The Indian Air Force (IAF) has taken significant steps to assist in extinguishing the forest fire that erupted in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris district. Deploying its Mi-17 V5 helicopters, the IAF has conducted firefighting operations in coordination with the local administration.
Responding promptly to a request from the Tamil Nadu State Administration, the IAF launched its Mi-17 V5 helicopters from the Air Force Station Sulur. These helicopters undertook multiple sorties equipped with Bambi Buckets, specialized apparatuses designed to transport and disperse large volumes of water over affected areas.
During these operations, the Mi-17 V5 helicopters discharged over 8000 liters of water, contributing significantly to bringing the blaze under control at a rapid pace. The efforts of the IAF have been instrumental in complementing the ongoing firefighting operations carried out by the Nilgiris Forest Division in the Forest Dale area of Coonoor.
The collaboration between the IAF and the local administration underscores the collective effort to combat the forest fire and mitigate its impact on the region. With approximately 100 personnel actively engaged in firefighting efforts on the ground, supplemented by aerial support from the IAF, comprehensive measures are being taken to control the blaze that has persisted for several days.
