Deputy Commissioner Kohima, B Henok Buchem, NCS, on Monday visited the base camp at Khonoma of teams engaged in combating the wildfire in Western Dzükou, which officials said has been brought under control.
The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by SDO (Civil) Sechü Zubza Imliakum, Nodal Officer Kohima Thejangulie Zao, District Commandant Home Guards, Civil Defence and SDRF Wopenthung, and officials from the police, forest department and fire and emergency services.
During the visit, representatives of the Khonoma Youth, SDRF and other government agencies briefed the officials on the current situation. They informed that an inspection team sent on Monday observed smoke between burnt bushes, but no active flames were present. The smoke was reported to be contained, with Khonoma Youth volunteers, SDRF and forest department personnel deployed at the site. Indian Air Force helicopters were also engaged, using Bambi buckets to suppress and contain the smoke. As a precautionary measure, Western Dzükou has been temporarily closed.
The Khonoma Youth expressed gratitude for the support extended by all stakeholders during the crisis. They stated that rescue and response operations were possible due to prior training initiatives undertaken by the Angami Youth Organisation and conducted by the SDRF.
The adviser of the Khonoma Youth Organisation also thanked the Deputy Commissioner, in his capacity as chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority, for effective coordination of the operation.
A discussion was held on whether to continue operations. While the helicopter team from Kharagpur, along with youth volunteers and SDRF personnel, expressed confidence that the fire had been contained, it was decided that a team would trek again to Western Dzükou on Tuesday to further assess ground conditions. Deputy Commissioner Buchem expressed gratitude to all those involved and particularly appreciated the efforts of the people of Khonoma.
Earlier, the wildfire had spread rapidly in Western Dzükou, prompting the district administration to deploy emergency response teams from the Fire and Emergency Services and the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority. A multi agency team led by the SDO (Civil) Sechü Zubza was tasked with reconnaissance and containment operations.
In view of the fire, the Southern Angami Youth Organisation had suspended all trekking to Dzükou Valley as a precautionary measure. Trekking will remain restricted until authorities confirm that the area is safe.
(With DIPR inputs)