IAF Choppers called to tackle raging forest fire in Nainital region

Over the past 36 hours, a fierce forest fire has engulfed the mountainous areas around Nainital, prompting the Indian Air Force (IAF) to deploy personnel and MI-17 helicopters for firefighting operations. These choppers are collecting water from nearby Bhimtal Lake and dispersing it over the affected regions to douse the forest fire. It would be pertinent to mention here that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday had categorically asked the forest officials to tackle the fire and today IAF chopper pressed into service.

Rahul Anand, the executive officer of Nainital Nagar Palika, conducted an aerial assessment and confirmed the involvement of MI-17 helicopters in combating the fire. “IAF choppers have been actively engaged in firefighting efforts since this morning,” Anand stated.

Despite the concerted endeavors of the forest department and the IAF personnel, the fire has already devoured a considerable expanse of forested land, with flames continuing to spread.

The IAF helicopters conducted reconnaissance flights over Nainital, Bhimtal, and Sattal lakes, pinpointing suitable spots for water retrieval to aid in firefighting. Equipped with sacks and buckets suspended by ropes, the choppers discharged water onto the fire-stricken areas surrounding Nainital.