Advisor Mhathung Yanthan spearheads human-elephant conflict mitigation drive

DIMAPUR — In a decisive and forward-looking step to address the growing challenge of Human–Elephant Conflict (HEC) in Wokha district, Mhathung Yanthan, Advisor of Agriculture spearheaded a constituency-wide awareness and mitigation programme from August 2 to the 10th.

The programme highlighted the urgent need for coexistence strategies in areas where HEC has caused recurring loss of crops, property damage, and even human casualties, a DIPR report stated.

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Moving beyond reactive relief measures, the initiative focused on practical, low-cost, and sustainable solutions grounded in community empowerment and scientific expertise.

The event featured Dr. Rudraditya, an internationally recognised wildlife veterinarian and elephant ecologist from Bengaluru, with over 18 years of field experience in India and Africa. Renowned for pioneering chili-based deterrent methods to prevent crop raids by elephants, his approach is celebrated for being cost-effective, sustainable, and humane.

Over nine days, the campaign covered 14 villages along the route Pyotchu–Lakhuti; Baghty– Sanis–Okotso, with Dr. Rudraditya conducting live demonstrations on preparing and applying chili-based deterrents, hands-on training for farmers and local volunteers, and interactive community dialogues to adapt solutions to local conditions

The initiative marks a paradigm shift in how rural constituencies can address human–wildlife conflicts, shifting the approach from confrontation to coexistence.

It also underscored that “sensitive leadership, when combined with community engagement and scientific knowledge, can deliver lasting solutions,” the report stated.

“With its success in Wokha district, this HEC mitigation awareness programme stands as a replicable model for other vulnerable regions in Nagaland and the Northeast, reaffirming that governance rooted in people’s needs and environmental stewardship can bring about impactful and sustainable change.”