Flames and Faults: On Recurring Wildfire at Dzükou Valley

Once again, wildfire has damaged a large swathe of the Dzükou Valley, turning the western side of the picturesque tourist destination into black patches. The fire was put under control after raging for four days, thanks to the timely response of the state authorities, civil society organisations and local volunteers. Besides preventing the inferno from spreading towards the southern part of the valley, they rescued four trekkers who were at the site when the fire broke out. They did a commendable job. Such timely action and co-ordinated action are pertinent to minimise loss of life and property during natural calamities and emergencies. As expected, the wildfire has triggered outrage on social media. Some are disappointed that their plan of visiting the site has been ruined, while others have expressed fear of permanently damaging the beauty of the valley. Well, this is not the first time that such an incident has happened. It is a recurring incident. The valley was in flames for more than 10 days in 2020-2021, reducing much of the valley to ashes. What once appeared like permanent damage could have been inflicted but eventually regained its beauty, serving as a powerful reminder of nature’s resilience and the ability to heal.

Experts say that fire, though destructive, is crucial for the ecosystem, acting as a natural force for the ecological balance of many plant and animal species. It can play an important role in the cycle of forest life by clearing underbrush, controlling pests and breaking down nutrients, thus stimulating new plant growth. In the meantime, uncontrolled wildfire can cause air pollution, disrupt biodiversity, destroy homes and threaten lives, as was seen in the California fires earlier this year that killed dozens of people and destroyed thousands of homes. The fire at Dzükou also could have become catastrophic had the site been easily accessible to visitors. Hence, causing forest fires is illegal in most countries. In India, it is a serious offence, punishable by imprisonment and fine under the Indian Forest Act of 1927, the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. What has been observed at Dzükou is an uncontrolled wildfire, believed to have been ignited by irresponsible trekkers. To prevent such incidents in the future, offenders should be prosecuted, and stringent action should be taken against them. Authorities could also consider implementing prescribed burns to reduce the risk of unprecedented destruction in the valley and ensure human safety, as well as meet ecological requirements.