Kohima, Dec 13: Four trekkers were safely rescued on Friday after a massive wildfire broke out in Nagaland’s ecologically sensitive Dzukou Valley, located on the western side of Kohima.

Officials said emergency response teams were immediately mobilised, while counter-fire operations and an aerial survey are scheduled to begin early Saturday to contain the blaze.

Kohima Deputy Commissioner B. Henok Buchem said trekking in the area has been banned as a precautionary measure. “We will carry out counter-fire measures along with chopper services from tomorrow morning to control the fire, as physical access is extremely difficult due to the isolated terrain and dense forest cover,” he said.

Rescue and response teams are being assisted by volunteers from Khonoma village and the Western Angami Youth Organisation.

An official at the Khonoma base camp said drone surveillance could not be conducted on Friday due to strong winds. In addition, poor road access and mobile connectivity have delayed the first response team from reaching the base camp to carry out an on-ground assessment of the situation.

On the southern side of the valley, which adjoins Manipur, the Southern Angami Youth Organisation has also initiated precautionary steps, including an immediate ban on trekking within its jurisdiction.

Dzükou Valley, surrounded by forested mountain ridges, holds immense ecological and social significance. The region serves as a crucial catchment area for several rivers and streams originating from the valley and its adjoining mountain ranges.

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