Guwahati: A forest fire in the southern part of Dzukou Valley in Nagaland’s Kohima district forced officials to evacuate over 30 trekkers and temporarily halt trekking activities in the area.
Authorities confirmed that the trekkers, who were trapped after the fire broke out in the high-altitude region, were safely brought out.
Fire-control efforts were carried out jointly by the district administration and the Southern Angami Youth Organisation to prevent the flames from spreading further.
The Kohima District Disaster Management Authority said the blaze is suspected to have started on Monday, although officials received information about it only the following day. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been identified.
Deputy Commissioner B. Henok Buchem has formed a special team to conduct ground assessment and assist with rescue-related operations.
He said all necessary manpower and equipment would be deployed to control the situation, and additional forces would be sent if required.
An emergency meeting of the district authorities was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon to review the situation and plan the next course of action.
Southern Angami Youth Organisation president Zasitsolie Beio said they were informed about the fire after volunteers shared visuals from the affected area. He added that the immediate focus was on ensuring the safe evacuation of trekkers and enforcing safety measures.
As a precaution, trekking has been stopped from both the Jakhama and Viswema routes leading to Dzukou Valley until further notice.
The latest fire follows a major forest fire in the Khonoma–Dzukou Valley area in December, where multiple agencies were deployed to extinguish the flames.