Intense firefighting operations are underway in the dense forests of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, with the Indian Army and Air Force deploying full force to contain raging wildfires. Helicopters are dropping thousands of liters of water on hard-to-reach terrains, while ground teams equipped with specialized gear battle the flames on the surface.
In a major breakthrough, the fire in Walong, Arunachal Pradesh, has been fully extinguished after air operations delivered 139,800 liters of water. The Indian Air Force shared updates on social media, highlighting helicopters engaged on two fronts, tackling challenging visibility and steep slopes in Nagaland’s Zunukhu Valley.
MI-17 V5 helicopters are sourcing water from Padum Pukhuri Lake near Dimapur, navigating thin air and poor weather to douse fires near Japfu Peak. On the ground, Army personnel in Anjaw district, Arunachal, have been working at altitudes of 3,000 to 3,500 feet, coordinating with aerial support to prevent further spread.
The fires, which ignited around February 13, have been exacerbated by dry weather and traditional jhum cultivation practices prevalent among hill tribes. Videos released by the Army show dramatic scenes of helicopters hovering over hills, releasing water cascades, as ground crews deploy additional suppression tools.
Earlier efforts in Lohit Valley saw over 12,000 liters dropped on hotspots above 9,500 feet, protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem despite adverse conditions. A defense spokesperson from Guwahati noted round-the-clock aerial surveillance and water drops over the past five days.
These high-stakes operations underscore the military’s critical role in disaster response, safeguarding biodiversity and local communities from the devastating impact of uncontrolled blazes in Northeast India’s rugged landscapes. Efforts continue relentlessly until every ember is quenched.