Dziiko, Mt Esii blaze continues
Source: The Sangai Express

Mao, January 29 2026: The massive wildfire at Dziiko and Mt Esii continues to burn for the second consecutive day, causing extensive damage to the forest cover across the mountain range.

A joint team, including Manipur police from Mao, Tadubi, and Maram, the Tadubi Fire Brigade, the Forest Department, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Song Song SDO, Song Song Village Authority, and local volunteers from Mao villages, reached the affected area around 6 am today in a renewed effort to contain the flames.

Dziiko, Mt Esii blaze continues

According to officials and local sources, the fire started on the southern side of Dziiko and has since spread to the Mt Esii range, engulfing large portions of the mountainside.

Over 150 individuals have joined the operation to contain the blaze.

Despite the steep cliffs and hazardous terrain, around 30 to 40 volunteers climbed Mt Esii to directly tackle the flames.

The Indian Air Force also visited the site to assess the situation, with a helicopter remaining on standby in case the situation escalates.

Sources on the ground reported that the primary firefighting efforts are being led by teams from the Manipur side, with no active participation from the Nagaland side so far.

This has raised concerns among locals, who are urging both the States to collaborate in protecting the forest.

The fire has reportedly been largely contained, thanks to the tireless efforts of the village volunteers and the emergency teams.

Sources further said that the wildfire is suspected to be man-made, triggering serious questions about negligence and accountability.

As forest land continues to burn, residents are asking how many more forests must be lost before stronger preventive measures are enforced ? .

Forest fires cause severe damage to flora and fauna, destroy wildlife habitats, and affect natural water sources and catchment areas, increasing the risk of long-term water scarcity in nearby villages, they said.

Following the incident, experts and local leaders have appealed to the Government to urgently strengthen forest protection and wildfire prevention measures.

The appeal includes strict enforcement of wildfire regulations, bans on open burning, stronger penalties for violations, increased deployment of trained forest guards, improved monitoring systems, and sustained community awareness programmes.