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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Jan. 28 (EMN): The Southern Angami Youth Organisation (Sayo) on Wednesday informed that more than 14-15 square km of forests were burnt down to ashes by the recent inferno around the scenic Dzükou Valley.
President of Sayo, Zakieleto Tsükrü, vice-presidents Khriese Sale and Vithal Pusa, and other executive members while interacting with journalists in Kohima, informed that several trees and virgin forests, which were home to many species of flora and fauna, were completely turned to ashes.
Sayo had recently made assessment about damage caused by the fire said, “It has impacted the ecological balance”.
A group of trekkers who trespassed Dzükou on December 29 were suspected to be behind the wildfire that raged on for over two weeks.
Sayo, the legal custodian of Dzükou, had lodged an FIR against a group of 21 individuals with video clips of them trespassing the valley to Khuzama police station under Kohima district on January 12.
They informed that an inquiry is underway and that Khuzama police station is in touch with Mao police station under Manipur.
‘We believe that the police will investigate the matter at the earliest; we are awaiting our justice,’ Sayo said.
Meanwhile, Sayo executive informed that Dzükou, a plastic-free zone, will be reopened for visitors from February 1. However, to visit Dzükou, visitors and trekkers are required to comply strictly with government SOPs in view of Covid-19 pandemic.
Before proceeding to the scenic valley, personal identity cards should be produced at Dzükou counter in Viswema village.
Only 50 persons will be allowed to visit the valley at a time and carrying of one’s own trekking accessories and beddings is necessary, informed the organisation.
They have also updated that visitors will be only accommodated in the guest house and that camping in the valley or any cave has been restricted.
Sayo has also asked trekkers not to pluck any fresh or dry flowers and reminded them not to litter the valley. Hunting, fishing, collecting of herbs, cutting of trees, burning of forests, writing or drawing of pictures on the cave, etc.are banned.
Using of drones, documentation, film making, videography and photography and setting up camp in Dzükou without prior permission from Sayo are not allowed.
Reminding that Jakhama and Viswema should be the only two designated entry points to visit Dzükou, Sayo warned of stern action if anyone is caught trespassing Dzükou from other routes.
It was learnt that major wildfire incidents in and around Dzükou in the past were all caused by trespassers. In 2018, both governments of Nagaland and Manipur jointly signed a written agreement stating that no forms of trespassing will be allowed to Dzükou except through the permitted entry points.
For pre-booking to Dzükou and necessary information, Sayo has provided the contact numbers : 9362157451 or 7638906375.
While thanking the government agencies like Territorial Army, Home Guards and Civil Defence, police and others, for the recent operation in successfully dousing the wildfire, it has also acknowledged the government of Manipur for their concern and efforts to tackle the inferno.