Dzukou wildfire: Manipur CM calls for help as fire threatens thick forests

Imphal: Cautioning that the Dzukou valley fire may extend to Manipur’s thick forest called Koziirii, Chief Minister N Biren Singh called for help.

A massive fire broke out at the picturesque Dzukou valley from the Nagaland side late on Tuesday night. The Nagaland state disaster management authority requisitioned Indian Air Force choppers to help douse the fire.

Tweeting an early morning picture of the wildfire, Manipur CM wrote, “This photo is clicked at 8.30am from Mao side at mount khugho.(Dzuko FIRE)It has already crossed Mount ASIi the highest peak of Manipur.If the wind direction going to southern side,There is high possibility of entering in the thickest forest call Koziirii in Manipur. Need help.”

Last night, he said that Dzukou valley officials and villagers could not enter the burning areas as the scale of fire is too large and winds are too strong. He said that more manpower with proper equipment is being sent to the help control the wildfire.

BJP National Spokesperson Mmhonlumo Kikon tweeted, “Based on the requisition by the State Government of Nagaland, HQ EAC, IAF has launched a Mi-17V5 helicopter.

The helicopter is equipped with Bambi Bucket for fire fighting in Dzukou Valley near Kohima.”

On Wednesday, Rajkumar M, IFS and the Divisional Forest Officer of Kohima, who was on-site with his team along with Southern Angami Youth Association (SAYO) members told media persons, “Not the main valley, but a hillock near the main valley is on fire. We are trying our best to save it by all possible ways.”

The Range Officer of Kohima also added that the team is planning to make a fire line cutting to control the wildfire.

Nagaland Governor RN Ravi also visited Dzukou valley on Wednesday to take stock of the situation.

Earlier in November 2018, a major fire had damaged a portion of the picturesque Dzukou valley. It was contained by the SAYO volunteers.

Another devastating fire in 2006 had wiped out a 20-km stretch of Southern Dzukou when the state government was compelled to draft an SOS to the Centre for logistical help like choppers.