The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed helicopters equipped with ‘Bambi bucket’ systems to assist in controlling forest fires in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh. The aerial firefighting mission was launched after an urgent request from local authorities due to the difficult mountainous terrain, where ground operations alone were insufficient.
The fires have caused an estimated financial loss of ₹67 lakh, though officials expect ecological recovery after the monsoon. To strengthen future preparedness, the Himachal Pradesh government has sought expansion of the Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme to more districts. Additionally, leave restrictions have been imposed in high-risk districts like Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Una to ensure operational readiness.
‘Bambi Bucket’ System
- A flexible underslung container attached to helicopters for aerial firefighting
- Collects water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs and releases it over fire zones
- Helicopters hover to fill the bucket within seconds and dump water directly on hotspots
- Capacity ranges from a few hundred litres to several thousand litres, depending on the helicopter
- Not permanently installed- attached to military helicopters during emergencies
Operational Advantage
- Enables access to steep, remote, and wind-prone terrains
- Supports rapid and repeated sorties for continuous firefighting
Role of Helicopters
- The Mil Mi-17 helicopters used by the IAF are ideal because they:
- Carry heavy payloads
- Operate efficiently in mountainous regions
- Perform rapid repeated missions
Importance of Aerial Firefighting
- Crucial for protecting the fragile ecosystem of the Shivalik range
- Prevents spread of fire to residential areas and tourist zones
- Ground crews work alongside IAF to:
- Secure fire perimeters
- Extinguish residual embers after aerial drops
Why India Lacks Dedicated Firefighting Aircraft
Historical Approach
- Forest fires traditionally treated as localized seasonal issues
- Managed by state forest departments using manual methods
- Climate change has now increased frequency and intensity
High Cost of Specialized Aircraft
- Aircraft like Canadair CL-415 are extremely expensive
- Require:
- Specialized pilots
- Water infrastructure
- Maintenance ecosystems
- Permanent bases
Reliance on Multi-Role Military Assets
- India uses armed forces helicopters for emergency response
- Provides flexibility and cost savings
- However, it creates dependence on military availability during crises