Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Dr. Senthil Kumar N, while addressing concern on human-animal conflict in Wokha area, said that the department of Forest was exploring possible solution to help the affected communities. He was speaking at the inauguration of Ronren village gate under Wokha on April 9, 2025.
The inauguration of gate was part of Forest and Biodiversity Management in the Himalaya, Nagaland (FBMP) project funded by KfW Development Bank under German Cooperation.
He urged the villagers to support forest conservation activities and highlighted the vital role of local involvement in sustaining the environment.
Dr. Senthil also expressed appreciation for the support and cooperation of the villagers. He said the village gate was not merely a structure, but a symbol of the community’s commitment to conserve forests and biodiversity.
He encouraged the villagers to actively manage their Community Conserved Area (CCA), take advantage of the livelihood opportunities offered under the project, and work closely with the Forest Department to ensure the success of the initiative.
Divisional Forest Officer of Wokha, Suman W M Sivachar, reiterated the importance of community cooperation, pointing out that the department’s work would not be possible without the village’s support.
He said the gate was only the beginning, and more development initiatives, including income-generating activities, are planned under the project. He also mentioned that discussions are ongoing regarding the villagers’ request for solar lights, which could help in reducing elephant-related conflicts.
Chairman CCA, in his address, thanked the Forest Department for their continued support, with special mention of Range Forest Officer Lansothung Lotha for his consistent visits and dedication in the making of the village gate. He expressed the village’s gratitude for the construction of the gate, which stands as a symbol of partnership between the department and the community.
He also raised the growing concern of elephant intrusions, informing that a house was destroyed by elephants just a day prior, on April 8, and many families have been forced to stay in their old village area due to the threat.
The team with Chief Conservator of Forests (Monitoring & Evaluation), Dr. Senthil Kumar N, Conservator of Forests, Southern Territorial Circle and Deputy Project Director of FBMP; Zuthunglo Patton, Deputy Conservator of Forests and Deputy Project Director of FBMP Ango Konyak is currently visiting various sites in Wokha district as part of the Monitoring and Evaluation process under the FBMP and NFMP initiatives.