The forest fire in Western Dzükou has been largely brought under control, with no active flames reported. However, authorities will continue monitoring the area as a precautionary measure.
On December 15, Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B Henok Buchem, NCS, visited the fire-fighting base camp at Khonoma, accompanied by SDO (Civil) Sechü-Zubza Imliakum, Nodal Officer Thejangulie Zao, District Commandant HG, CD & SDRF Wopenthung, and officials from the police, forest, and fire emergency services.
During the briefing, representatives from Khonoma Youth, SDRF personnel, and other government agencies reported that an earlier inspection team found some smoke coming from burnt bushes, but no active fire. The smoke was under control, with Khonoma Youth volunteers, SDRF, and Forest Department staff stationed on site. Indian Air Force helicopters were also deployed, using Bambi buckets to suppress residual smoke. As a safety measure, Western Dzükou has been temporarily closed to the public.
Khonoma Youth leaders expressed gratitude to all agencies involved, highlighting that volunteer-led rescue and response efforts were successful thanks to prior training organised by the Angami Youth Organisation in collaboration with the SDRF. The adviser of Khonoma Youth Organisation also acknowledged the Deputy Commissioner’s role as chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority in coordinating the operation, calling it a successful example of disaster response.
Although the helicopter crew from Kharagpur, along with youth volunteers and SDRF teams, confirmed that the situation is under control, officials agreed to send another trekking team to Western Dzükou the following day to reassess conditions on the ground. Deputy Commissioner Buchem praised the collective effort, particularly noting the dedication and compassion of the people of Khonoma.
Earlier, an aerial survey of Western and Southern Dzükou was conducted by Adviser NSDMA & NRE Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe, Deputy Commissioner Buchem, Nodal Officer Thejangulie Zao, and Assistant Manager (Response and Communication) NSDMA Rendemo Shitio to assess the overall fire situation.