Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 14
IN THE wake of the raging fire at Dzukou Valley, an Indian Air Force helicopter with State forest officials onboard scrambled against high smoky wind to take stock of the blazing inferno early this morning. The aerial survey as per an emergency directive from Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India was carried out smoothly for an hour at 9: 30 am.
According to the survey team, the intensity of the fire is reducing. However, the extent of damage was assessed to be at about 20 sq km. The State government had earlier informed that 10 sq km of the valley had been destroyed.
Today’s impact assessment comes following the Union Home Ministry responding to the SOS message dispatched by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on January 12, Thurday in the wake of the raging fire at Dzukuo Valley for the last 6-7 days.
Meanwhile, based on the information gathered after the aerial survey today, a preliminary report was submitted today to the State government. Forest Department sources disclosed that the State government is preparing a complete report on the extent of damage and assistance and measures to be undertaken. The report will be sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs once the Chief Secretary finalizes the report.
The Union Home Ministry has expressed deep concern over the situation and has assured all possible assistance to douse the fire. The Centre has also agreed to bear all expenses and will be in constant touch with the State government to assess the situation, according to official sources.
It may be mentioned that the Union Home Secretary, V. K. Duggal has personally contacted DGP, I. Changkija to take stock of the situation, highly placed sources told The Morung Express.
Meanwhile, the State government has approached the Indian Air Force for further assistance and other technical expertise.
Southern Angami-II MLA Kevi Pusa, when contacted said that the State government should involve more help and give aid to the firefighters. He said that firefighters were youths from neighboring areas that had been sent to battle the fire everyday. The Forest and Fire department are also involved in putting down the blazing fire. Pusa also suggested that various NGOs operating in the area, jointly with Disaster management experts, should get involved to plan strategies and measures in controlling the fire and assess the extent of damage. Further, he also mentioned that various forces of the State should be mobilized with assistance from Air Force to send equipments and manpower to strategic points of the valley.
It may be mentioned that the beautiful Dzuko valley about 30 kms south of Kohima hasw been ablaze for the past few days.
