NewKerala.com

IAF Battles Arunachal Forest Fires, Aids Baramati After Tragic Crash

The Indian Air Force conducted a challenging high-altitude operation, dropping 12,000 litres of water to battle forest fires in Arunachal Pradesh's Lohit Valley. In a separate rapid response, the IAF deployed Air Traffic Control personnel to Baramati Airport in Maharashtra following a tragic plane crash. This deployment was at the urgent request of civic authorities to establish essential services for safe air operations. These actions underscore the IAF's commitment to national service in diverse emergency scenarios.

Key Points: IAF Drops 12,000L on Arunachal Fires, Deploys to Baramati

  • 12,000 litres of water dropped on fires
  • Operation at 9,500 feet in Himalayas
  • Mi-17V5 helicopters deployed
  • Swift ATC deployment to Baramati airport
2 min read

Arunachal Pradesh: IAF drops 12,000 litres of water to battle forest fires in Lohit Valley

IAF Mi-17V5 helicopters combat high-altitude forest fires in Arunachal's Lohit Valley, while also providing emergency ATC services in Baramati after a plane crash.

"showcasing exceptional courage, precision and a commitment towards protecting lives and fragile ecosystems. - Indian Air Force"

Lohit, January 30

The Indian Air Force dropped at least 12,000 litres of water to combat forest fires in the Lohit Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, operating at nearly 9,500 feet in the rarefied Himalayan air.

The IAF deployed Mi-17V5 helicopters for the operation, which involved challenging conditions at high altitude.

In a post shared on X on Thursday, IAF wrote, "Battling forest fires at nearly 9,500 feet in Arunachal Pradesh's Lohit Valley. IAF Mi-17V5 helicopters dropped 12,000 litres of water in the rarefied Himalayan air, showcasing exceptional courage, precision and a commitment towards protecting lives and fragile ecosystems."

This comes amid a series of rapid response operations by the IAF. Earlier, in a separate event, the force swiftly deployed a team of Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel along with essential technical equipment from Air Force Station Lohegaon to Baramati Airport in Maharashtra on an urgent request from the state government, Defence officials said on Wednesday.

The team promptly established emergency ATC services, including communication and other essential facilities, in coordination with the local administration to support safe and efficient air traffic management, they added.

In an X post, the IAF stated that a dedicated team of Air Warriors was deployed at the urgent request of civic authorities following a plane crash at Baramati Airport. The personnel are providing basic ATC and Meteorological services to ensure safe air operations.

"In response to the civic authorities' urgent request after the tragic aircraft crash at Baramati Airport, the Indian Air Force has swiftly deployed a dedicated team of Air Warriors. They are providing essential basic Air Traffic Control (ATC) and Meteorological services to support safe air operations from the site. This rapid assistance underscores IAF's commitment to national service in times of need," the IAF wrote.

The Baramati deployment followed the tragic death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in the crash landing of a charter plane in the district on Thursday morning.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So crucial to protect our fragile Himalayan ecosystems. The fires in Arunachal are a huge concern. Great to see such a swift and professional response. Hope the local forest department is also getting the support it needs on the ground.
R
Rohit P
The IAF is showing its versatility yet again. From fighting fires in the North East to setting up ATC in Maharashtra after that tragic crash. They are our true multi-role force. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
While the IAF's effort is commendable, we need to ask why these forest fires are becoming so frequent. Is it climate change, or are there local factors like illegal land clearing? Prevention is just as important as a brave response.
V
Vikram M
Mi-17V5 at 9500 feet! That requires incredible skill from the pilots and crew. The thin air affects lift and engine performance. Hats off to their training and courage. 🇮🇳
K
Kavya N
It's heartening to see the armed forces step in for civilian and environmental crises. From floods to fires to air crashes, they are always the first responders. Our taxes are well spent on such capabilities. God bless our jawans in the sky.
M
Michael C
A sobering article when you read it fully. The bravery in

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50