IAF DOUSES NILGIRI FOREST FIRE*

In continuation of firefighting operations on the second day to douse the raging forest fire in the Nilgiris, the IAF Mi-17 V5 helicopters undertook multiple Bambi Bucket operations on Sunday. Operating since first light, the helicopters undertook 10 sorties and dropped more than 16000 litres of water in the fire affected area in collaboration with the forest department and state administration of Tamilnadu. Till culmination of operations on the second day, the IAF helicopters flew a total of 16 sorties and dropped a total of 24300 litres of water over the fire affected areas. Due to the untiring efforts of state administration and IAF, the fire has been completely brought under control
Ms Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary Environment Climate Change & Forests, Govt of Tamil Nadu has confirmed that the helicopter operations have doused fire at two main areas of fire and have aided in two more places to curb the spread further. She further informed that owing to the canopy line and slope gradients, further helicopter operations are not required. On behalf of the State administration, she has conveyed her gratitude to the Indian Air Force for the timely help and praised the professionalism of the air warriors involved in the firefighting operations.