The Forest Department under Mokokchung Division, in collaboration with the Wildlife Division, Dimapur, conducted a two-day training and workshop on Human–Elephant Conflict Mitigation under the Community Conservation Area (CCA) Management Plan from October 30–31, 2025.
The program, held under the “Forest and Biodiversity Management in the Himalaya, Nagaland” Project (FBMP)—co-financed by the Federal Republic of Germany through the German Development Bank (KfW)—covered five Batch-1 villages: Khar, Mongchen, Dibuia, Alongkima, and Waromung.
According to Dr Sentitula, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Mokokchung, the FBMP aims to “promote sustainable and effective management of forests and biodiversity in Nagaland, support improved connectivity and conservation of biodiversity, create and enhance livelihood opportunities for dependent communities, and establish incentive mechanisms rewarding communities for protecting and maintaining their Community Conserved Areas.”
The workshop formed part of Landscape 6: Reducing Human–Elephant Conflict through Expanding Conservation Areas, a key component of the project.
On October 30, the team visited Khar, Mongchen, and Dibuia villages, followed by Waromung and Alongkima on October 31, where members of the Village Councils and CCA Committees actively participated.
During the sessions, experts from the Wildlife Division shared detailed insights into elephant behaviour and ecology and demonstrated practical, non-lethal methods to safeguard farmlands and human settlements. Techniques demonstrated included the preparation and use of grass bundles with dry chilli and tobacco, chilli-grease fencing, fireballs to deter elephants from a distance, and other precautionary measures to reduce crop and property damage.
Villagers were also briefed on the official reporting procedure in cases of elephant-related incidents. Affected areas, they were told, can be geo-tagged and documented through the Village Council and must be reported within 72 hours to the nearest Forest Range Office for prompt response and possible compensation assessment.
Emergency materials and deterrent tools were distributed to Village Councils for future use.
Villagers expressed gratitude, noting that it was their first time learning about preventive and non-harmful measures to manage elephant intrusion. They appreciated the initiative and showed willingness to apply the techniques in their areas.
The FBMP is being implemented in two batches under Mokokchung Forest Division—Batch 1 comprising Khar, Mongchen, Dibuia, Alongkima, and Waromung, and Batch 2 comprising Unger, Changtongya Old, Akhoya, and Nukshiyim villages.