A major wildfire that erupted in the scenic western Dzukou valley in Nagaland's Kohima district has been successfully contained after a multi-day operation involving air and ground forces. The fire, which started on December 12, posed a significant threat to the ecologically sensitive area popular among trekkers and nature enthusiasts.
Joint Forces Tackle the Blaze
To combat the spreading flames, authorities deployed Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters equipped with specialized Bambi buckets. These helicopters played a crucial role in dousing the fire from the air, effectively suppressing the smoke and flames. On the ground, a coordinated effort was underway involving the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), district administration, and, most notably, volunteers from the local Khonoma youth.
On-Site Assessment and Community Gratitude
On Monday, Kohima Deputy Commissioner B Henok Buchem visited the base camp of the firefighting team to take stock of the situation. He was briefed by representatives of the Khonoma youth, SDRF personnel, and other government agencies. The youth representatives expressed profound gratitude for the support from all stakeholders during the crisis.
They highlighted that the effective on-ground rescue and response was made possible due to prior training initiatives undertaken by the Angami Youth Organisation and conducted by the SDRF. This preparation proved invaluable in managing the emergency.
Precautionary Closure and Future Vigilance
While the official report confirmed that no active flames were observed, the presence of smoke between burnt bushes indicated that the situation required continued monitoring. As a precautionary measure, the western Dzukou valley has been temporarily closed to visitors.
Although the combined team from the IAF's Kharagpur station, youth volunteers, and SDRF expressed confidence that the fire was contained, a decision was made to send a team to trek to the western Dzükou area again on Tuesday. This team will conduct a thorough assessment to ensure no hidden embers remain and to evaluate the ground situation fully, ensuring the safety of the valley's unique ecosystem before it reopens to the public.
