SAYO to reopen Dzükou Valley to public on Feb 1

Kohima, January 15 (MExN): The Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) today informed that entry to Dzükou Valley will be banned till the end of January.

The valley will be reopened for local visitors and tourists from February 1 after necessary assessment has been completed.

A press release from SAYO President, Zakieleto Tsükrü and General Secretary, Adukho Kintso said that for the remaining days of January, the organisation will be making a thorough survey around Dzükou where large areas of the forest have been destroyed by the wildfire which broke out on December 29.

The SAYO reminded trekkers to carry their own bedding requirements and to observe the COVID-19 SOPs strictly while visiting Dzükou in the coming month.

Only a group of 50 persons will be only allowed to visit the valley at a time. The visitors will need to obtain entry ticket from SAYO for pre-booking. Visitors will be required to produce identity cards at the entry points before proceeding to the valley.

It cautioned that any form of trespassing through other routes is strictly prohibited except through the two permitted entry points via Jakhama or Viswema village in Kohima.

The SAYO further informed that camping in the valley or inside caves is not allowed except at the allotted Dzükou rest house for trekkers.

For further information regarding the visit to Dzükou next month, interested persons may contact 9612578075 or 7005840860 for pre-booking.

The SAYO meanwhile acknowledged all the government agencies particularly Kohima Forest Division (KFD) personnel and Pezaneinuo Chielie, Kohima range forest officer, who from the beginning have been assisting and tackling the inferno near Dzükou alongside SAYO volunteers.

It further informed that the KFD demobilised its personnel on Friday evening after camping at Dzükou with SAYO volunteers to continue keeping close vigil around the vicinity of Dzükou even after the fire was extinguished four days ago.