News Release Details

IndianOil extends support to IAF in combating Uttarakhand forest fire
New Delhi   05-May-2016


File photo


As large parts of Uttarakhand’s forests were engulfed by fire, the Air Force HQ and the State Government advised IndianOil to position refuellers at Srinagar (Uttarakhand) and Ghorakhal (Uttarakhand) immediately for refuelling IAF helicopters engaged in dousing the forest fire. Apart from about 9,000 forest personnel, three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), one of the State Disaster Response Force, the police, the Army and the Air Force have all joined forces to douse the fires that started on February 2 and have affected about 2,552 hectares of forest cover so far, including the famous Corbett National Park and Rajaji National Park.

Soon after receiving the advice, IndianOil arranged two refuellers with crew. One refueller of 11 kl capacity was rushed from Sarsawa AFS and another of 11 kl capacity was rushed from Hindon AFS.

The operations started on 1st May 2016 and are continuing. Back-up supplies have been arranged from Ambala terminal and Aonla depot. Uninterrupted supply of ATF is being maintained from both the places to ensure smooth operations.

As per reports, while forest fires are a summer phenomenon every year, the absence of winter rains, intermittent April rains and less humidity in the air made the Uttarakhand forest fire lethal this year. Chamoli, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Almora, Pithoragarh and Nainital are the worst-affected districts. Two IAF choppers have been sent to Nainital and Pauri districts, which are among the worst hit, to spray water over the burning patches of the forest. IndianOil is extending all possible support to the Indian Air Force and is geared up for the challenging task ahead.