Massive forest fires flared in Nainital; IAF continues to drown operations using MI-17 helicopters

A forest fire has ravaged the thick vegetation surrounding Nainital for the past 36 hours, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) stepping in to assist. The IAF has deployed personnel and MI-17 helicopters in firefighting operations in the area. These helicopters are collecting water from the nearby Bhimtal Lake and dispersing it over the affected regions to quell the spreading flames.

Rahul Anand, the executive officer of Nainital Nagar Palika, conducted an aerial inspection and confirmed the involvement of MI-17 helicopters in firefighting activities. “IAF choppers have been engaged in firefighting operations since this morning,” Anand stated.

Despite the concerted efforts of the forest department and the IAF personnel, the fire has already engulfed several hectares of forested land, with the flames still not fully under control. The IAF helicopters have been conducting aerial surveys over Nainital, Bhimtal, and Sattal lakes to identify suitable locations for water collection. They have been spraying water over the affected forests using sacks and buckets suspended from ropes attached to the choppers.

Updates on the situation are awaited as the firefighting operations continue. Earlier, on Friday night, a significant fire erupted in the Ladiyakata area of the Nainital Air Force Centre. Ground crews have been tirelessly battling the fire since then, alongside the chopper-based efforts. Additionally, the army has joined the efforts to contain the spreading flames.