Fire continues to rage in the Dzukou valley along the interstate border of Nagaland and Manipur. Fire broke out in the scenic range in Nagaland’s Kohima district on Tuesday, official sources said. Fire is said to have been started by miscreants.
OSD of Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Johnny Raungmei confirmed the fire incident. He, however, said that the cause of the fire and the extent of damage are yet to be ascertained. He said the NSDMA has already requisitioned IAF choppers to douse the fire.
Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) president Zakieletuo Tsukru also confirmed the fire incident and said that the careTaker of Dzukou valley has informed that the fire has engulfed the area away from the picturesque Dzukou valley.
According to reports, the blazing fire in the valley was so huge that it even became visible from the state capital Kohima. This is not the first time that valley has been targeted by miscreants. According to local sources, there have been major fires in the valley in 2006 and 2018 as well. On smaller level, this is said to be third time in las four years that valley is on fire.
It is feared that with strong wind lashing the area the fire may reach the valley if not contained at the earliest as it had already engulfed the Dzukou valley viewpoint, he said. SAYO volunteers did try to reach the area to fight the fire but since darkness had fallen they returned, he said.
Known for its scenic natural beauty, the Dzukou valley located in Nagaland’s Kohima district is famous for its natural environment, seasonal flowers and flora and fauna. Every year, the valley attracts thousands of tourists from all over India as well as abroad and offers exciting adventures such as trekking and zip-lining.
The valley is situated at an altitude of 2,452 metre above sea level and lies in the interstate border between Nagaland and Manipur. The valley which is about 30 kilometres away from Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, houses endangered tragopans and other species of birds and animals. Dzukou valley is also famous for its rare lilies and rhododendron flowers.