In the wee hours of 6th August 2024, four elephants raided paddy fields in Longla Village in Wokha district and destroyed six fields.
Nribemo Ngullie, Chairman of the Longla Village Council, informed Nagaland Tribune that the village has been facing issues with elephants for the past four years, with significant destruction occurring over the last three years. He also said that this year, the elephants have been troubling the villagers for nearly three months and these intrusions have adversely affected 32 farmers.
Ngullie informed that approximately 14 elephants have been observed in the area, with some residing above the Tchukhyo River and others in the Jayie Valley.
The Village Council Chairman further highlighted that the persistent elephant invasions have prevented farmers from harvesting crops and vegetables for two consecutive years. The damage includes the destruction of chillies, brinjals, yams, maize, wheat, sugarcane, paddy fields, and fisheries.
Longla Village, which typically collects between 8 to 10 lakh sugarcane sticks, has seen all of it destroyed, raising serious concerns among villagers, Ngullie stated.
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He expressed his frustration, noting that the escalating situation has caused significant hardship for local farmers who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. The ongoing destruction not only threatens their food security but also impacts their economic stability.
The VCC mentioned that efforts have been made to deter the elephants, such as making fire and also bursting fire cracker provided by the Forest Department between 10:30 and 11:00 pm in the fields. However, all methods have been unsuccessful as the giant animals return shortly after the villagers leave.
Nribemo Ngullie acknowledged the efforts of Forester Zaremo Kithan and the Wokha Forest Department, who actively inspect the site whenever incidents occur. He expressed his sincere gratitude for their support, noting that they have inspected the site twice this year and provided invaluable assistance. He specifically thanked Forester Kithan for his ongoing commitment to helping the villagers in their time of need.
Additionally, the Chairman of Longla Village also informed that they have received assistance only from the Forest Department and appealed the Nagaland Government for urgent assistance and support for the affected families. He emphasised that the issue extends beyond immediate food security, as many families depend on agricultural earnings to provide education for their children.
Read more: Villages in Wokha District vigilant amid rising incidents of human-elephant conflict
