Kohima, Jan 29: A massive wildfire raging across the southern part of Dzükou Valley has reached an uncontrollable stage, prompting authorities to declare that direct human intervention is no longer feasible. The fire, suspected to have broken out on January 26, was reported to officials a day later and has since spread rapidly across the ecologically sensitive valley and adjoining mountain ranges.
 |
| Flames and thick smoke rise from the southern slopes of Dzükou Valley as a massive wildfire rages for the third consecutive day. |
The exact cause of the wildfire remains unknown. Officials said the scale and intensity of the blaze, combined with strong winds, dry weather conditions and rugged terrain, have made ground-level firefighting operations extremely challenging.
An emergency meeting of district authorities was convened on Wednesday afternoon to assess the situation and decide the next course of action. Following the meeting, Buchem, a senior district official, said reconnaissance and continuous monitoring of the incident site are being carried out using drones. “The damage is extensive, and human intervention is not feasible. We have already requisitioned Indian Air Force helicopter services for Bambi bucket operations,” he said.
A monitoring team comprising the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, district administration branches, drone operators, and volunteers of the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) will continue surveillance of the affected area.
In a successful rescue operation, around 20 trekkers stranded in Dzükou Valley were safely evacuated on Wednesday evening by SDRF personnel and SAYO volunteers.
Earlier, on January 27, a reconnaissance and rescue team led by Vineikho Tetso, SDO (Civil), Jakhama, was deployed to assess the fire and prevent its further spread. The team included officials from the police, Home Guards, Forest Department, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Kohima, Fire and Emergency Services, and representatives of SAYO. The team was instructed to submit regular reports and mobilise all available resources.
In view of the ongoing wildfire, SAYO has announced the temporary suspension of trekking to Dzükou Valley through both Jakhama and Viswema entry points until further notice, citing serious risks to public safety.
ALSO READ: Wildfire Erupts in Dzükou Valley; Trekkers Evacuated, Trekking Suspended
Meanwhile, the forest fire continues to burn across Dzükou Valley and Mount Esii for the third consecutive day, with flames spreading toward the Manipur side near the Nagaland–Manipur border. A joint firefighting team reached the affected areas early Thursday morning, involving personnel from the Manipur Police, Forest Department, Fire Brigade, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), SDRF, local village authorities, and volunteers from Mao and surrounding villages.
Authorities remain on high alert as efforts continue to prevent further ecological damage in one of the North East’s most biodiverse regions, though access to the fire zone remains severely limited due to steep slopes and dense vegetation.
