Dzükou Valley wildfire largely contained
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Kohima, Feb 2
Authorities in Nagaland’s Kohima district have largely contained a wildfire that has been burning in the southern Dzükou Valley since January 26, now entering its eighth day.
Deputy Commissioner B Henok Buchem said the fire is mostly limited to areas below and around Mount Tempfü, with the main valley unaffected and no immediate threats. Small flare-ups persist near Mount Tempfü and Mount Merata, while the blaze near the helipad has been completely extinguished.
A multi-agency operation involving over 150 personnel, including the district administration, SDRF, Police, Forest Department, Fire Services, SAYO, Home Guards, drone operators, and 13 Assam Rifles, has been ongoing since the fire began. Difficult terrain and dense bamboo have restricted manual firefighting in areas behind Mount Tempfü.
Two IAF helicopters conducted three Bambi bucket sorties each on Saturday and Sunday, with additional sorties planned for Monday. The aerial water drops target areas difficult to access on foot.
Preliminary estimates suggest nearly one-third of the Dzükou Valley was affected, mostly dwarf bamboo, which is expected to regenerate naturally within months. SAYO president Zaseitsolie Beio stated the fire originated between the Jakhama and Viswema routes and spread to Kehoke and Mount Tempfü under challenging conditions.
Officials and SAYO cited visitor negligence as a recurring cause of wildfires and called for stricter guidelines for valley management. Trekkers are urged to follow rules, use authorised guides, and help protect the fragile ecosystem.
NET Web Desk
Authorities in Nagaland’s Kohima district have largely contained a wildfire that has been burning in the southern Dzükou Valley since January 26, now entering its eighth day.
Deputy Commissioner B Henok Buchem said the fire is mostly limited to areas below and around Mount Tempfü, with the main valley unaffected and no immediate threats. Small flare-ups persist near Mount Tempfü and Mount Merata, while the blaze near the helipad has been completely extinguished.
A multi-agency operation involving over 150 personnel, including the district administration, SDRF, Police, Forest Department, Fire Services, SAYO, Home Guards, drone operators, and 13 Assam Rifles, has been ongoing since the fire began. Difficult terrain and dense bamboo have restricted manual firefighting in areas behind Mount Tempfü.
Two IAF helicopters conducted three Bambi bucket sorties each on Saturday and Sunday, with additional sorties planned for Monday. The aerial water drops target areas difficult to access on foot.
Preliminary estimates suggest nearly one-third of the Dzükou Valley was affected, mostly dwarf bamboo, which is expected to regenerate naturally within months. SAYO president Zaseitsolie Beio stated the fire originated between the Jakhama and Viswema routes and spread to Kehoke and Mount Tempfü under challenging conditions.
Officials and SAYO cited visitor negligence as a recurring cause of wildfires and called for stricter guidelines for valley management. Trekkers are urged to follow rules, use authorised guides, and help protect the fragile ecosystem.
NET Web Desk