WOKHA, OCTOBER 5 (MExN): The Ralan Area Lotha Hoho (RALH) has reported significant disruptions caused by a herd of approximately 40 wild elephants in the Ralan area of Wokha district over the past week. The elephants have been damaging plantations, paddy crops, and properties, severely impacting the daily lives of local villagers.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Warden of Wildlife Conservation in Dimapur, the RALH highlighted that while the presence of wild elephants in the region is a recurring issue, no effective preventive measures have been implemented by the concerned authorities. The ongoing situation has restricted villagers' movements and affected their livelihoods, particularly with the harvest season approaching.
The RALH expressed that, as law-abiding citizens, the villagers have shown remarkable patience in enduring the losses inflicted by the elephants. However, it cautioned that if the situation does not improve, the villagers may feel compelled to take matters into their own hands.
To mitigate the escalating human-elephant conflict, the RALH has the authorities to urgently address the situation as a priority while highlighting that the conflict has not only caused significant losses to villagers over the years but has also endangered public safety.