NLA addresses human-animal conflict

Kohima, 12 September (MTNews): In response to a starred question raised by MLA Achumbemo Kikon, Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change CL John has revealed that the government has undertaken significant measures in the last three years to address the pressing issue of human-animal conflict in Bhandari Sub Division. This initiative aims to mitigate conflicts between humans and wildlife, particularly elephants, through a strategic combination of short-term and long-term measures.

According to Minister CL John, one facet of the strategy involves short-term interventions such as support to alternative livelihood activities, capacity building to deal with conflict and training the villagers on elephant repellent techniques, construction of elephant watch towers, compensation for damages, and ex gratia for any human injury/ killing etc.

Another critical aspect of the government’s approach is centered on long-term management. In this regard, the primary focus has been on raising awareness and fostering a greater understanding of the complex challenges associated with human-animal conflicts.

When asked whether there is a policy for providing financial assistance or government jobs to the next of kin or family members of victims of wild elephant attacks, the Minister replied that there is financial assistance and ex-gratia payments of up to Rs. 5 lakhs. However, there is currently no policy in place to provide government jobs to such victims.

John added that the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has also been working on the preparation of the National Elephant Management Plan, based on inputs from experts, which will aid in better management of conflict-prone areas.