Human-Elephant Conflict Mitigation Campaign continues

Wokha, November 9 (MExN): A Human-Elephant (wildlife) Conflict Mitigation Awareness Campaign was organised in the conference hall of Chudi Village Council in Wokha district on November 6.  

A press release issued by Satya Prakash Tripathi, Chief Wildlife Warden, Nagaland stated it was organised by the Forest Department, Nagaland under Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’- Outside Protected Areas-Human-Animal Conflict Mitigation of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India. The awareness campaign was part of a series of campaigns organised by the Forest Department throughout the State.  

Around 80 people from the Lower Range of Wokha district affected with human-elephant conflict, officials from the Forest Department, NGOs participated in the programme.  

K. Caroline Angami, Wildlife Warden, Dimapur gave a brief background and genesis of the existing problem in the State. Chairman, Chudi Village Council highlighted the prevalent problem in the region and requested the state Forest Department to provide solution for co-existence of people of the affected Lower Range with wild elephants.  

Satya Prakash Tripathi, Chief Wildlife Warden in his keynote address highlighted the policies of the State Government and the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India for addressing the problem. He requested the people of the Lower Range to get their applications for compensation against damage of crops or habitations etc recommended by the Assessment Committee, which has been constituted by the Government for the purpose with Deputy Commissioner, Wokha as the chairperson.  

On behalf of the public affected with elephant problem, President, PPP stated the elephant repellent measures temporarily solve problem of a village. However, elephants get irritated and cause havoc in other neighbouring villages. He suggested blocking entry routes of elephants and earmarking some area for elephants by giving compensation from the Government.  

The matter was discussed and it was agreed that the villagers concerned will prepare elephant based community reserves for possible funding from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.  

This was followed by demonstration on elephant repellent and PowerPoint presentation in curbing wildlife crimes by the officials of the Wildlife Crime Control Unit, Wildlife Division, and Dimapur.