IAF Fire Fighting effort in Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu
16 Mar 24
Southern Air Command (SAC) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) received a request for fire fighting effort in the Wellington area of Coonoor Taluk of The Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu late in the evening on 15 Mar 24.
Accordingly, Air Force Station Sulur, near Coimbatore, was tasked for the effort. A Mi-17 V5 helicopter equipped with a Bambi Bucket, was launched from there in the morning on 16 Mar 24. The helicopter has undertaken 6 sorties so far, dropping approx 8000 litres of water in the fire affected area. The IAF is coordinated closely with the Forest Deptt and District Administration for these ongoing operations.
Bambi Bucket is a specialised equipment used by the Mi-17 V5 helicopter which enables it to carry a large volume of water underslung so that the water can be effectively dispensed in the fire affected area. The IAF has utilised this equipment in affected areas of Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Nagaland, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, Carnicobar etc in the recent past.
The Nilgiris District is part of the Western Ghats and is known for its rich flora and fauna.
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