A major wildfire raging through Nagaland’s ecologically fragile Dzukou Valley continued for a third consecutive day on December 14, forcing authorities to plan aerial firefighting operations amid strong winds and worsening conditions. Officials said the blaze, which began on Friday, has been steadily advancing across steep and inaccessible terrain, heightening fears of extensive ecological damage and risks to public safety.
The District Disaster Management Authority in Kohima said the district administration has decided to seek the deployment of an Indian Air Force helicopter equipped with a Bambi bucket through the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority. Aerial firefighting is expected to begin on Sunday after assessments revealed that ground-based operations alone would be insufficient to contain the fire.
Initial estimates indicated that around 1.3 square kilometres of forest land had been affected, but officials acknowledged that the damaged area has since expanded as dry weather and gusty winds continue to fuel the flames. The fire is burning in forest land belonging to Khonoma village, west of Kohima, where the rugged topography and dense vegetation have severely limited access for firefighting teams.
Authorities said the blaze was triggered accidentally by four local trekkers who had lit a fire at their campsite. The situation escalated after the fire spread out of control when they left the site to fetch water. The trekkers were later trapped by the advancing flames and were rescued on December 13 by volunteers from the Khonoma Youth Organisation. Officials confirmed that the individuals have admitted to starting the fire.
An aerial survey conducted by government agencies using a helicopter revealed widespread destruction of virgin forest areas, with the fire spreading in multiple directions. Drone surveys were ruled out due to the difficult terrain and limited visibility in the affected zones.
Volunteers from the Khonoma Youth Organisation are working alongside personnel from the police, fire services, forest department and disaster management agencies to monitor and contain the blaze. Officials warned that the fire is slowly moving towards Hophera Thi near the Jotsoma–Khonoma border, raising the possibility of further spread into even more challenging areas.
Dzukou Valley, renowned for its rare flora, alpine meadows and popular trekking routes, is particularly vulnerable during dry conditions. Conservation authorities said the combination of strong winds and parched vegetation has made the region highly susceptible to fast-moving wildfires.
As a precaution, authorities have urged the public to avoid the valley and have imposed a temporary ban on trekking activities until the fire is fully brought under control.
