Morung Express News
Kohima | November 26
The fire which broke out from the South West area of Dzükou valley on November 26 is reportedly spreading towards the North as well as West areas of the valley. The fire broke out around 10:00 am.
Zakieleto Tsükrü, President, Southern Angami Youth Organisation informed that the fire broke out from the camp site of a trekking group. While some trekkers fled the scene, some were detained and statements were taken in the evening. “We will be mobilizing more volunteers tomorrow. However, the challenge we face is that there is no proper route in the areas where the fire is spreading,” said Tsükrü. The area towards the West part of the Dzükou valley where the fire is spreading mostly consists of thickly covered forests.
Police personnel, District Administration, NSDMA and the Department of Forest were also present to observe the situation and help contain the fire. Official sources informed that a coordination meeting was also held with the SAYO, local organisation, administration, NSDMA and police personnel at Viswema Dzükou entry point to discuss on the next course of action.
While the fire that broke out in south western part of Dzükou valley subsided, it spread towards Mt. Japfü later. Sources, however, informed that the presence of a river stopped the fire from spreading further towards the Nagaland border. Ashes of burnt vegetation were witnessed in neighboring Southern Angami villages and in Kohima town. The last major fire that occurred in Dzükou valley was in March 2015 which destroyed a large portion of the flora and fauna in the valley.
