Kohima: A massive wildfire tore through Humtso and Wokha villages in Nagaland’s Wokha district on March 17, leaving vast stretches of agricultural land and plantations in ruins. Authorities suspect the blaze was triggered by jhum cultivation, a traditional slash-and-burn farming method commonly practiced in the region.
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) received an alert around 1 PM, prompting immediate firefighting operations. However, strong winds fueled the flames, making containment efforts difficult. Firefighters deployed multiple strategies, including creating fire lines to safeguard residential areas, but the fire continued its rapid spread.
Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Fire & Emergency Services worked relentlessly, battling the flames for nearly 12 hours. Despite their efforts, two locations remained engulfed in fire by Tuesday afternoon. Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) (Civil) Wokha, Nuhuta Tunyi, reported that these areas were in steep, inaccessible terrain, complicating ground-level interventions. To monitor the evolving situation, authorities deployed drones and have indicated the possibility of aerial firefighting if the fire remains uncontrolled.
The DDMA confirmed that while investigations are ongoing, dry vegetation and high winds played a significant role in the wildfire’s rapid escalation. Fire service teams and SDRF personnel have been strategically positioned along key roadways to prevent further spread and protect nearby settlements.
As assessment efforts continue, authorities are considering emergency measures, including helicopter-based firefighting, if the situation worsens. The incident highlights the ongoing risks associated with jhum cultivation and the challenges of wildfire management in Nagaland’s rugged terrain.
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