Dzükou Wildfire Largely Contained in Nagaland

The wildfire raging in the southern part of the Dzükou Valley in Nagaland’s Kohima district entered its eighth day on Monday, with officials confirming that the blaze has been largely brought under control.

The fire, which broke out on January 26, is now mostly restricted to areas below and around Mount Tempfü, according to Kohima Deputy Commissioner B Henok Buchem. Authorities stated that the main Dzükou Valley remains unaffected and is currently free from immediate fire threats.

While the fire near the helipad area has been completely contained, fresh flare-ups have been reported in pockets around Mount Tempfü and Mount Merata. A coordinated multi-agency firefighting operation has been ongoing since the first day, involving more than 150 personnel.

Firefighting efforts on the ground have faced major challenges due to the region’s rugged terrain, dense vegetation, and limited accessibility, particularly in areas behind Mount Tempfü. To support operations, two Indian Air Force helicopters have been deployed, carrying out multiple Bambi bucket sorties over the weekend, with additional aerial operations planned.

Preliminary assessments suggest that nearly one-third of the Dzükou region may have been affected by the fire, although officials emphasised that the core valley area has remained untouched. Most of the damage has been reported in dwarf bamboo vegetation, which is expected to regenerate naturally within a few months.

Teams from the district administration, State Disaster Response Force, police, forest department, fire and emergency services, home guards, drone operators, the Southern Angami Youth Organisation, and personnel from the 13 Assam Rifles have been actively involved in containing the blaze.

Local organisations highlighted that the fire initially broke out between the Jakhama and Viswema entry routes before spreading towards Kehoke and Mount Tempfü. Authorities and community leaders have once again raised concerns over recurring wildfires in the Dzükou Valley, attributing many incidents to visitor negligence.

The government, in consultation with local stakeholders, is considering formal guidelines for the long-term management and protection of the Dzükou Valley. Tourists and trekkers have been urged to follow safety norms, engage authorised guides, and act responsibly to preserve the fragile ecosystem.