Uttarakhand: Air Force on standby with Bambi Bucket plan to control Nanda Devi forest fire, probe ordered
A forest fire in the World Heritage Site Nanda Devi National Park in Chamoli district has triggered panic. The Uttarakhand Forest Department, UCADA, and the Indian Air Force are working together to control the blaze, while an investigation has been ordered into its cause.
Dehradun: A sudden forest fire has broken out in Chamoli’s Nanda Devi National Park, spreading smoke across the biosphere and alarming officials. The park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and close to the Valley of Flowers, is home to rare flora and fauna, making the fire a serious concern.
Forest officials rushed to the site and began firefighting operations. A helicopter from the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) was sent for a survey along with forest officers to assess the situation.
Bambi bucket plan to curb the fire
Based on the survey, a strategy was prepared to use Bambi buckets—large containers that can drop water from helicopters—if required. Ashish Chauhan, CEO of UCADA, said, "Under the direction of the Chief Minister and the Secretary of Disaster Management, UCADA has developed a plan with the Indian Air Force. If necessary, water will be lifted from the Jaypee Barrage and sprayed on the fire‑affected area.”
Bad weather prevented them from flying on Thursday
Two Indian Air Force helicopters have been kept on standby for the operation. However, bad weather prevented them from flying on Thursday. Defence PRO Manish Srivastava confirmed that reconnaissance was carried out using a civilian helicopter, but the firefighting operation could not begin due to poor visibility. He assured that the Air Force is in constant contact with rescue agencies and ready to act once conditions improve.
Fire is currently under control and flames are not very large
Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Sushant Patnaik, the nodal officer for forest fire management, said the fire is currently under control and flames are not very large. However, heavy smoke was seen rising, which made the situation dangerous. He explained that the fire has reached the upper ridge of the mountain, reducing chances of further spread. Ground teams are working to extinguish remaining smoke pockets, while helicopter operations have been suspended for now.
Patnaik added that the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) and Range Officer surveyed the affected area in a UCADA helicopter and will submit a detailed report. Further strategy will depend on their findings and weather conditions.
A report on the causes of the fire
Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal expressed concern over the unusual timing of the fire. He said, "Such a fire during the winter season does not reflect normal circumstances. The way fires have broken out in different places cannot be considered natural.” He directed officials to prepare a report on the causes of the fire, especially in forests connected to the Valley of Flowers.
The minister stressed that the government is taking the matter seriously and wants to identify the reasons behind the outbreak to prevent future incidents.
Officials hope to bring the situation under control soon
The Nanda Devi Forest fire has highlighted the vulnerability of Uttarakhand’s fragile ecosystems. With the Air Force on standby, UCADA coordinating aerial surveys, and ground teams working tirelessly, officials hope to bring the situation under control soon. The probe ordered by the Forest Minister will be crucial in determining whether the fire was natural or man‑made, and in ensuring better protection for one of India’s most treasured natural heritage sites.