Acting on a formal request from the Nagaland government, the IAF deployed Mi-17 helicopters to the fire-hit Western Jukou Valley, where flames had spread aggressively across forested terrain. The operation focused on precision aerial firefighting, with helicopters repeatedly lifting water from Padampukhuri Lake using specialised Bambi buckets and releasing it over the affected areas.
According to officials familiar with the mission, multiple sorties were carried out throughout the day to douse the fire from above, a method considered crucial due to the region’s difficult topography and limited ground access. The sustained aerial water drops proved effective, and by evening, authorities confirmed that the blaze had been brought under control.
The timely intervention significantly reduced the risk of the fire spreading further into ecologically sensitive zones and nearby human settlements. While no casualties were reported, officials acknowledged that the operation helped avert potential large-scale losses to forest resources and local livelihoods.
The deployment once again underscored the Indian Air Force’s critical role in disaster response and civil assistance operations, particularly in remote and vulnerable regions. As forest fire incidents rise across parts of the country during dry seasons, authorities emphasized the importance of swift inter-agency coordination to mitigate damage and protect communities.
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