Forest Fire Ravaged Mizoram, Destroying Vast Tracts of Land and Vegetation

Massive forest fires have erupted in several parts of Mizoram, destroying large swaths of land and vegetation and forcing chief minister Zoramthanga to seek support from the central government, according to a state disaster management and reconstruction official.

No human casualties have been confirmed, however, detailed reports from the affected districts are still pending, according to the official. According to the defence ministry, Zoramthanga has sought assistance from the Indian Air Force (IAF), which is sending two helicopters to Lunglei and the surrounding areas to put out the fire.

The state government will investigate the cause of the forest fire, which is believed to be man-made, according to an official.

T.J. Lalnuntluanga, the state's environment, forest, and climate change minister, and Serlui assembly constituency MLA Lalrinsanga Ralte rushed to Lunglei on Sunday to assess the situation.

Apart from Lunglei, the forest fire has affected at least three other districts, including Serchhip, Lawngtlai, and Hnahthial, and firefighters have been deployed at several incident sites, he said.

The forest fire affected at least eight forest areas near Serchhips Chanmari Veng locality, Chhiahtlang, and North Vanlaiphai. Forest fires have also been recorded in the Hnahthial district's Darzo and South Vanlaiphai forest areas, according to officials.

Assam Rifles and Border Security Force officers, as well as local volunteers, are assisting the firefighters.

While some settlements or villages have been fortified, and forest fires have been brought under control in some areas, the official stated that many other settlements remain vulnerable.

Between 6 and 7 a.m. on Saturday, a major forest fire broke out in the Saisih forest area on the outskirts of Lunglei town, according to Lunglei district deputy commissioner M. Misael.

On Sunday, it hit Lunglei town. Although the fire is primarily burning in the uninhabited forest area surrounding the town, it has spread to more than ten village council areas within it, according to him.

While the fire has been brought under control in the settlement areas, the fire continues to burn in the surrounding areas, putting some village councils at risk. According to the DC, the flames are very high due to dry vegetation caused by a lack of rainfall combined with strong winds.

Moreover, police reported that the forest fire has spread to nearby areas in Mizoram's southernmost Lawngtlai district, which borders Myanmar.

The fire, which started in the forest and spread to Bungtlang South village in the district on Sunday, destroyed at least 12 homes, as per the police. The Ministry of Defence tweeted on Sunday, "On the requisition of the State Government of Mizoram, @IAF MCC is deploying two Mi-17V5 helicopters, fitted with Bambi Bucket, to douse the big fire in Lunglei district and adjoining areas."