A massive wildfire raging in the southern part of Dzükou Valley has reached an uncontrollable stage, with authorities declaring that human intervention is no longer feasible. The fire, suspected to have broken out on January 26, was reported to officials a day later and has since spread extensively across the valley.

The exact cause of the wildfire remains unknown. However, officials confirmed that the scale and intensity of the blaze have made ground-level firefighting operations extremely challenging.

Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, has constituted a special team to conduct ground assessments and assist in rescue-related operations. An emergency meeting of district authorities was convened on Wednesday afternoon to review the situation and determine the next course of action.

Following the meeting, Buchem stated that reconnaissance and monitoring of the Dzükou incident site are being carried out using drones. “The damage is extensive, and human intervention is not feasible. We have already requisitioned Indian Air Force helicopter services for Bambi bucket operations,” he said. The monitoring team comprising the SDRF, Police, District Branches, drone operators, and SAYO volunteers will continue surveillance on January 29.

In a successful rescue effort, around 20 trekkers were safely evacuated from Dzükou Valley on Wednesday evening by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) volunteers.

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Earlier, on January 27, a reconnaissance and rescue team was detailed to assess the fire and contain its further spread. The team was led by Vineikho Tetso, SDO (Civil), Jakhama, and included members such as the SDPO (South), District Commandant of Home Guards, Range Forest Officer, officials from the Forest Department, Nodal Officer of DDMA Kohima, Officer-in-Charge of Fire and Emergency Services, and representatives from SAYO.

The team was instructed to report from the incident site regularly and mobilize all available resources to prevent further escalation of the fire.

In light of the ongoing wildfire, the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) has announced a temporary suspension of trekking to Dzükou Valley. The suspension applies to both entry points—Jakhama and Viswema—until further notice. SAYO stated that the uncontrollable blaze poses a serious risk to trekkers and public safety.

While coordinating closely with government agencies and other stakeholders to assess the situation, SAYO expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to the general public.

Authorities continue to closely monitor the situation as efforts are underway to mitigate further damage to the ecologically sensitive region.