Our Correspondent
Kohima, Jan. 10 (EMN): Officials on Sunday updated that the situation around the scenic Dzükou Valley is ‘totally under control’ with no fresh fire or smoke being reported.
Rajkumar M, divisional forest officer (DFO), Kohima informed Eastern Mirror that no visibility of any fire or smoke was reported from the base camp.
‘While the ground operation team members went around the sides of Dzükou to check any smoke or fresh fire, aerial surveys and Bambi bucket operations were conducted at a spot far from the valley where a very low intense smoke was emitting’, he informed.
However, the situation has been almost restored by and large, he informed that the operations would continue.
“The operations will be continuing despite no active fire or smoke being reported while the situation will be closely monitored,” the official said.
He said that a partial demobilisation would take place on Monday where the contingent will be reduced to about 80-90 from 200, adding that the number of choppers will also be deducted to two, which would be conducting aerial surveys besides assisting in other areas.
“We are reducing the scale of operations but it is still continuing,” Rajkumar said.
Other sources also informed this newspaper that the fire has almost subsided but forces like National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Southern Angami Youth Organisation (Sayo) volunteers, police and civil defence personnel will continue their search for possible fresh smoke emitting f rom the vicinity and clearing the debris.
It was learnt that NDRF is expected to leave Dzükou on Monday but others are expected to stay for a few more days at the camping site to monitor and assess the situation.
Ruopfukuotuo Noudi, SDO (C) Jakhama informed this newspaper that positive news from the ground operation team was received through SDO Kohima, Daniel Angami, wherein it was informed that “no active fire or smoke” was detected.
He also said that the demobilisation of manpower will take place by Monday onwards in phased manner as per the decision taken by Kohima District Disaster Management Authority.
President of Sayo, Zakieleto Tsükrü, also informed that despite personnel leaving the picturesque valley, their volunteers would continue to camp to keep vigil around the valley.