Kohima: A wildfire in Nagaland’s Dzükou Valley has continued for a seventh consecutive day, with authorities relying on Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters to tackle flames in inaccessible areas.
The fire, which broke out on 26 January in the southern part of the Dzükou, has been largely contained, but active flames remain visible around Mount Tempfü, Kohima Deputy Commissioner Henok Buchem said on Saturday.
While a scientific assessment of damage is yet to be carried out, the DC estimated that nearly one-third of the Dzükou area may have been affected by the fire, and that the main Dzükou Valley itself remains untouched and is not facing any immediate fire threat.
More than 150 personnel from multiple agencies have been deployed, including police, disaster response teams, forest and fire services, and volunteers from the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO). The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been assisting with aerial firefighting operations.
Buchem said two IAF helicopters were deployed for the operation, carrying out three “Bambi bucket” water-dropping sorties on Saturday. He added that aerial operations would continue as ground teams were unable to access certain fire spots due to steep and rugged terrain.
The valley has witnessed wildfire incidents in the past, often attributed to negligence by visitors. He noted that local authorities and SAYO had issued guidelines for tourists, including the mandatory engagement of local guides, but incidents continued to occur.
The Nagaland government is now considering issuing a formal notification on the maintenance and management of the Dzükou Valley, in consultation with SAYO.
SAYO president Zasitsolie Beio said the fire initially broke out between the Jakhama and Viswema entry routes before spreading towards Keyoke and Mount Tempfü. Smoke has since been sighted from the Mount Merata (Peratie) side, though no further spread has been detected.
No injuries or casualties have been reported so far, Beio said.
He added that there had been no major wildfire in the Dzükou Valley since a similar incident in 2018 and that awareness campaigns had been conducted across 13 villages under SAYO’s jurisdiction to prevent forest fires.
Beio said those found responsible for causing wildfires would face penalties based on the extent of damage, with fines starting at 5,000 rupees.
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The local leader noted that firefighting efforts in the Dzükou region are often hampered by dense dwarf bamboo and steep terrain, which pose significant risks to personnel though specialised disaster response teams have continued operations over the past six days.
Local authorities have again urged tourists and trekkers to register, hire local guides and strictly follow safety guidelines, citing recent cases of solo travellers going missing in the region.
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