Indian Army and IAF Continue Intensive Firefighting in Arunachal Pradesh Blaze
Firefighting operations against a massive forest fire that erupted on February 13 in Walong, located in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh, have continued relentlessly for the fifth consecutive day. The Indian Army's elite Spear Corps has joined forces with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and local civil administration in a coordinated, large-scale effort to combat the devastating blaze.
Scale of Destruction and Military Response
Preliminary estimates indicate that approximately 450,000 square metres of precious forest area have been consumed by the flames, highlighting the severity of the incident. Defence spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mahendra Rawat provided detailed insights into the military's multifaceted response.
Troops on the ground have deployed significant manpower alongside heavy equipment, while IAF helicopters have been executing critical round-the-clock aerial missions. These include precise water drops and continuous reconnaissance flights to monitor fire spread and identify hotspots.
Challenging Terrain and Coordinated Efforts
The operation is being conducted in extremely difficult mountainous terrain, which complicates access and firefighting logistics. Despite these challenges, forces are working tirelessly to douse active flames and prevent dangerous flare-ups. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2 Mountain Division personally visited the fire site to assess the situation.
During his inspection, the GOC commended the dedication and perseverance of all personnel involved, acknowledging their efforts under such demanding environmental conditions. Officials report that significant progress has been achieved in curbing the wildfire's advance, with vigilant monitoring now in place to prevent any potential re-ignition.
Aerial Operations and Strategic Importance
For this critical operation, the IAF has deployed its advanced Mi-17V5 helicopters, which have already dropped an impressive 12,000 litres of water directly onto the fire zones to help contain the spread. This aerial support is a crucial component of the suppression strategy.
An official statement emphasized the broader commitment, noting, "This coordinated push underscores our unwavering commitment to protect lives, property, and the ecological balance of our forest communities."
Historical Context and Regional Significance
This is not the first time the Spear Corps and IAF have collaborated on such missions in this strategically sensitive frontier region. Just last month, the same forces successfully contained another forest fire in Kaho village, which is situated near the sensitive Sino-India border within the same Anjaw district.
The persistent threat of wildfires in Arunachal Pradesh's forested areas requires constant readiness and rapid response capabilities from both military and civil authorities. The current operation demonstrates the ongoing preparedness and inter-agency coordination essential for disaster management in remote, ecologically vital regions of the country.
