Nagaland: Elephant herd ravage croplands in Wokha’s Ruchan village, villagers seek urgent intervention

A wave of concern has swept through the Ruchan villages in Wokha district’s Bhandari Sub-Division in Nagaland following the incursion of a large herd of wild elephants, estimated to number between 50 and 70. The elephants have invaded farmlands and residential areas, wreaking havoc on homes, essential structures, and standing crops.

The intrusion, which locals say has become a recurring threat, has plunged the agrarian community into distress, as many villagers rely solely on farming for their livelihood. Fields of plantation crops have been trampled, and in some cases, homes have sustained heavy structural damage, compelling several families to live in constant fear and uncertainty.

Residents are now appealing to the district administration and wildlife authorities for immediate action. Among their demands are the rapid deployment of forest personnel, installation of deterrent mechanisms such as solar-powered fencing and alarm systems, and the initiation of long-term human-elephant conflict mitigation strategies.

The community has also voiced concern over the absence of sustainable monitoring systems and compensation mechanisms for losses incurred during such wildlife encounters. They emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts between forest departments, local authorities, and conservationists to ensure the safety of both human and animal lives.