Kohima: A major wildfire broke out in Nagaland’s western Dzukou Valley in Kohima district on Friday (December 12), officials said.
The fire was first noticed by a tourist guide, who immediately alerted the Khonoma village authorities and the district administration.
Following the alert, Kohima Deputy Commissioner B Henok Buchem issued an urgent order constituting a special team to carry out immediate reconnaissance and containment operations to prevent the blaze from spreading further.
According to the order, the operation is being led by Imliakum, SDO (Civil), Sechü-Zubza, who has been tasked with coordinating efforts on the ground.
He will be assisted by a multi-agency team comprising the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (North), the District Commandant of Home Guards, the Range Forest Officer of the Forest Department, the Nodal Officer of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Kohima, the Officer-in-Charge of Fire and Emergency Services, and representatives of the Western Angami Youth Organisation (WAYO).
The team has been directed to immediately reach the site of the fire, assess the situation, and mobilise all available resources to contain the blaze. Officials have been instructed to provide regular field updates to ensure effective coordination and timely decision-making.
According to Buchem, the responders rescued four stranded trekkers from the fire-ravaged Khonoma DzUkou. The trekkers were safely brought to the district administration’s base camp in Khonoma village after an intense operation by local rescue teams.
Emphasising the seriousness of the situation, the Deputy Commissioner said swift and coordinated action was essential due to the ecological sensitivity of the Dzukou Valley, a popular trekking destination and biodiversity hotspot known for its pristine landscape.
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Officials said the fire has spread towards the southern side of Kohima district.
The District Disaster Management Authority is closely monitoring the situation as efforts continue to prevent the wildfire from escalating.
