The Indian military has launched a war-like campaign against forest fires sweeping through Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. Joint operations involving the Army and Air Force are in full swing, with helicopters conducting precision water drops in treacherous terrains.
Success has been achieved in Walong, where 139,800 liters of water from air missions successfully smothered the blaze. Air Force posts on X detail ongoing missions in Zunukhu Valley, Nagaland, where MI-17 V5 choppers battle steep inclines, low visibility, and rarefied air, refilling from Padum Pukhuri Lake.
In Anjaw district, soldiers are tackling fires at elevations between 3,000 and 3,500 feet, synergizing ground efforts with aerial bombardment. Army videos capture the high-drama action: rotors thundering over fiery hillsides, unleashing torrents, backed by teams wielding advanced firefighting equipment.
Sparking on February 13, these fires are fueled by prolonged dry spells and slash-and-burn jhum farming. Previous ops in Lohit Valley above 9,500 feet delivered over 12,000 liters to hotspots, shielding delicate ecosystems amid harsh weather.
Guwahati-based defense sources reveal non-stop 24/7 aerial reconnaissance and drops over five days in extreme conditions. This coordinated assault highlights the armed forces’ prowess in environmental crises, ensuring the Northeast’s vital forests are preserved for future generations.