Get summary, textbook solutions, questions, answers, notes, pdf, and extras to the chapter 2 “A Trip to Dzuko Valley” which is a part of Class 10 English (Course Book) syllabus for students studying under BSEM. The notes should, however, only be seen as references only and changes should be made according to needs.
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Summary
The passage describes a trip to the beautiful Dzuko Valley, located along the border of Nagaland and Manipur in northeastern India. An 18-member team from the Seven Sister Tourism Service and Adventure Academy of Manipur organised an expedition to this scenic valley.
To reach Dzuko Valley, the trekkers first had to climb to over 2,600 metres (8,500 feet) above sea level before descending to the valley floor at 2,450 metres (8,000 feet). Upon arriving late in the afternoon, they set up camp for the night. The next morning, the team awoke to an incredible sight – all the surrounding hillsides had turned white with frost overnight! The early morning temperature had plummeted to a freezing -20°C (-4°F), causing the streams running through the valley to become solid sheets of ice. The delighted trekkers walked across this brilliant icy surface, feeling as though they had conquered one of the world’s most spectacular valleys.
However, their sense of joy and accomplishment was lessened by the sight of plastic bags, cans, and bottles left behind as litter by previous visitors. Determined to improve the environment, the team spent time cleaning up and burying this refuse. This was one of the first expeditions jointly organised to promote eco-tourism and adventure while still preserving the natural beauty.
The hospitable Naga villagers warmly welcomed the trekkers, even allowing them to use the village chairman’s kitchen facilities. The name “Dzuko” comes from the local Mao tribe’s words for “water” and “cold”—an a apt name for this river valley surrounded by dense forests and towering peaks like Japfu and Isto.
From the valley floor, one is treated to an awe-inspiring view of colourful grasses and wildflowers in the foreground, with green hillsides rising up to deep blue mountains densely blanketed with trees. Due to the high altitude of around 2,500 metres, the climate ranges from evening lows around 6-8°C (43-46°F) up to 18°C (64°F) in the afternoons. While beautiful, Dzuko Valley’s subarctic conditions only allow certain hardy plant life like grasses, bamboo, primula, lilies, buttercups, willows and barberry to survive. Rare fauna like the meadow lark also inhabit the valley.
The passage ends by pondering how long this pristine natural beauty will endure, suggesting that Dzuko’s future depends on humans treating it with care and respect. The writer hopes people will be more conscientious about not littering or damaging this incredible “abode of angels” through carelessness. With responsible eco-tourism, perhaps Dzuko Valley’s grandeur can be preserved for generations to come.
Textbook solutions
Based on your reading complete the following
(i) Dzuko valley as yet does not have a road_________________________
Answer: connecting it to Manipur.
(ii) The trekkers had to reach Dzuko valley on________________________
Answer: foot after scaling a height and trekking downhill.
(iii) Walking over the brilliant sheet of ice, the trekkers felt as if__________________
Answer: they had made a conquest of one of the most beautiful valleys in the world.
(iv) Having collected the litter of leftovers, the trekkers_______________________
Answer: volunteered to clean up and buried them in a deep pit they dug themselves.
(v) On the western side of Dzuko valley, there_________________________________
Answer: is an amphitheatre-like opening, a western window through which cold winds blow.
(vi) Till about 4 am, the whole____________________________
Answer: valley’s temperature falls down to minus 20ºc.
(vii) Environmentalists are worried that___________________________
Answer: human interference will spoil the beauty of the valley.
Answer in a word, pharse or sentence each
i. Which state has a motorable road connected with Dzuko Valley?
Answer: Nagaland
ii. Why were the trekkers amazed in the morning?
Answer: The hillocks encircling the valley had turned white with frost.
iii. What marred the joy of the trekkers?
Answer: Scattered leftovers that marred the beauty of the valley.
iv. How did the chairman of Viswema Naga village welcome the trekkers?
Answer: By providing accommodation and allowing the privilege of using the chairman’s kitchen.
vii. What happens to the temperature at around 4 pm.?
Answer: The temperature suddenly falls to minus 20ºC.
viii. What is the most notable member of fauna visible in Dzuko valley?
Answer: The meadow lark.
Answer each of the following question briefly
1. Why is the trip to Dzuko valley described as an adventure?
Answer: The trip is described as an adventure because it involves a challenging trek to reach the valley, including scaling a height of 2630 metres above sea level and then trekking downhill to an altitude of 2450 metres, all without the convenience of a road connecting it to Manipur.
2. Why did the trekkers feel that they had made a conquest of one of the most beautiful valleys in the world?
Answer: The trekkers felt they had made a conquest of one of the most beautiful valleys in the world because, upon their arrival, they were greeted by the extraordinary sight of hillocks encircling the valley turning white with frost, and streams that flowed through the valley freezing into a solid sheet of ice, offering a unique and stunning view.
3. What did the trekkers do to improve the environment of the valley?
Answer: To improve the environment of the valley, the trekkers voluntarily cleaned up the litter of polythene bags, cans, and bottles left by previous visitors and villagers. They collected this waste and buried it in a deep pit they dug themselves.
4. Why is Dzuko valley so named?
Answer: Dzuko Valley is so named after a river that traverses the valley, called Dzuko. The name comes from a Mao tribe word where ‘Dzu’ means ‘water’ and ‘Ko’ means ‘cold’, referring to the cold water of the river.
5. ‘As one stands in the valley the view one gets is truly amazing.’ Give an idea of the amazing view of Dzuko Valley.
Answer: The amazing view of Dzuko Valley includes a breathtaking panorama of colourful grass and flowers in the valley, greenish hillocks against a background of high, deep blue mountains with dark dense forests. This combination of flora and natural beauty offers a unique and captivating landscape.
8. Why does the writer say that Dzuko valley looks like ‘the abode of angels’?
Answer: The writer describes Dzuko Valley as looking like ‘the abode of angels’ because of its ethereal beauty, especially when covered with a silvery carpet of snow. This picturesque and tranquil setting seems fit for divine beings, offering a peaceful and heavenly atmosphere.
9. The writer says that the lasting beauty of Dzuko valley depends on ‘Man’. Why does he say so?
Answer: The writer states that the lasting beauty of Dzuko Valley depends on ‘Man’ to highlight the crucial role human beings play in preserving or destroying natural beauty. The future condition of the valley, whether it remains enchanting or is spoiled by human interference, is ultimately determined by human actions and attitudes towards the environment.
Write a letter
You want to write a letter to the editor of the newspaper ‘The Daily Manipur’ asking the people who visit Dzuko Valley not to leave litter in Dzuko valley. Complete the following draft. Use the suitable phrases in the box for each blank.
To
The Editor
The Daily Manipur, Imphal
Subject: Litter in Dzuko Valley
Dear Sir,
Through your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of the people who visit Dzuko Valley that it is a crime against God to leave litter behind by picnickers and visitors in Dzuko valley. Dzuko valley is a beautiful natural paradise meant to repose.
Let us not, through our thoughtless actions, spoil its pristine beauty. I feel we can contribute to preserving its charm by being a little more responsible and considerate.
Yours truly,
[Your Name]
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