Gangtok, 6th July 2026:
A meeting on Human Wildlife Conflict was convened today at the New Samiti Hall under the chairmanship of Additional Director, Shri Passang Tamang, to deliberate on the growing challenges posed by human–wildlife conflict and its adverse impact on the farming community across Sikkim.
The meeting was attended by Joint Director, Shri Yogesh Sharma from the Agriculture Department Joint Director, Deputy Directors Agriculture Development Officers (ADOs) Horticulture Development Officers (HDOs) Horticulture and Agriculture Inspectors VLW’s Field Assistants and officials from all Blocks.
In his address, the Additional Director expressed concern over the increasing incidence of crop damage caused by wild animals, which has emerged as a serious threat to agricultural production and the livelihoods of farmers. He elaborated on the importance of conducting a comprehensive ward wise survey to assess the extent of crop losses and emphasized that accurate and timely data would facilitate evidence based planning and the formulation of appropriate mitigation measures. He urged all officers and field functionaries to carry out the survey with utmost sincerity and ensure timely submission of reports.
Speaking on the occasion, Joint Director (Agriculture), Shri Yogesh Sharma, underscored the need for close coordination between the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments during the survey. He stated that the joint exercise would enable a comprehensive assessment of crop damage and strengthen the Government’s efforts in addressing the issue of human wildlife conflict through coordinated action.
The meeting also informed that, in accordance with the Office Order issued by the Department, Ms. Tashi Choki Bhutia, Deputy Director (Horticulture), Gangtok District, has been nominated as the Nodal Officer and Ms. Susmita Lama Tamang, Deputy Director (Agriculture), Gangtok District, as the Deputy Nodal Officer for the joint ward wise survey on crop damage caused by wildlife. They will coordinate and monitor the implementation of the survey across the district.
The meeting concluded with a collective resolve to ensure the successful completion of the survey through coordinated efforts of the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, with the objective of generating reliable data to support effective policy interventions and sustainable measures for mitigating human wildlife conflict in the State
