WOKHA, AUG 11 (NPN): Old Changsu Village Council has appealed to the Deputy Commissioner, Wokha for urgent relief and financial assistance following extensive crop damage caused by wild elephant raids.
Addressing a press conference at the Village Council Hall on August 11, the council said repeated elephant incursions have severely affected farmers, while no compensation has been provided despite losses reported over the years.
The council informed that a general meeting held on August 8 resolved to submit photographs of damaged crops and a list of affected farmers to the Deputy Commissioner, District Forest Office and Wildlife Warden, Wokha, seeking immediate intervention.
With the harvest season approaching, the council expressed concern that further elephant raids could worsen the situation and threaten the livelihood and food security of affected households.
As part of its relief demand, the council proposed that each affected household be provided one bag of rice every month for one year, citing the difficulties faced by families whose paddy fields have been damaged.
The council also expressed dissatisfaction over the alleged failure of concerned departments to visit affected areas in previous years.
It warned that continued inaction could push the community towards traditional measures, including hunting, and urged the authorities to take timely steps to address the issue.