Itanagar: A wildfire erupted near Kaho village in Arunachal Pradesh’s Anjaw district about a week ago but has now been successfully put out by the Indian Army. The fire ignited along the western ridge of the Lohit River, close to the Sino-India border.
The Spear Corps of the Indian Army, with quick support from the Indian Air Force (IAF), worked together to contain the blaze. Their coordinated efforts ensured that the fire did not harm any civilians or their property.
In an impressive display of teamwork, Mi-17V5 helicopters from the IAF dropped 12,000 liters of water from the sky, navigating the challenging Himalayan air. This operation highlighted their dedication to protecting both human life and the delicate environment.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed his gratitude to the IAF for their rapid response in tackling the fire in Lohit Valley. A police official noted that the wildfire began across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on January 21 and spread into Indian territory by January 27, affecting areas around Kaho, Sheru, and Madan Ridge. The cause of the fire remains uncertain, but approximately 450,000 square meters have been impacted.
In another incident, the Indian Army also managed to control a wildfire at Tongkorla in the Mechukha area of the Shi-Yomi district. A landowner requested assistance, prompting a quick reaction team to launch firefighting operations under tough conditions. Defence PRO Lt Col Mahendra Rawat stated that their efforts prevented potential loss of life, property, and forest cover.
This incident reflects a growing concern about forest fires, especially in sensitive border areas. Recent studies indicate that wildfires in India are becoming more frequent, primarily due to climate change and human activities. In fact, the Forest Survey of India reported a 20% increase in forest fire incidents over the last decade, underscoring the urgent need for effective management and response strategies.
Public response on social media has been largely positive, with many praising the swift action taken by the military and air force. This kind of community and government collaboration is crucial, especially in areas where resources may be limited. As natural disasters become more common, the importance of teamwork and prompt action cannot be overstated.
For more information on forest fire management and trends, you can check out findings from the [Forest Survey of India](http://fsi.nic.in). This data helps shed light on how we can better prepare for and respond to such challenges in the future.
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KAHO VILLAGE ANJAW DISTRICT, ARUNACHAL PRADESH WILDLIFE FIRE, ARUNACHAL ARMY CONTAINS WILDFIRE ALONG SINO INDIA BORDER
