With the escalating human-elephant conflict (HEC) in the Lotha region where eight recent fatalities caused by elephant attacks, Green Succession of Nagaland (GSN) urged the Forest Department at district, regional and head office levels to undertake comprehensive studies to devise actionable mitigation strategies.
A press release issued by Green Succession of Nagaland stated that human encroachments into natural habitats, a leading cause of these confrontations, has alarmed environmental groups and locals alike.
The GSN, an environmental watchdog, underscored the deteriorating local sentiment toward these majestic creatures. The group warned that persistent fatal encounters could weaken the community’s tolerance, potentially leading to retaliatory harm to the elephants.
Highlighting the dangers of unchecked anthropogenic disturbances, the organization stated that these not only disrupt the ecosystem but also bring about crop losses, property damage, and human casualties. The group also emphasized on the dire need for improved governance in conflict resolution and fortified law enforcement.