Kohima, December 14, 2025– A devastating wildfire in Nagaland’s ecologically sensitive Dzukou Valley continued raging into its third day on Sunday, with strong winds pushing flames toward the Japfu mountain range and prompting authorities to deploy aerial firefighting operations.
The blaze, which erupted on Friday, December 12, has spread rapidly due to dry weather and gusty winds, devastating vast tracts of virgin forest in this biodiversity hotspot famous for its rare flora, alpine meadows, and popular trekking routes.
Initial assessments estimated damage to about 1.3 square kilometres, but the fire has expanded significantly over inaccessible steep slopes and dense vegetation in forest land belonging to Khonoma village, west of Kohima.
Officials from the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Kohima, confirmed that an Indian Air Force helicopter equipped with a Bambi bucket will be requisitioned through the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA). Aerial operations are set to begin today to combat the flames, as ground efforts remain limited by the treacherous terrain.
An aerial survey revealed extensive damage, with the fire advancing in multiple directions, including toward Hophera Thi near the Jotsoma–Khonoma border.
The incident was accidentally sparked by four local trekkers who lit a campfire that spiralled out of control while they fetched water. The group was trapped but safely rescued on Saturday by volunteers from the Khonoma Youth Organisation. They have confessed to causing the fire.
Volunteers, alongside police, fire services, forest officials, and disaster response teams, are on the ground supporting containment efforts.
Authorities have imposed a temporary ban on trekking in Dzukou Valley and urged the public to avoid the area until the situation is under control, citing high vulnerability due to dry conditions.
Conservationists express grave concerns over the impact on the valley’s fragile ecosystem, a treasured trekking destination on the Nagaland-Manipur border.
