Indian Air Force MI-17 Choppers deployed in dousing operations as massive forest fire engulfs Nainital
- In Reports
- 06:14 PM, Apr 27, 2024
- Myind Staff
An official reported that a forest fire has been spreading through the dense foliage in the mountains surrounding Nainital over the last 36 hours. The Indian Air Force has deployed its personnel and MI-17 choppers in the area for a dousing operation.
Officials stated that the IAF choppers are retrieving water from the nearby Bhimtal Lake in Nainital and spraying it in the area to contain and extinguish the spreading forest fire.
After conducting an aerial inspection, Rahul Anand, the executive officer of Nainital Nagar Palika, reported that MI-17 choppers are jet-spraying on the affected areas to combat the raging forest fire.
Anand confirmed that he conducted an aerial inspection and stated that IAF choppers have been engaged in firefighting operations in the affected forests.
Despite the ongoing efforts of the forest department and the firefighting IAF personnel, the blaze has already engulfed several hectares of the forested terrain, with the leaping flames still to be completely brought under control.
The official reported that the IAF choppers conducted aerial surveys over Nainital, Bhimtal, and Sattal lakes to identify suitable locations for water retrieval for the dousing operation. Hanging sacks and buckets from ropes, the choppers sprayed water over the affected forests surrounding Nainital.
Meanwhile, residents of Nainital and nearby areas are reporting a thick blanket of smog engulfing the region due to the leaping flames of the forest fire. In a setback to tourists arriving in Nainital during the peak summer season, boating on Naini Lake has been suspended because of the blaze.
Expressing concern over the raging forest fire, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the government is working diligently to control it, and assistance from the Army has been requested.
Dhami emphasised, "The forest fires pose a significant challenge for us. We are addressing all essential needs and have sought help from the Army."
He further mentioned conducting a meeting in Haldwani and previously in Dehradun regarding the situation. Dhami affirmed the commitment to swiftly control the fire, while also instructing respective district administrations to take action against individuals attempting to start fires in the hills.
In a coordinated effort, the forest fire protection team, led by Divisional Forest Officer Rudraprayag, apprehended Naresh Bhatt from Tadiyal village, Tehsil-Jakholi, for attempting to ignite fires in the forests to create grazing areas for goats, as per a statement from the district administration.
Additionally, Hemant Singh and Bhagwati Lal were apprehended while in the act of setting fire in Dangwal village of North Jakholi. The accused were charged under the Indian Forest Act 1927 and subsequently sent to jail.
Image source: The Hindu
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