20 air-guns surrendered in Nitoi village as youth join wildlife conservation movement

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 3  (DIPR): As part of the ongoing Wildlife Week 2024 celebrations, the Kiphire Forest Division and Wildlife Division organized an 'Airgun Surrender Program' at Nitoi village under the theme 'Wildlife Conservation Through Coexistence.'

Speaking at the event, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kiphire, Rama Shankar Prasad, IFS, emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence with nature. "Forests, wildlife, and the environment hold the key to a better future for humanity. Both humans and wildlife must coexist with minimal conflict, which is achievable through individual efforts," he stated.

Prasad also highlighted that Wildlife Week, celebrated annually in the first week of October, aims to raise awareness about the collective responsibility to protect wildlife and safeguard the environment.

The event saw the surrender of 20 airguns by the youth of Nitoi village, a symbolic gesture toward reducing human-wildlife conflict. The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Kiphire, Longdiba L. Sangtam, and Range Officer Kiphire, Aaron R. Yimchunger, were also present at the program, which reinforced the message of conservation.

The initiative was part of a broader campaign led by the Department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Government of Nagaland, to promote wildlife protection during Wildlife Week 2024.