7 months ago
Army, Air Force Tame Arunachal Forest Fire
A big forest fire started near the Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Indian Army and Air Force worked together to put it out.
They used special helicopters to drop water from very high up in the mountains.
It was a tough job because of the steep hills and strong winds.
But they did it quickly and safely, so no houses or people were hurt.
This shows how well the army and air force can work together to help in emergencies.
A massive forest fire broke out along the western ridge of the Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh's Anjaw district.
The Indian Army (Spear Corps) and Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a joint operation to combat the fire.
IAF's Mi-17V5 helicopters dropped 12,000 litres of water at nearly 9,500 feet altitude in the Lohit Valley.
The operation was challenging due to difficult terrain, steep ridgelines, and unpredictable wind conditions.
The fire was successfully contained, preventing damage to civilian life or property.
- Who
- Indian Army (Spear Corps), Indian Air Force (IAF)
- What
- Joint operation to combat a massive forest fire
- Where
- Lohit Valley, Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh
- When
- Recent, with specific operations mentioned on January 29, 2026
- Why
- To protect lives, forests, and biodiversity from the forest fire
Key facts
- Location
- Lohit Valley, Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh
- Altitude
- 9,500 feet
- Water Dropped
- 12,000 litres
- Helicopters Used
- Mi-17V5
- Forces Involved
- Indian Army (Spear Corps), Indian Air Force
- Challenges Faced
- Difficult terrain, steep ridgelines, unpredictable wind conditions
- Impact
- No damage to civilian life or property
Timeline
Arsonists spark Arunachal Pradesh blaze. Army, Air Force deploy.
Helicopters drop from skies, douse flames.
Quotes
Indian Air Force
The official social media account of the Indian Air Force
“Battling forest fires at nearly 9,500 feet in Arunachal Pradesh's Lohit Valley. IAF Mi-17V5 helicopters dropped 12,000 litres of water in the rarefied Himalayan air, showcasing exceptional courage, precision and commitment towards protecting lives and fragile ecosystems.”
NDTV
Forest official
A government official responsible for forest management
“The combined effort of ground troops and aircrew ensured that the fire was brought under control before it could spread to nearby habitations.”
NDTV
Sources
IAF, Army contain forest fires in Arunachal’s Lohit Valley & Mechuka
Indian Air Force's Mi-17V5 helicopters dropped 12,000 litres of water in the rarefied Himalayan air
Army, Air Force Action Brings Massive Forest Fire In Arunachal Under Control
Army contains wildfire along Sino-India border
Firefighting At 9,500 Feet: IAF Drops 12,000 Litres Of Water To Combat Arunachal Forest Fires | WATCH
IAF Drops 12,000 Litres of Water To Battle Forest Fires in Arunachal Pradesh's Lohit Valley
IAF airlifts 12,000 litres of water to douse fire in high-altitude Himalayas
Arunachal: Army contains wildfire along Sino-India border
Related news
HAL and Safran Sign Deal for Aravalli Helicopter Engine
Vande Mataram Resonates at Red Fort on 80th Independence Day
PM Modi Leads 80th Independence Day Celebrations At Red Fort
Siddharth Recalls Working With IAF Pilots on 'Operation Safed Sagar'
