Khonoma villagers are grieving the devastation of the Dzükou valley following a wildfire that erupted on December 12. This incident, labeled by village leaders as a tragedy that has undone years of conservation efforts, has caused extensive damage to the well-protected landscape, which is renowned for its biodiversity.
Community leaders express serious concerns about the potential loss of species. Birds, wildlife, and reptiles once common in the valley may now vanish. The lush surroundings, filled with vibrant flowers and abundant life, have been reduced to ashes, leaving many residents, who were among the first to respond, deeply troubled by the scale of the destruction.
“What we have been conserving for years has been destroyed overnight,” said Pevi Meyase, a member of the Khonoma Village Council (KVC). In response to the unfolding disaster, hundreds of local youths have mobilized to help contain the fire since it broke out.
Interestingly, December 12 also marked the two-year anniversary of the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS), which celebrated 25 years of wildlife conservation and sustainable practices. Established in 1998, KNCTS spans 123 square kilometers, including a core sanctuary.
Since the fire’s outbreak, KVC members, led by Chairman Ngusa Ratsa, have stationed themselves at the Khonoma Dzükou Base Camp to facilitate the efforts of youths and officials trekking to Dzükou in shifts. “We are very saddened that this beautiful valley has been completely destroyed,” Ratsa remarked, lamenting that visitors are entering without registering, violating rules designed to protect the area.
Concern is growing among the KVC, with member Vinyü Meyase emphasizing the disappointment over individuals secretly accessing the area. “Dzükou is there for everyone to enjoy, and it doesn’t only belong to Khonoma Village, but to all of Nagaland,” he noted, voicing fears that many wild animals may have perished in the flames.
Recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, the Khonoma Dzükou area’s devastating condition was evident even from Kohima, the state capital, where the sight of ash was reported.
According to Pevi, while Khonoma may seem to own Dzükou geographically, he insists that it belongs to every Naga. “We welcome visitors to our pristine forest, but they must follow certain guidelines,” he emphasized. Stressing the value of the biodiversity lost, he noted that a single careless act has undone years of conservation work and expressed hope that future visitors will be more responsible.
The village council reports that around 300 visitors typically explore Khonoma Dzükou daily during peak seasons, sometimes reaching 400.
As volunteers continued battling the blaze for a third day, Rokozelhu Kuotsu, the General Secretary of the Khonoma Youth Organisation, was among the initial group to head to Dzükou early on Sunday morning. The trek, usually a two-hour journey, took about an hour that day due to the urgency of the situation.
Carrying tools to extinguish the flames, Kuotsu reflected on the last wildfire in the area, which he recalls from two decades ago. Alarmed by news of the current fire from a tourist guide, he said, “Everybody was concerned.” The youth organization quickly mobilized, alongside local students and other community members.
Despite their exhaustion from multiple treks over three days, Kuotsu insisted there was no choice but to help. “We have maintained this beautiful valley for years, and now it has been destroyed overnight,” he lamented, echoing the sentiments of the KVC.
By the third day, while smoke was still rising in a few inaccessible areas, local, volunteer, and state efforts had managed to contain the fire’s spread, particularly to the west. However, a risk remains for the fire to advance in the southern direction, which has prompted ongoing vigilance among the community members.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/years-of-conservation-destroyed-overnight
Category: Nagaland
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Publish Date: 2025-12-15 00:00:00
