Helicopters on firefighting operations to douse the still active wildfire in Dzukou. (Photo Courtesy: Kohima District Administration)
Kohima DC seeks extension of helicopter operations to contain Dzükou fire
Kohima, february 2 (MExN): The Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Kohima, B Henok Buchem has stated that the fire at Dzükou is “still very active,” and requested the State Government to extend helicopter operations for containment of the ongoing wildfire in the Southern Dzükou Valley, stating that the fire is yet to be fully brought under control.
In a communication addressed to the Home Commissioner, Nagaland, the Deputy Commissioner said the wildfire, which began on January 26, continues to pose serious challenges despite sustained ground-level efforts. “The current wildfire in the Southern Dziikou Valley, which began on January 26, is not yet fully under control,” the letter stated.
According to the communication, a district team led by the SDO (Civil) Jakhama has been engaged in firefighting operations on a “war-footing basis.” The team comprises personnel from the State Disaster Response Force, Police, Forest Department, Fire and Emergency Services, Dobashis, drone pilots and operators, and volunteers from the Southern Angami Youth Organization.
“These efforts will continue until the fire is completely contained and extinguished,” the Deputy Commissioner stated, adding that manual firefighting operations are being carried out wherever possible given the terrain and conditions.
However, the Deputy Commissioner observed that aerial operations have been significantly more effective in tackling the blaze. “It is observed that the bambi bucket operations conducted by Indian Air Force helicopters have proven more effective in combating the wildfire, particularly given the difficult terrain and the extensive area involved,” the letter said.
The communication further noted that the situation remains critical in certain areas. “Further, it is to inform you that the fire is still very active and raging below Mount Tempfii,” it added.
In view of the prevailing conditions, the Deputy Commissioner formally sought the extension of aerial support. “Considering the above stated facts, I respectfully request your kind authority to extend the helicopter operations until the fire is fully under control,” the letter stated.
IAF firefighting equipment salvaged
Meanwhile, sappers of the Spear Corps from Rangapahar Military Station recovered an Indian Air Force firefighting equipment from Rajpukhuri Lake in Dimapur following a forest fire in Dzukou Valley, Nagaland.
The Indian Air Force had deployed helicopters to control the spreading forest fire in Dzukou Valley. While attempting to draw water from Purana Bazar Lake using a ‘Bambi’ bucket, the equipment snapped and sank into the lake bed on the evening of January 31.
Following the incident, a search and recovery team from an Engineer Regiment under the Spear Corps was launched during the night hours. The team carried out reconnaissance and site preparation to facilitate the recovery of the equipment.
The ‘Bambi’ bucket, measuring about two metres in length, had submerged in the lake, which covers an area of approximately 62,500 square metres, at a time when firefighting operations were ongoing in the forest.
After around 12 hours of sustained search operations, the equipment was located and recovered using modern equipment and detailed planning, officials said.
