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
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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"
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.
The wildfire at Dzuko valley is very alarming now and this needs immediate attention before it spreads towards Mt. Iso. The Fire service, Forest official and volunteers are reaching the site. Also requesting the NDRF to assist us to contain the situation. @PMOIndia @HMOIndia pic.twitter.com/a7BJdwfPU1
— N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) December 31, 2020
Taking serious view of the wildfire at Dzuko valley, having a personal arial survey of the situation, sending more personnel to the spot and seeking help from concerned authorities to stop the spread of the fire and save the deep forest portion of the valley. @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/WK9IVunX87
— N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) December 31, 2020
Conducting an arial survey to take stock of the wildfire that broke out at Dzuko valley 2-3 days back. The fire has spread quite extensively and caused serious damage on this part of mountain range. The Fire service, Forest official and volunteers are reaching the site. pic.twitter.com/aP78lI130N
— N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) December 31, 2020
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