Army and Assam Rifles Successfully Control Forest Fire Near India-Myanmar Check Post
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Imphal, March 1 (NationPress) - A swift response from the Army and Assam Rifles successfully prevented a major disaster when a forest fire erupted near the ‘Friendship Bridge’ at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) on the India-Myanmar border in Moreh, according to officials on Sunday.
A defense spokesperson reported that the fire, detected early in its development by vigilant troops stationed along the international border, was quickly managed. Upon observing smoke rising from the adjacent forest, the soldiers promptly evaluated the situation and proceeded to the location.
Given the fire's proximity to sensitive areas and key installations around the ICP, rapid action was essential. The security personnel implemented immediate fire-control strategies, which included establishing firebreaks and utilizing available firefighting equipment to suppress and extinguish the flames. This well-coordinated and timely intervention effectively stopped the fire from spreading to critical infrastructure and surrounding regions, the spokesperson added.
Ongoing monitoring of the affected area was conducted to guarantee complete extinguishment and to mitigate any risks of re-ignition. All safety protocols were rigorously followed during the operation to protect civilians, security forces, and nearby properties. Fortunately, the fire was controlled without any casualties or damage.
This incident highlights the exceptional vigilance exercised along the international border and demonstrates the commitment of the forces to both border security and environmental protection, as well as the safety of local communities, as stated by officials.
Moreh, located in Manipur, serves as a crucial international trading hub along the 1,643-km-long unfenced India-Myanmar border, which traverses four Northeastern states: Manipur (398 km), Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Nagaland (215 km), and Mizoram (510 km).
Established in 2018, the ICP Moreh spans 45.58 acres with a construction cost of approximately Rs 72.67 crore and is part of the proposed 1,360-km-long India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway project.
The India-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Moreh connects India with Kalewa in Myanmar’s Sagaing Division.