Doyang Wildlife Division opens

Officials flag rising human-elephant conflict concerns

Morung Express News
Wokha | April 16

The Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Nagaland inaugurated the Doyang Wildlife Division and a dedicated Control Room for Human-Elephant Conflicts (HEC) at the Doyang Wildlife Division Office, Forest Colony, Wokha on April 16. 

The programme was graced by Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change and Village Guards, Government of Nagaland, CL John, as the special guest. In his address, the Minister said: “We must maintain ecological balance by translating knowledge into action and adhering to established guidelines and best practices.”

Highlighting the growing concerns over HEC, he stated that the newly created Doyang Wildlife Division would play a crucial role in addressing such challenges, with additional staff to be deployed. “The Doyang Wildlife Division will play a crucial role in addressing HEC, with adequate manpower to ensure timely response,” he said. 

The Minister observed that while people aspire for a healthy climate and environment, unchecked human activities such as deforestation, hunting of wildlife, and destruction of habitats have disrupted ecological balance.

“While we aspire for a healthy environment, our own actions have contributed to disturbing the ecological balance,” he remarked. He called for greater responsibility among citizens, asserting that conservation must be a collective effort and not solely the responsibility of the government. “Conservation must be a collective effort and not the sole responsibility of the government,” he asserted.

He also acknowledged the limited public support in safeguarding forests and wildlife, noting that although Nagas have traditionally respected nature, awareness has only recently begun to grow. “Public support in safeguarding forests and wildlife has been limited, though awareness is gradually increasing,” he noted.

Expressing optimism, he said a significant shift in mindset could be witnessed within the next five to six years, contributing to climate change mitigation and long-term sustainability.

He further appealed for cooperation from the people of Wokha and thanked the Lotha Hoho for assuring full support and coordination towards the successful functioning of the division. He also urged the Lotha Hoho to ensure the successful implementation of the ongoing foothill road project for the benefit of the public.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Vedpal Singh, IFS stated that the Doyang Wildlife Division, initiated in 2022, was a long-pending demand. “The Doyang Wildlife Division was a long-pending demand initiated in 2022,” he said. He explained that its creation was necessitated by the increasing incidents of HEC in Wokha, which have become a serious concern in recent years.

“We are optimistic that this division will effectively address wildlife-related challenges,” he added. He further informed that a dedicated control room has been established at the Wokha Forest Office to facilitate reporting and prompt redressal of grievances related to HEC.

Principal Secretary, Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Y Kikheto Sema informed that efforts are underway to secure an externally aided project aimed at providing long-term solutions to the issue.

ADC Wokha, Renbomo Ezung noted that Wokha district has been facing serious wildlife-related challenges. He called for habitat protection, preventive measures, and increased awareness to address the issue effectively.

Chairman of Lotha Hoho, Mhondamo Ovung stated that HEC has claimed over ten lives in the district. He assured full support from civil society organisations towards conservation efforts and cooperation with the Forest Department in addressing the issue.

Meanwhile, the programme on distribution of fishing boats under the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA), which was scheduled to be held at Lanchi Erü, Doyang on the same day, has been postponed.

Rs 9 lakh ex gratia paid to victim’s family
Speaking to the media, Minister CL John stated that the primary objective of establishing the division is to develop effective solutions for wildlife management, ensure peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife, and address public concerns related to wildlife issues.

He added that with the division now operational, the public can directly report grievances, which will be addressed promptly.

On the issue of compensation, he informed that “affected farmers are provided immediate relief through Disaster Management, along with additional departmental assistance.” He disclosed that Rs 9 lakh ex gratia has been provided to the family of a victim from New Riphyim village.

State action plan on HEC submitted for approval
Addressing queries on the State Action Plan to mitigate HEC, Vedpal Singh stated that “The proposal has been submitted to the government, and we are hopeful of a positive response.”

On the possibility of relocating wild elephants, he clarified that “Relocation is challenging due to stringent criteria and lack of qualified agencies.” 

He also informed that most compensation claims have been cleared except for those from the last quarter, and encouraged affected individuals to approach the Doyang Wildlife Division office directly for redressal.