Kohima: A herd of four to five wild elephants, including a calf, tore through a rubber plantation and nearby fields at Azumra Hayi in Lakhuti village on July 11. The animals destroyed a farm hut and ruined numerous saplings owned by farmers Chenithung Ngullie and Nongothung Ngullie. Thirteen local households rely on this site for their livelihoods. No injuries occurred during the encounter.
This is a recurring problem. Back in May, a separate group of eight to nine elephants damaged six to seven fields in the same area. Former village chairman Mhonthung Yanthan noted that these conflicts happen often. Some residents now hesitate to report damage because they feel past assistance was lacking. Many farms sit in remote areas with poor road access, making it tough for officials to reach them.
Jongponglemba, the Wildlife Warden for the Doyang Wildlife Division, confirmed the July 11 incident reached the Wokha HEC Control Room. Teams are now surveying the destruction. The warden pointed to a lack of resources, including a shortage of vehicles, as a major hurdle. "Our staff have already updated us about the incident. I have directed my range officer to contact the affected farmers and collect all necessary information and details. We have constituted teams and instructed our staff to carry out an assessment survey of the damage," he stated.
The department processes financial relief based on available funds and verified claims. Officials emphasized that payments function as aid rather than full reimbursement. With roughly 60 human-elephant conflict cases logged in recent months, the threat to Wokha farmers continues to grow.
Comments