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Published 14:46 IST, December 31st 2020

Wildfire breaks out at Dzukou valley at Nagaland-Manipur border; IAF joins relief efforts

A massive forest-fire has broken out at the Dzukou valley at the Manipur-Nagaland border. The Indian Air Force has stepped in to assist in the battle

Reported by: Astha Singh
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A massive forest fire has broken out at the Dzukou valley which is situated on the border of Manipur and Nagaland. The valley is a popular tourist spot and is famous for its bio-diversity, which has been impacted now due to the fire breakout. On Wednesday Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh tweeted about the incident and called it unfortunate.

"Very unfortunate that a wildfire has started at the Dzuko Valley, one of the most beautiful places in Manipur. It probably started about 2-3 days ago from the Nagaland side and crossed over to our side"  

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On Thursday, Defence PRO (Shillong) Wing Commander Ratnakar Singh informed that the Eastern Air Command (EAC) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) 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," he further added.

Manipur CM N Biren Singh informed that the fire has already crossed Mount ESIi, the highest peak of Manipur seeking help from concerned authorities.

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Earlier, in 2006 a major fire wiped out a 20-km stretch of Southern Dzukou. Another devastating fire on November 2018 had already damaged a portion of the valley.

14:46 IST, December 31st 2020