The Morung Express :: Nagaland News | Current News | Latest News | Breaking News: Dzukou inferno finally contained

Dzukou inferno finally contained
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morungexpress on January 10, 2010 09:58:00
 
Dimapur, January 9 (MExN): After four days of raging inferno in Dzukou Valley,
which destroyed almost 15 square kilometers of greenery, the fire was finally
dowsed Saturday around 1pm. SDO (civil) of Zubza, Akunu, informed that
volunteers numbering more than 400 were able to contain the fire at a firebreak
area near a stream separating “Knonoma Dzukou” and southern “Angami
Dzukou.” The fire was sparked off by a group of campers from Catholic Youth
Association of Sechu Zubza on January 4. The arduous operation was undertaken by
volunteers from Knonoma village and other surrounding villages, with the help of
personnel from the Home Guards and Fire department.
The  chairman of the Khonoma Village Council told The Morung Express that
volunteers walked nearly six hours to put out the fire which was earlier
advancing towards southern Dzukou. Fortunately, the inferno was contained at the
three kilometer stretch of river. However, it is reported that sparks from amber
may still cause  more fire, although villagers are hoping the weather will be in
their favor.
Conservator of Forest, Panger Jamir  said the Forest department will assess the
damage caused on the valley. This exercise may take some time. Jamir said the
department will immediately deploy ground staff for the work. The Khonoma
Village Council chairman also said that the fire has caused total destruction of
flora and animal habitat. He regretted that such an incident took place –
which again is not the first time – and urged campers to be more careful in
future. The chairman also thanked the volunteers from various villages, the Home
Guards, Fire department personnel, the Assam Rifles and the Forest department
for their efforts in containing the fire which for once almost raged out of
control.
Earlier, the Jotsoma Village Council had informed that the fire had reached
“Jotsoma Dzükou” and subsequently the village had pressed volunteers into
action to stop the fire from causing further damage.