Nagaland: Major wildfire erupts in Western Dzukou Valley

Guwahati: A large wildfire broke out in Nagaland’s Western Dzukou Valley in Kohima district on Friday, December 12, officials said.

The blaze was first noticed by a tourist guide, who immediately informed the Khonoma village authorities and the district administration.

Kohima Deputy Commissioner B. Henok Buchem issued an emergency order forming a special team to conduct reconnaissance and begin rescue operations to stop the fire from spreading.

The operation is being led by Imliakum, SDO (Civil), Sechü-Zubza, who has been assigned to coordinate activities at the site.

He is being assisted by a multi-agency team that includes the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (North), the District Commandant of Home Guards, the Range Forest Officer, the Nodal Officer of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Kohima, Fire and Emergency Services personnel, and members of the Western Angami Youth Organisation (WAYO).

The team has been instructed to reach the affected area immediately, assess the situation, and use all available resources to contain the fire.

They are also required to provide regular updates for better coordination.

The Deputy Commissioner stressed the seriousness of the situation and the need for quick and coordinated action due to the ecological importance of the Dzukou Valley, a well-known trekking destination and biodiversity-rich region.

The wildfire has spread toward the southern part of Kohima district.

Further details are awaited, while the DDMA Kohima continues to closely monitor the operation to prevent the fire from escalating.