Correspondent
WOKHA, MAY 30 (NPN): Wokha district has emerged as the worst affected in Nagaland due to rising incidents of human-elephant conflict, with elephant presence reported in over 100 villages and nearly 60 identified as active conflict zones, deputy commissioner Mhathung Tsanglao said at a seminar on “Access to Justice for Victims of Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC)” held at Likya Community Hall on Saturday.
Highlighting the destruction of paddy fields, plantations and farmhouses, Tsanglao said Wokha has recorded five human fatalities since 2018, while 15 elephant deaths have been reported across Nagaland. He attributed the worsening situation to shrinking habitats and closure of traditional migratory corridors due to human activities. He expressed hope that the newly established Doyang Wildlife Division covering Wokha, Mokokchung and Zunheboto would strengthen mitigation measures.
Member secretary, NSLSA Neikho Akami, informed that the “Access to Justice for Victims of Human-Wildlife Conflict 2025” scheme has been introduced to provide legal aid to victims for documentation, filing claims and pursuing compensation. He said a dedicated team would assist victims, ensuring no one is left behind in accessing justice.
Stating that this was the first seminar of its kind in Nagaland, Akami said Wokha was chosen as the venue since it records the highest incidence of human-elephant conflict in the state. He added that the initiative was launched to ensure that no victim is left behind in accessing justice and support.
Wildlife warden, Dimapur, Dr. C. Zubeni Tsanglao, stressed that conservation is a shared responsibility of both the State and citizens, noting that encroachment on habitats and blocked corridors have intensified conflicts. She called for coexistence, compassion and timely reporting of incidents.
Assistant manager (Relief, Recovery and Mitigation), NSDMA, L. Jonjibemo Odyuo, presented relief data showing that 483 beneficiaries across 13 districts received Rs. 70.88 lakh under wild animal-related disasters between 2018 and 2026. Wokha recorded the highest number of beneficiaries at 256, receiving Rs. 49.10 lakh, followed by Mokokchung with 165 beneficiaries receiving Rs. 12.35 lakh. He clarified that relief assistance is basic support, not compensation, and called for stronger coordination and awareness.
Relief assistance was distributed to victims during the programme, which concluded with an interactive session where villagers raised concerns over compensation, mitigation and recurring elephant incursions.