The Indian Air Force (IAF) engaged an Mi-17V5 helicopter on Thursday to curb a massive wildfire at Dzukou Valley.
The valley, located on the border of the states of Manipur and Nagaland, is a popular tourist spot. It is famous for its seasonal flowers and bio-diversity.
A spokesman of the Shillong-headquartered Eastern Air Command said the helicopter was launched on the basis of a requisition by the Nagaland state government.
“The helicopter is equipped with a Bambi Bucket for fire-fighting in Dzukou Valley near Kohima,” Wing-Commander Ratnakar Singh said on Thursday.
Earlier in the day, the chief of Manipur State, Nongthomban Biren Singh, had cautioned that the Dzukou Valley fire may spread to his state’s dense forest Koziirii.
Later, the state chief conducted an aerial survey to take stock of the wildfire that broke out at Dzukou valley about three days ago.
"The fire has spread quite extensively and caused serious damage to this part of the mountain range. The fire service, forest officials, and volunteers are reaching the site," the state chief stated.