cover approximately 8629 sq km (52.04%).  According to the Department of Forests, Govt. of Nagaland, forest area under govt. control accounts for less than 4% of the state's geographical area. Most of the remaining forests are owned either by village communities, clans within villages or private individuals.

Between 2002 to 2025, Nagaland lost 37 Kha (kilo hectare) of humid primary forest, accounting for 14% of its total tree cover loss. During this period, the state’s humid primary forests are declined by 9.0%.

Nagaland has witnessed a devastating monsoon season, triggering deadly landslides and flash floods that have caused extensive damage to homes, roads, public infrastructure, livestock, and agricultural land. Mon district was among the worst affected districts, with landslides and flash floods claiming 9 lives in the district HQ.

Causes of climate change in Nagaland 
Shifting/Jhum cultivation: Excessive clearing of forests and the burning of vegetation have led to soil erosion, water scarcity, and loss of biodiversity. 

Deforestation: Nagaland State Biodiversity Board has recorded the state as one of the highest rates of tree cover loss in the country, losing about 794.88 sq.km between 2013 and 2023. According to Global Forest Watch, the following districts accounted for 58% of total tree cover loss between 2001 and 2025:

Coal mining: Nagaland has 45 licensed coal mining operators. Rat-hole coal mining is prevalent in Mokokchung, Mon, Longleng and Wokha. This practice cause extensive land degradation, water contamination, loss of biodiversity, and air pollution.  

Urbanization: Rapid urban expansion has resulted in indiscriminate waste disposal, and expansion of settlements through forest clearance.

Effects of climate changes
Rising temperature: Nagaland is experiencing rising temperature and rising climate variability, with Dimapur and Chümoukedima often recording 34 to 39 degrees Celsius during summer.

Water scarcity: Despite receiving 1800 – 2500 mm of annual rainfall, steep hilly terrain causes immense surface runoff, resulting in water shortages. Kohima, Kiphire, Phek, Zunheboto and Mon have experienced severe water shortage. 

Extreme weather hazard: Climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events including heavy rainfall, floods, landslides, windstorms, and heatwaves causing significant damage to lives, property, and the environment. 

Human Health: Climate change has increased the incidence of vector-borne and heat-related illnesses in Nagaland. Common vector-borne diseases include malaria, Japanese Encephalitis, and dengue. Japanese Encephalitis has been reported mainly in Dimapur, Kohima, Peren, Mokokchung, Zunheboto, Longleng, Tuensang, and Wokha, while  Dengue outbreaks have been reported predominantly in Dimapur and Mon.

Way forward 
Development of an early warning system to improve disaster preparedness. (Example: access Safer Nagaland App for weather updates)

Improve Water management by implementing rooftop rainwater harvesting

Promote the use of alternative sources of energy such as LPG to reduce dependence on forests, particularly in rural areas.

Promote research to better understand the impacts of climate change on Nagaland’s forests, with Nagaland University serving as a leading centre for climate and environment research. 

Empower Village Councils (VCs) to regulate Jhum cultivation and conserve community forests. 

Climate change is no longer a distant threat to Nagaland. The recent devastating floods and landslides have highlighted the urgent need to protect the state’s forests and biodiversity. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts by the government, researchers, village councils and local communities. Through sustainable forest management, climate-resilient development and active public participation, Nagaland can build a safer and more sustainable future.