Kohima: A massive wildfire broke out at Khonoma Dzükou Valley on Friday morning, scorching nearly 1.8 square kilometres of forest cover and prompting a multi-agency emergency response.
Authorities have suspended all trekking activities in the region until further notice.
Sources informed that the fire was likely triggered by a group of young trekkers who had camped illegally inside the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS) without permission or a registered guide.
The blaze spread rapidly through the dry vegetation, sending thick smoke plumes across Kohima town. Residents reported ash fragments drifting with strong afternoon winds.
Although the fire had largely dissipated by nightfall, volunteers from Khonoma village would continue to closely monitor the valley. Smoke was first noticed around 10:45 am, with simultaneous alerts from villagers and trekking guides. The fire is believed to have originated at Neibu Zie, a mid-valley campsite where the trekkers had stayed.
Emergency response teams from the district administration, SDRF, police, fire services, along with volunteers from Khonoma village, were mobilised to assess the damage and plan containment measures. The incident has revived memories of the 2020 Dzükou wildfire, which destroyed nearly 15 square kilometres of forest.
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Kohima Deputy Commissioner B. Henok Buchem informed that four trekkers stranded inside the valley were rescued safely on Friday. A temporary base has been set up at the valley’s entry point, and monitoring operations are being coordinated with the Khonoma Youth Organisation (KYO) and the Western Angami Youth Organisation (WAYO).
A joint team comprising officials from the Home Department, Kohima district administration, State Disaster Management Authority, and representatives of Khonoma village will conduct an aerial survey on Saturday to identify high-risk zones.
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