Wokha, April 17: The Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change inaugurated the Doyang Wildlife Division along with a dedicated Control Room for Human–Elephant Conflict (HEC) management at the Doyang Wildlife Division Office, Forest Colony, Wokha.

The programme was attended by Minister for Forest, Environment & Climate Change and Village Guards, Nagaland, C. L. John, as the special guest.

In his address, the Minister emphasized the need to translate environmental awareness into practical action by following established guidelines and best practices. He noted the importance of strengthening conservation efforts and highlighted the need for cooperation from local communities in protecting forests and wildlife. Referring to human–elephant conflict issues, he stressed the importance of coexistence and urged timely community support in addressing wildlife-related incidents. He also acknowledged the support of the Lotha Hoho in assisting departmental initiatives.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Vedpal Singh, IFS, stated that the creation of the Doyang Wildlife Division was aimed at addressing increasing incidents of human–elephant conflict in Wokha district. He described the inauguration of the division office and control room as an important step toward providing quicker response and assistance to affected communities.

Principal Secretary of the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Y. Kikheto Sema, highlighted the presence of elephant habitats across Nagaland and their interaction with human settlements. He stressed the need for awareness to reduce conflict and promote coexistence, and informed that efforts are being made to secure externally aided projects for long-term solutions.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Wokha, Renbomo Ezung, NCS, spoke on the need to protect wildlife habitats in the Doyang area through conservation, prevention measures, and awareness programmes. Chairman of Lotha Hoho, Er. Mhondamo Ovung, assured full support from civil society organizations.

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 created Doyang Wildlife Division has been reorganized from the former Doyang Plantation Division. It will function as a rapid response mechanism for wildlife-related issues, with jurisdiction covering Wokha, Mokokchung, and Zunheboto forest divisions. The initiative is aimed at strengthening conservation efforts and addressing human–elephant conflicts in the region.