Battle against wildfire in Dzükou range continues

December 31, 2020 43 Views No Comment

Correspondent Kohima, DEC 30 (NPN) : Even after 24 hours of continuous burning, the wildfire that broke out in Dzükou range (a hillock near the valley) showed no sign of abating as it raged on Wednesday evening too at the main entry point from Viswema village here.

Although Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) volunteers along with forest rangers were stationed at strategic locations to monitor the fire, there was very little they could do to control it as strong gust of wind blowing out from Dzükou valley made the fire spread more fiercely and rapidly. Battle against the wildfire had to be suspended for the day.

As part of his planned visit, Nagaland Governor RN Ravi along with his family on Wednesday visited the valley. They had to traverse along a bypass route to get back to his entourage stationed at parking camp on the foothills because the raging fire had engulfed most of the main trekking path after they went into the valley.

Ravi was accompanied by DC Kohima, Mohammed Ali Shihab; SP Kohima Manoj Kumar A, other district administration officials, Jakhama SDO (C), Khuzama police station OC, Kohima forest ranger and other forest officials, SAYO leaders and SASU president.

But other than the governor’s entourage and a lone trekking party of around eight youth, no other trekkers were seen in the valley although it is a hotspot for thrill seekers, especially during this time of the year.

Meanwhile, the fire had burnt out most grass bed and trees as far as the eye could see and left only the pygmy bamboo (pleiosblastus pygmeaus) behind.

The bursting sound of the bamboos coupled with the howling wind created an eerie feeling as the fire blackened out mountains one after the other.

SAYO vice-president Khesie Sale said the organisation was contemplating to seek the help of NSDMA, Air Force and others if the fire continues to burn at this rate. He further stated that the volunteers along withforest department, police and district administration would return to the valley on Thursday to help douse the fire and also conduct an assessment on the damage caused by the fire.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/battle-against-wildfire-in-dz%C3%BCkou-range-continues/226700.html