Culprits behind wildfires

 With approximately around fifteen square kilometers of vegetation that included around six square kilometers of trees in Dzükou valley destroyed by a devastating fire which broke out during the last part of December 2020 and lasting over ten days till the fires were doused in the first week of January,2021. The loss can never be evaluated both environmentally or economically. What is of serious concern is that the forest fires in Dzükou valley have become almost regular incidents in recent memory. The most devastating fire was witnessed in 2006 when Southern Dzükou was totally devastated after over 20 kilometers were reduced to ashes. Another similar disaster was averted in 2009 but forest fires, whether caused by nature or man, continues to pose serious threat on Dzükou valley. The Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO), whose volunteers have valiantly battled fires in several incidents, is actively involved with protection and preservation of the Dzükou valley. SAYO has extended cooperation with police to ascertain how the fire broke out and who was responsible? There have been several reports of some people suspected to be involved and who had trekked from another end of the valley. It would definitely be in the interest of both the governments of Nagaland and Manipur to ensure that the culprits responsible for the recent fires in Dzükou valley are identified and brought to book. The probe will go on but the important thing is to understand the valley and its vegetations in order to be mentally and physically prepared for any such eventuality. What the 2006 forest fire revealed is that there is need to understand more about forest fires, how they can occur, the biomass of the area and preparing for any such eventuality. The biomass at Dzükou is mainly of the unique bamboo brake variety which has a tendency to act like a combustible material. What it means is that there is need to undertake floristic analysis of the species most liable to spread fire. This is required since the quantity of combustible available and the actual vegetable species are the main factors determining heat emanation in the event of a fire. Estimation of the contours of the area along with the distribution of the foliage can also help in understanding how fire could spread. The state government has to put into gear the resources of the departments of Forests and fire services to study areas prone to forest fires. Knowledge of the typology of the combustible is necessary for the realization of planning measures. Since most of the forest area in the state fall under the traditional jurisdiction of the respective villages, awareness about prevention and fire fighting must be inculcated. The villages play a direct role in the management of the forests and therefore, the Forest department has to coordinate such exercises with the villagers. Better management through co-ordinated efforts between the departments involved with environment, such as forest department and also natural calamity, such as NSDMA will go a long way towards protection and preservation of the valley. Though the current failings has proved to be a bitter experience, yet in a way, the fires at Dzükou provides us with the opportunity to be better equipped and prepared.