Nagaland: IAF to deploy bambi buckets as Dzükou fire spreads

The southern Dzükou forest fire remains largely concentrated around the Dzükou helipad area and has caused extensive damage, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kohima Henok Buchem said on Thursday.
According to an update, a surveillance and assessment exercise was carried out at the site by a team led by SDO (Civil) Jakhama Vineikho and District Commandant, Home Guards & Civil Defence Woenthung, along with personnel from the State Disaster Response Force, police, Dobashis, drone pilots and operators from the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority. Volunteers from the Southern Angami Youth Organisation also participated in the operation.
A review meeting was later held at the DC’s residence with members of the surveillance team and Nodal Officer for the District Disaster Management Authority, Thejao Zao, to assess the prevailing situation.
The DC informed that Indian Air Force helicopters would commence Bambi Bucket operations from the morning of January 30 to contain the fire. Besides Padampukhuri Lake, Nsonji Lake in Tseminyu district has been identified as an additional water source for the aerial firefighting operation, for which a no-objection certificate has been obtained from the Tseminyu district administration.
Meanwhile, the surveillance team will continue to monitor and assess the situation on a regular basis, the DC added.
Imphal Correspondent adds: From the Manipur side, authorities have deployed teams of the National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force as the wildfire spread rapidly towards Mount Iso, the highest peak in Manipur.
The Manipur government has also sought helicopter support for aerial firefighting.
Officials said the blaze, which reportedly started from the southern side of Dzükou Valley a few days ago, has spread across large portions of the mountainside towards the Mount Iso range, raising fears of severe damage to forests and biodiversity. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, though locals suspect it to be man-made.
A 31-member NDRF team, along with SDRF personnel, reached the affected area on Thursday morning and joined local volunteers and state agencies in firefighting efforts. Despite difficult terrain and steep cliffs, volunteers have climbed towards Mount Iso to help contain the flames.
Ground reports described the fire as intense and fast-moving, making containment extremely challenging.
Meanwhile, Mao Council expressed deep anguish over the incident, terming it a grave environmental tragedy and condemning those responsible for causing the inferno. The council’s media cell stated that the fire had destroyed rich flora, fauna, and the scenic beauty of the area.