The Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters lifted and dropped nearly 40,000 litres of water from Chandigarh's Sukhna Lake in more than 15 sorties during a marathon overnight operation. The joint effort with the Army and civil authorities aimed to contain a massive forest fire raging across the Kasauli hills in Himachal Pradesh's Solan district.
Fire Erupts and Spreads Rapidly
The blaze erupted around 3:00 PM on Tuesday in the Gilbert Trail and Upper Mall areas. It spread rapidly through the densely forested slopes of Kasauli, posing a significant threat to the region's ecology and property.
Initial Firefighting Efforts
Initial firefighting attempts by forest and fire department teams, assisted by local residents, failed to bring the flames under control. Following this, the Army's Kasauli Brigade launched a coordinated ground operation to combat the fire.
Air Force Joins the Battle
The Air Force joined the firefighting operations around 5:00 PM. They deployed Mi-17 helicopters equipped with Bambi Buckets to carry water from Sukhna Lake, approximately 60 kilometres away by road. This water was then dropped onto inaccessible stretches of the burning hills.
Ground Operations Intensify
Simultaneously, Army troops, fire tenders, and water carriers were deployed on the ground. Their objective was to stop the blaze from spreading into vulnerable forest zones and to protect nearby settlements.
Operation Successful After 15 Hours
Officials reported that the combined air and ground operation continued for over 15 hours. It largely contained the fire and prevented major damage to the forest and property. Army personnel continued clearing debris, creating firebreaks, and dousing residual hotspots to prevent any flare-ups.
No Casualties Reported
No casualties or injuries were reported during the entire operation. The swift response and coordination among various agencies ensured the safety of both personnel and local residents.
Commendation for Personnel
Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Command, visited the affected area to review the operation. He later awarded commendation cards to the personnel involved in the firefighting effort, recognising their bravery and dedication.
