Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 27 2009:
The Dzuko Valley located at the border between Manipur and Nagaland had escaped another dsaster which would heve been caused by a wildfire that engulf in the neighbouring Mt Tempu.
Fear of repetition of disaster in the Dzuko Valley occurred in 2006 existed when there were reports of forest firing in the neighbouring Mt Tempu stopped before touching the valley.
The wildfire in the forest of the Mt Tempu was reported started between February 15 and 18 but a survey conducted by officials of the Nagaland state forest department February 23 found that the wildfire had stopped before touching Dzuko valley.
The fire was reportedly started from somewhere in Kezol forest in the Mt Tempu and destroyed a large portion of the virgin forest along the Japfu range leaving behind a trail of destruction on its rich bio-diversity.
The fire had totally destroyed around 60 hectares of virgin forest.
The Dzuko Valley is a valley located at the border of the states of Manipur and Nagaland.
This valley is well known for its natural beauty.
The Dzuko lily can be found only in this valley.
The question of ownership of this valley has often been a topic of hot debate.
Both the states have claimed the area as an integral part of their state.
The political area of Manipur covers a major part of this valley while the inhabitants and etymology of the valley is Naga.
In 2008, Chief Minister of Manipur Okram Ibobi Singh said that there is a common understanding that about 70% of the Zuko valley are within Manipur territory while remaining 30% within Nagaland boundary.
Dzukou derives its meaning from the Angami/Mao word which translates to "Cold Water" refering to the ice cold stream that flows through the valley.
Dzukou Valley is situated at an altitude of 2438 m above sea level, behind the Japfu Peak.
It is about 30 km south of Kohima, the capital of Nagaland.
A most enchanting place, the valley can be reached by trekking from the border town of Mao.
One can observe snowfall in winter and budding flowers of Dzuko lily in spring season.
This Lily here known as Dzuko lily blooms only once in a year and only in its natural habitat,the Dzuko valley.