Morung Express News
Dimapur / January 12
CHIEF MINISTER Neiphiu Rio has sent out an SOS message to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, asking for immediate assistance to douse the raging fire at Dzukou Valley. Rio has expressed serious concern over the uncontrollable fire which has been blazing for the past five days, and which has destroyed about 10 sq km of the valley, along with its precious bio-diversity resources, which will be very difficult to be restored, a release said. The Chief Minister has condemned in the strongest of terms those culprits responsible for the outbreak of the fire.
“A massive forest fire is raging in the Dzukou and Japfu mountains since the last five days. The fire has destroyed about 10 sq kms of the area along with its precious biodiversity resources”, the Chief Minister stated in the letters for assistance addressed to Union Ministers Shivraj Patil and A Raja of the Home and Environment Ministry respectively.
Rio said, “The State Government has attempted to control and put out the fire, but with little success due to the difficult terrain, lack of adequate fire fighting equipments, and accumulation of huge dry biomass fueling the fire.” Assistance from the Centre has been sought for immediate aerial survey and to chalk out strategies to combat and put out the fire on emergency basis.
Forest Secretary, L Kire further informed The Morung Express that the villagers and the department are making intense efforts to douse the spreading fire.
Considering the grave situation engulfing the southern areas of the district, the Southern Angami-II constituency MLA, KV Pusa underlined that the Government should play a bigger role by providing necessary infrastructures and assistance to bring down the fire. While informing that no casualty has been reported till now, Pusa said that the fire is raging rapidly and destroying the ecological beauty of the valley. He further suggested that if the need arise, the government should provide choppers to evacuate the villagers under danger to safer grounds.
“So far we are not able to pinpoint the culprits however; strong action would be taken against the offenders if caught. The destruction will not only affect the ecological balance of the place but the people will be the worst affected”, the MLA informed The Morung Express.
It may be mentioned that Dzukou Valley is about 30 kms south of Kohima, at an altitude of about 2438 metres behind the Japfu ranges. Over the years, Dzukou has come to be called the ‘valley of eternal charm’ because of its beautiful landscape and rich floral diversity. It is also considered one of the best trekking spots in the State.
