Dzukou to open for tourists from February 1
By Medolenuo Ambrocia

Kohima: Dzukou valley will re-open for tourists from February 1, even as the process for ascertaining the damage incurred during the wildfire continues.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kohima, Rajkumar M, IFS, told EastMojo that Dzukou fire assessment is still awaited from the Forest Survey of India (FSI). The FSI will be providing an assessment of satellite imagery estimation for the damages.

President of the Southern Angami Youth Organization (SAYO) Zakieleto Tsukhru told EastMojo that the valley would be open for tourists on February 1. He said that the SAYO volunteers are still monitoring the activities at Dzukou even after the fire was doused.

Tsukhru said that once the valley is open for tourists, all visitors will be required to produce identification proofs at the two entry points—Viswema and Jakhama. This he said will help to maintain a record of all individuals visiting the valley.

While Dzukou valley shares border with Nagaland and Manipur, he said that as per an agreement made, visitors entering the valley beside the two designated entry points would be considered as trespassers.

He said that the Youth body also plans to exercise its own survey of the damage caused during the recent fire. The fire at Dzukou broke out on December 29 and was completely doused on January 11, after which fire-fighting personnel were gradually demobilised.

Keneingutuo Richard from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) who was part of the fire-fighting team that camped at Dzukou valley to douse the fire said that even as the valley opens up for tourists and visitors, more precautionary measures should be ensured, especially during the dry season. Urging the need to practice responsible tourism, he said that an irresponsible act by one single trekker could lead to a major loss.

Adviser to the chief minister of Nagaland also took to Twitter saying “The amazingly beautiful #DzukouValley has been reopened for tourists & adventure lovers. Responsible tourism must be followed by one and all. Please #LeaveNoTrace.”