Dzukou Valley wildfire doused

CONTEXT:

The two-week long forest fire in Dzukou valley on Nagaland-Manipur border has been doused and no fresh fire or smoke was visible on Monday, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) said.

DZUKOU VALLEY WILDFIRE:

The wildfire broke out in the Dzukou Valley under Kohima district in southern Nagaland on December 29 and crossed over to the northern Manipur side, forcing both the state governments to request the NDRF and the army to help contain the wildfire.

According to the officials, the inferno has destroyed much of the forest areas, seasonal flowers, flora and fauna and harmed the rich biodiversity of the valley, which is also a famous trekking site.

NSDMA said it will assess the damage caused to the forest, environment and other flora and fauna in Dzukou valley.

The Manipur government will also conduct similar exercise at their end of the Dzukou range.

Forces involved: The Indian Air force, the NDRF and other central forces who were involved in the operations to douse the fire.

ABOUT DZUKOU VALLEY:

Dzukou valley  is also a sanctuary for the endangered Blyth's tragopan - Nagaland's state bird - and other species of birds and animals.

Rare Dzükou Lily is found only in this valley.

This valley is ‘Valley of flowers’ of the Nagaland State.

The Asian Highway 1 and also the NH-2 passes through its foothills.

Often caught in a boundary dispute between Manipur and Nagaland, it has been prone to wildfires.

Source: The Hindu