New Delhi, May 25, 2018: IAF pressed into service its MLH class helicopter using Bambi Buckets, to contain the forest fire at Katra that had forced suspension of pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi shrine.
The operations had started on Thursday morning wherein two helicopters, one each of the Daring Dragon sand of Snow Leopards units, of the Western Air Command were launched. The fire was brought under control by about 10 am.
The helicopters filled in water from the Reasi water reservoir in the specially built Bambi Buckets which can carry approximately 2500 ltrs of water at a time.
The first drop was done in the area of the new track from Ardhkuwari to Bhawan. “It was a daunting task keeping in mind the challenging terrain and high tension cables in the area” said the captain of the lead aircraft Wing Commander Vikram.
Operation of these types requires special skills by the pilot who flies with a very heavy load underslung. “We trained to respond to these types of situations whenever demanded. The operations are scheduled to continue through the day till the fire is contained” said Wing Commander Rahul the captain of the second aircraft.
A reccee of the area was carried out to ascertain the complexities of the operations. The fire had spread on Wednesday evening though it had been smouldering for 2-3 days before. The services of the IAF were requested to control the fire threatening to cover larger areas of the hill forests.