DC Kohima, B Henok Buchem, officials, and the team engaged in combating the Dzükou fire at the base camp in Khonoma on December 15. (DIPR Photo)
Team to trek for final ground assessment
Kohima, December 15 (MExN): Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B Henok Buchem, on Monday visited the base camp at Khonoma overseeing operations against the Dzükou forest fire, accompanied by a team of district officials.
According to a DIPR report, the visiting delegation included SDO Civil Sechü-Zubza Imliakum, Nodal Officer Thejangulie Zao, and District Commandant HG, CD & SDRF Wopenthung. Officials from the Police, Forest, and Fire & Emergency Services departments were also present.
During the visit, representatives from Khonoma youth, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and other agencies briefed the officials. They reported that an inspection team sent on December 15 had observed the presence of “smoke in between burnt bushes, but no active flames.”
“The smoke was stated to be contained, with Khonoma Youth volunteers, SDRF, and Forest Department personnel present on site,” the report stated. Indian Air Force helicopters equipped with Bambi buckets were deployed to suppress the smoke. As a precaution, the western part of Dzükou has been temporarily closed, it mentioned.
They highlighted that the rescue and response operations by volunteers were possible due to prior training initiatives undertaken by the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) and conducted by the SDRF.
The Adviser of the Khonoma Youth Organisation (KYO) thanked the Kohima DC, in his capacity as Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), for his coordination. “He added that the government should be informed of this success story achieved under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner,” the report added.
A discussion was held on continuing the operation. While the IAF team from Kharagpur, along with youth volunteers and SDRF personnel, expressed confidence that “the fire had been contained,” it was decided a team would trek to the Dzükou fire area the following day for a final ground assessment.
DC Buchem expressed gratitude to God and all involved, particularly applauding the spirit of human compassion shown by the team, especially the people of Khonoma.
Earlier in the day, Advisor NSDMA & NRE, Z Nyusietho Nyuthe, DC Buchem, Nodal Officer Thejangulie Zao, and Assistant Manager Response & Communication NSDMA, Rendemo Shitio conducted an aerial survey of both the Western and Southern Dzükou areas by helicopter to assess the situation.
