The Nagaland government has launched a new wildlife division in Wokha district to deal with the growing problem of human-elephant conflict, a concern that has been affecting several parts of the state in recent years.
The Department of Environment Forest and Climate Change Nagaland inaugurated the Doyang Wildlife Division along with a dedicated control room aimed at ensuring quicker response to conflict situations. The programme was held at the Doyang Wildlife Division Office in Forest Colony, Wokha.
Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister C L John attended the event as the chief guest. In his address, he said that while people in Nagaland have traditionally respected nature, there is now a growing need to turn awareness into concrete action. He stressed that development and conservation must go hand in hand, and that a balance between forests, wildlife and human needs is essential for a sustainable future.
The minister highlighted the increasing incidents of human-elephant conflict in the region and called for peaceful coexistence. He urged local communities to cooperate with authorities in managing such situations and assured that the government is putting systems in place for faster response and compensation where required.
Vedpal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, said the creation of the new division was necessary due to the rising number of conflict cases, especially in Wokha district. He described the division and its control room as an important step that will help in immediate intervention and provide support to affected residents.
Principal Secretary Y Kikheto Sema also spoke at the event, underlining the importance of awareness and long-term planning. He said efforts are being made to secure externally aided projects that can address the issue in a more comprehensive way.
Officials said the Doyang Wildlife Division has been carved out of the earlier Doyang Plantation Division. The new division will cover forest areas across Wokha, Mokokchung and Zunheboto districts. It is expected to strengthen conservation work while also creating a dedicated system to handle wildlife-related conflicts more effectively.
Human-elephant conflict has been a recurring issue in parts of Nagaland, often leading to damage to crops, property and sometimes posing risks to human life. With the setting up of this new division, the government hopes to reduce such incidents and improve coordination between forest officials and local communities.
