IAF Helicopters Battle Dziiko Valley Wildfire

Two Indian Air Force helicopters from the Eastern Air Command were deployed on Friday to combat a wildfire that began three days earlier in the Dziiko Valley, affecting both Nagaland and Manipur. The fire has since spread to Mount Iso, the highest peak in Manipur. Aerial firefighting efforts were limited due to cloudy weather conditions. Extensive damage to the surrounding landscape has been reported.

Containment operations are ongoing, with the main Dziiko valley currently untouched by the flames. The fire is spreading slowly and remains concentrated near the Dzükou helipad area. Multiple agencies, including the NDRF, SDRF, police, and fire department, are involved in the ground efforts, utilizing water sources from Nsonji and Padampukhuri lakes for aerial firefighting.

This incident follows a similar wildfire in December of the previous year, which devastated a significant portion of the valley. The Dziiko Valley holds immense ecological importance as a catchment area for rivers and a habitat for rare bird species, including the Blyth's Tragopan. Previous fire breakouts in 2015 and 2020 also necessitated IAF assistance.