Lohit (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], January 30 (HBTV): The Indian Air Force (IAF) dropped at least 12,000 litres of water to combat forest fires in the Lohit Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, operating at nearly 9,500 feet in the rarefied Himalayan air.
The IAF deployed Mi-17V5 helicopters for the operation, which involved challenging high-altitude conditions.
In a post shared on X on Thursday, the IAF said it was battling forest fires at nearly 9,500 feet in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit Valley, with Mi-17V5 helicopters dropping 12,000 litres of water in difficult Himalayan conditions, showcasing courage, precision and a commitment to protecting lives and fragile ecosystems.
The operation comes amid a series of rapid response missions by the IAF. Earlier, the force deployed a team of Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel along with essential technical equipment from Air Force Station Lohegaon to Baramati Airport in Maharashtra on an urgent request from the state government, defence officials said on Wednesday.
The team established emergency ATC services, including communication and other essential facilities, in coordination with the local administration to support safe and efficient air traffic management.
In another post on X, the IAF stated that a dedicated team of Air Warriors was deployed at the request of civic authorities following a plane crash at Baramati Airport. The personnel are providing basic ATC and meteorological services to ensure safe air operations.
The Baramati deployment followed the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in the crash landing of a chartered plane in the district on Thursday morning. (ANI)