Fires in Manipur Forest: Air Force Mi-17V5 Helicopters Drop 40,000 Liters of Water
Fires in Manipur Forest: The Indian Air Force has launched a major relief operation to control the massive forest fire in the famous Dzukou Valley, located on the border of Nagaland and Manipur. In this difficult terrain, situated at an altitude of approximately 9,500 feet, Air Force Mi-17V5 helicopters dropped nearly 40,000 liters of water over three days.
During this operation, the Air Force faced serious challenges such as strong winds, low visibility, and high-altitude flying. Due to the thin air at such high altitudes, the helicopter's lifting capacity is reduced by about 25 to 30 percent, making the pilots' role even more challenging.
Controlling the fire with Bambi Buckets
According to reports, the operation was carried out with the help of Bambi Buckets attached to the Mi-17V5 helicopters. A Bambi Bucket has the capacity to carry up to 3,500 liters of water, allowing for rapid water drops on the fire-affected areas to prevent the fire from spreading.
‘Vigilant in crisis, unwavering in duty’
The Air Force shared a post on social media, stating, ‘Where the air is thin, the resolve remains strong. At an altitude of 9,500 feet above Manipur, Indian Air Force Mi-17 V5 aircraft delivered 40,000 liters of water over three consecutive days, battling fierce fires, strong winds, and low visibility. Vigilant in crisis, unwavering in duty.’ Ongoing relief operations in the Northeast.
Where the air thins, resolve holds firm.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) February 1, 2026
At 9,500 ft over Manipur, IAF’s Mi-17 V5s have battled fire, wind and low visibility—delivering 40,000 litres of water over three relentless days.
Vigilant in crisis, steadfast in duty.#HADR #Manipur@DefenceMinIndia@SpokespersonMoD… pic.twitter.com/UnQXuidn3c
This operation in Manipur is part of a series of aerial firefighting operations underway in Northeast India. Earlier, the Air Force had also dropped 12,000 liters of water to extinguish a forest fire in Arunachal Pradesh.
Threat of seasonal fires
Due to the dry weather, the risk of seasonal forest fires increases every year in the northeastern states. In such situations, the Air Force's swift action not only helps in protecting the environment but also provides relief to the local people.
Summary
At an altitude of 9,500 feet, the Air Force dropped 40,000 liters of water over three days, while facing challenges such as strong winds and low visibility.
