The Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change inaugurated the Doyang Wildlife Division and a dedicated Control Room for Human-Elephant Conflicts (HEC) at the Doyang Wildlife Division Office, Forest Colony, Wokha, on April 16, 2026. The programme was graced by Minister for Forest, Environment & Climate Change and Village Guards, Government of Nagaland, C. L. John, as the special guest.
In his address, the Minister reflected on his long association with environmental and forest issues, stressing the importance of putting knowledge into action by following guidelines and best practices. He acknowledged the limited support from people in safeguarding forests and wildlife, noting that while Nagas have traditionally respected nature, awareness has only recently begun to grow. He expressed confidence that a significant shift in mentality would be witnessed within five to six years from now. Emphasizing the need to balance nature, forests, and wildlife for a sustainable future, he said such efforts would help mitigate climate change and contribute to long life and growth. He appealed for cooperation from the people of Wokha to ensure the successful execution of the Wildlife Division and thanked the Lotha Hoho for assuring full support and coordination. The Minister also spoke on the challenges of human-elephant conflicts, stressing the need for mutual coexistence and urging communities to support swift redressal of problems caused by wild animals.
The programme began with opening remarks by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Vedpal Singh, IFS, He explained that the creation of the Doyang Wildlife Division was aimed at addressing the growing human-elephant conflicts in Wokha, which have become a serious concern in recent years. He termed the inauguration of the Control Room and Division office as a milestone for immediate interventions and support to citizens.
Principal Secretary, Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Y. Kikheto Sema, also delivered a speech highlighting elephant populations and their habitats across Nagaland and the impact on human settlements. He thanked Minister C. L. John for his commitment to resolving the issue and emphasized the importance of awareness creation to minimize conflicts and promote coexistence. He further informed that efforts are underway to secure an externally aided project to provide long-term solutions.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Wokha, Renbomo Ezung, NCS, in his short speech, spoke about reserving habitats for wildlife in the Doyang area, stressing protection, prevention, and awareness creation. Chairman of Lotha Hoho, Er. Mhondamo Ovung, assured full support from civil society organizations to the Forest Department.
The programme was chaired by CF (STC) Hukato Chishi, IFS, who also delivered the welcome address, while the vote of thanks was proposed by DFO Wokha, Suman Shivashankar Sivachar.
The newly inaugurated Doyang Wildlife Division, reorganized from the former Doyang Plantation Division, will serve as an immediate redressal system for wildlife-related issues. With its office in Wokha, the Division’s jurisdiction will cover Wokha, Mokokchung, and Zunheboto Forest Divisions, marking a significant step towards strengthening conservation efforts and addressing human-elephant conflicts in the region.
(IA Wokha)
