Central and state forces are continuing their efforts to douse the wildfire at the ecologically sensitive Dzokou valley

The battle against the wildfire at the Nagaland-Manipur border is still underway according to the latest reports on Monday.

According to sources, the fire which had razed the Southern range is slowly spreading down towards the western side of the valley.

The southern part of the valley is mostly under control at the moment, but smoke is still visible at the western side of the hillock.

With winds being unpredictable, efforts to douse the fire have become an arduous task which may still take some time.

The Centre also deployed additional teams from the National Disaster Response Force, the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, Assam Rifles and other state machinery to douse the fire.

The Indian Army and Assam Rifles are assisting the NDRF teams with accommodation, tentage and logistics resources to ensure efficiency.

The Indian Army is also providing its aviation base for the launch of Bambi bucket operations and coordinating ground support, air traffic control, airspace management and other logistics support to Indian Air Force, augmenting the air-effort.

Senior army officers and officials of both Nagaland and Manipur also held meetings for better synergy in the ongoing efforts.

Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio will conduct an aerial survey of the Dzukou valley on January 5 to access the situation and see the extent of the damage.

The fire broke out at Dzukou Valley on the Nagaland side on December 29 and spread to Manipur because of the uncontrolled wind speed prompting the Manipur government to seek the Centre’s intervention.

(Edited by Shankar Turha)