Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
In a demonstration of its enduring commitment to national service beyond defence duties, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed its rotary-wing assets in intensive aerial firefighting operations to support civil authorities combating a major forest fire in the picturesque Kasauli region of Himachal Pradesh.
The operation commenced on May 26 evening around 1700 hours and continued unabated through the night, underscoring the IAF’s operational readiness in challenging, low-light conditions. Mi-17 V5 helicopters, equipped with Bambi Buckets, have been conducting repeated shuttles, drawing water from Sukhna Lake in neighbouring Chandigarh and delivering it precisely over the fire-affected zones in the Shivalik hills.
According to official updates from the IAF, crews have completed over 15 sorties, dropping more than 40,000 litres of water. Operations have persisted despite difficult terrain, variable winds, and the inherent risks of night flying using Night Vision Goggles. “The Indian Air Force remains steadfast in its efforts to contain the fire,” the service stated, highlighting the professionalism and endurance of its aircrews.
This mission exemplifies the IAF’s multifaceted role as a first responder in times of natural calamities. The service has a distinguished history of aiding civil authorities during forest fires, floods, and other disasters. In recent weeks, IAF helicopters conducted similar high-stakes Bambi Bucket operations in the Northeast, successfully extinguishing a major blaze in Walong, Arunachal Pradesh, with nearly 140,000 litres of water, while continuing efforts in Nagaland’s Dzukou Valley.
Such interventions are critical in India’s ecologically sensitive hill regions, where forest fires, often triggered by dry conditions, human activity, or lightning, pose significant threats to biodiversity, local communities, and tourism-dependent economies. The timely aerial support in Kasauli has helped prevent the blaze from spreading further into densely forested areas and nearby settlements.
Defence analysts note that the IAF’s rapid response capability, honed through rigorous training and modern platforms, provides a vital force multiplier for state disaster management agencies that often lack heavy-lift aerial resources. By operating in close coordination with the Indian Army and local fire services, the IAF has once again reinforced its image as a guardian not only of India’s skies but also of its people and environment.
As operations continue, officials remain cautiously optimistic about containing the fire. The incident serves as a reminder of the increasing frequency of such environmental challenges amid climate variability and the armed forces’ indispensable humanitarian contributions.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.
