Dzükou Valley Inferno: Manipur govt, IAF, Army step in to douse wildfire

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KOHIMA:

As the raging inferno coupled with strong wind at Dzükou Valley continue to spread, both the Nagaland and Manipur governments have upped their joint efforts to douse the flame.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on December 30 informed that the fire has crossed over to Manipur and, is likely to reach Mt. Iso (Mt Isii), prompting the government to dispatch over 80 volunteers from Mao area including three officials of the Forest Department to access the situation.

"Very unfortunate, that a wildfire has started at the Dzuko Valley. The wildfire is still on and the sound of the fire/burning can be heard even from very far off distance," the Manipur CM wrote on his Facebook page.

He informed that about 200 firefighters will be sent to the site at the earliest possible time and, the Army and Assam Rifles have also been requisitioned to assist the firefighters in extinguishing the wildfire.

Meanwhile, based on the requisition by the Nagaland government, the Eastern Air Command (EAC) of the Indian Air Force in Shillong has launched a Mi-17V5 helicopter to assist in the battle against the wildfire.

"The helicopter is equipped with Bambi Bucket for fire fighting in Dzukou Valley near Kohima," Defence PRO (Shillong) Wing Commander Ratnakar Singh said.

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Also Read: Battle against wildfire in Nagaland's Dzükou Valley adjourned on second day

Battle against the wildfire at Dzükou Valley in Nagaland, which broke out on December 29, had to be adjourned on the second day on Wednesday. In the twilight hours of the second day, joint efforts were made to douse the flame, however, it was not enough to bring the fire under control.

Volunteers from Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) on December 30, tried to douse the fire ever since it was first reported.

It was informed deputy commissioner of Kohima, superintendent of police, sub-division officer (Civil) of Jakhama and police officials from Khuzama police station visited the site on the second day.

Nagaland governor RN Ravi also visited the valley on December 30, a visit which was planned before the fire broke out at Dzukou valley.

(Edited by Ibankyntiew Mawrie)

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