A massive wildfire has continued to ravage the Dzukou and Mt Esii ranges for the second straight day, destroying vast stretches of forest and posing a serious threat to local ecosystems.
Emergency response teams and volunteers resumed firefighting efforts early on January 29, reaching the affected areas around 6:00 a.m. to contain the blaze.
The operation involves a coordinated team comprising Manipur Police from Mao, Tadubi, and Maram, the Tadubi Fire Brigade, personnel from the Forest Department, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Song Song Sub-Divisional Officer, the Song Song Village Authority, and more than 150 volunteers from Mao villages.
According to officials, the fire originated on the southern side of the Dzukou range and later spread to the Mt Esii range, resulting in extensive damage to forest cover. Despite steep cliffs and hazardous terrain, 30–40 volunteers scaled Mt Esii to combat the flames directly.
The Indian Air Force has conducted an assessment of the situation and has kept a helicopter on standby in case the fire escalates.
A Nagaland official from Jakhama told India Today NE that the wildfire along the Manipur–Nagaland border has largely been brought under control, with local residents playing a key role in containing the remaining flames.
Although the fire is mostly contained, it is suspected to be man-made, raising concerns over negligence and accountability. Experts warn that such forest fires cause severe damage to wildlife habitats, destroy flora, disrupt water sources, and increase the risk of long-term water scarcity for nearby villages.
Local residents and community leaders have urged the government to strengthen preventive measures. Their demands include stricter enforcement of wildfire regulations, bans on open burning, tougher penalties for offenders, deployment of trained forest guards, improved monitoring systems, and sustained community awareness campaigns.
