Minister CL John attends the Wildlife Week 2026 programme at Town Hall, Mokokchung, on October 6. (Morung Photo)
Wildlife Week 2026 observed at Mokokchung
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | October 6
The Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Nagaland, observed Wildlife Week 2026 at Town Hall, Mokokchung, on Tuesday under the theme “Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife,” with Minister CL John flagging the gap between annual pledges to protect wildlife and their implementation on the ground.
John, who attended the programme as the special guest, said Wildlife Week is observed every year, but agreements and promises made not to kill wildlife are often forgotten.
He said convincing people in Nagaland to stop hunting and fishing remained difficult, drawing a parallel with the challenges of persuading earlier generations to give up headhunting, accept Christianity and take up education.
The Minister called for sustained involvement of the Ao Senden, churches, village councils and community leaders in wildlife protection. He stressed the need to regularly sensitise communities, particularly elders, students and village leaders, and promote a more balanced relationship with nature.
He observed that earlier generations hunted in moderation, but wildlife had now become increasingly scarce.
Delivering the keynote address, Vedpal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, said India observes Wildlife Week from October 2 to 8 every year to generate awareness about wildlife and their habitats. He said the observance also carries a message of compassion, non-violence and respect for living beings.
Singh said hunting, capture, trade and habitat destruction had contributed to the decline of wildlife during the 1960s and early 1970s. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, was subsequently enacted to protect wildlife, regulate hunting and trade, and conserve habitats. The Act became applicable in Nagaland on December 18, 1981, he said.
Representatives of Longkhum and Waromung villages highlighted the human-elephant conflict faced by their villages and surrounding areas and appealed to the department to take necessary measures.
Y Kikheto Sema Development Commissioner and Principal Secretary to the department, also delivered a special address.
