Mizoram battles forest fires; PM Modi extends all possible support

For more than 40 hours now, the massive forest fire which broke out in Mizoram’s Lunglei district on Saturday is still raging on the hill slopes of the district and has now spread to the forests of the neighboring districts.

However, as per latest reports, the fire was stopped from reaching nearby inhabitated areas in Lunglei town late last night.

The wild fire had started from the ravines of Saisih on Saturday and completely ravaged the hills of Lunglei town on Sunday.

The fire was on the brink of reaching the urban outskirts of the town but was brought under control, with joint efforts from hundreds of local volunteers, YMA, Fire Department, Assam Rifles and the BSF.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke to Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga and took stock of the situation in the state.

The Prime Minister assured the Mizoram Chief Minister of all possible support from the Centre and prayed for the safety and well-being of the state’s people.

In a tweet, PM Modi said, “Spoke to Mizoram CM Zoramthanga and took stock of the situation arising due to forest fires in parts of the state. Assured all possible support from the Centre in overcoming this crisis. We all pray for the safety and wellbeing of the people of Mizoram.”

On Sunday evening as the fire continued to burn, the Indian Air Force (IAF) — requisitioned by the Mizoram government — deployed two Mi-17V5 helicopters, equipped with specialized Bambi Buckets, to control it.

According to state government officials, the fire reportedly started at 7 am Saturday in the forested hills near Lunglei town. By Sunday, it damaged 10 village council areas within Lunglei town and also spread to three rural development blocks of Lawngtlai district.