Col J P Singh, Retd
On the eve of World Environment Day on 5th June 2016, it befits to highlight contributions of the armed forces in the protection of environment, specifically in J&K. In the face of global warming, deforestation, droughts, water shortages and food losses, necessity was felt to address the alarming environment problems with urgency. The objective of environmental day is to raise global awareness for the protection of nature and earth planet and objective of showcasing army’s contribution is to attract other organizations to emulate army’s methods of environmental protection if it suits them. Hence environment day must be celebrated vigorously to obtain carbon neutrality, better forest management, reduced green house effect, promote cleanliness, plant trees and increase bio-fuel production.
Country is losing its green gold fast. Infact it has already lost it indiscriminately. Decrease in forest cover at an alarming rate resulted in hardships to those involved in fodder and fire wood collection for livelihood. Erosion of the forest land began, water sources up in the hills dried up and the water shortages increased. Consequently local communities gave up raising live-stock which added to their malnutrition. The crisis was heightened by the fact that Indian Forest Act of 1972, traditionally restricted the access of local communities to the forests, resulting in scarcity of farmlands in over populated and extremely poor areas. The sharp decline in the local agrarian economy lead to migration of people into plains in search of jobs, leaving behind several depopulated villages. Bundelkhand is a living illustration of environmental tragedy.
But all is not lost. There are still pockets of hope here and there which appear to be insulated from the problem of extinction. The places where green gold still glitters are the places which belong to defence establishments. The reason for the survival of visibly green forests in the military areas is army’s concern about environmental issues. Army has adopted a unique way of trees counts by ‘Tree Parade State’ system. Tree parade state counts and accounts for each and every tree in the unit lines as ‘daily parade state’ and ‘roll call’ system counts and accounts for the men of the unit. The day tree is planted, it gets added in the parade state and remains accounted for thereafter. The tree parade state goes to the commanding officer up the chain of command. It may sound funny to a lay reader that army which is meant to be training and preparing for war all the times plants trees (not their job) and keeps counting them on daily basis. There is nothing new or surprising. It has been a tradition in the armed forces. It is because of this system and discipline prevalent in the Cantonments that military areas are ever green and unpolluted. Although it is true to other central and state security forces as well but the army areas stand out distinctly in respect of greenery and cleanliness because the army takes care of environment as much as it cares for its men, weapons and the operational plans.
Public sector undertakings often showcase their greenery, upkeep and cleanliness. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Bangalore has a staff specifically for landscaping, gardening and maintenance with a General Manager exclusively for the job. But the army doesn’t have any such staff. It does it from within its integral operational manpower. Indian Armed forces have infact achieved much in the field of environment protection. Following examples / success stories executed at the lower and higher levels will prove the point. Kilo Force RR cleared Dachigam Sanctuary from militants during the peak of insurgency, which became safe habitat to Hangul (Kashmir Stag) for migrating from lower to upper Dachigam. Corridor of Tral and Khrew were sanitized by the army to provide safe passage to Hangul for Eastward migration to Tral. Army provides safety to Markhor in Limber-Lachipora sanctuaries with their presence and patrolling inside the sanctuary. Wetlands of Mirugand, Haigam, Hokarsar, and Shaibugh were occupied by the militants during militancy. Migratory birds had stopped coming there. Army retrieved them and handed over to wildlife dept for rehabilitating. Now more than 6 lakh birds visit these sanctuaries in the winters. Army is playing great role in preventing poachers and hunters from killing wild life. They also apprehend smugglers who illegally extract medicinal plants from remote places like Gurez, Tulail and Drass. In Ladakh its units and formations have protected the black neck crane (one of which I had shot inside Pangong Tso in July 1971 out of ignorance and retrieved it risking life, which I regret), Chikoor and Himalayan Ibex. Its units and troops have been cautioned to be on the lookout for endangered Snow Leopard and instructed to immediately report, if sighted. Army officers are being appointed Hony Wildlife Wardens in the State. There is an Eco TA Battalion at Samba helping Forest Dept in planting trees and preserving environment. Southern Command has promoted use of Solar Cookers by selling them on subsidized rates in canteens. During the last floods in the Northeast, water level in Kaziranga Sanctuary rose by 8 ft. To save the endangered species, an Engineer Regiment constructed 10 platforms within the confines of this renowned sanctuary well over the flood water line, at a height where these species could take refuge from drowning. What is important is that this effort was achieved at no cost basis. The same Engineer Regiment also constructed a well designed lookout point for visitors. In Rajasthan desert, in Kota, army executed a plan for greening of 800 acres of degraded land under a well structured plan which provides shade and water to cattle, animals and birds. It also evolved innovative method of using solar cookers atop army vehicles to cook food during long convoy moves. Army Cantonment Ahmednagar in Deccan Plateau which is in the rain shadow belt, was allotted 800 Hectares of waste land by Maharashtra govt which was once home to famous black buck and the great Indian Bustard, for restoration. This is close to renowned environmentalist ex-serviceman Sh. Anna Hazare’s village Ralegaon Sidhi. Because of degradation, both the species had vanished. Taking cue from Ralegaon Sidhi, an Oasis, army succeeded in creating vast grasslands. Seeing the return of black bucks and great Indian bustard, Forest Dept has posted a Ranger to monitor these endangered birds. Retired army officers have been in the forefront of environmental protection. Gen G S Jamwal has footed Shiwaliks and educated people in the advantages of preserving their environment. As Chairman of J&K Paryavarn Sanstha, in association with IIIM Jammu, Sanstha has planted Falsa in Shiwaliks, Lavender in Bhaderwah and Leh Berry in Ladakh.
At the national level, it was realized that there is a vast pool of retired soldiers. It was therefore decided to utilize this valuable resource to form Ecological TA Battalions. Initially five Eco TA Bns were raised at the behest of Ministry of Environment and Forest. They were deployed in Dehradun, Shri Mohangarh (Rajasthan desert), Samba, Pithoragarh and Gwalior. Local ex-servicemen were recruited in these Eco TA Bns so that they have a vested interest in the preservation of environment. Nuclear staff including CO, 2IC, Adjutant, Quartermaster and small contingent of JCOs and OR was provided by TA Dte General, Army HQs. There is a plan to raise atleast one such Bn in each state. The strength of a unit depends upon the labour force required for the eco projects. Such units are administratively self contained for independent employment. Its organization is based on the ‘brick system’ that enables additional sub units to be added on as required basis. Eco TA Bns have been used with success in preventing deforestation, soil erosion, afforestation and in conducting environmental awareness.
Potential of military in environmental protection can’t be understated. Military’s efforts prove beyond doubt that they see a unique advantage in friendly nature. Even before the monsoons sets in, army lorries are seen around forest and private nurseries booking plants for plantation drives on the monsoon set-in. As per my experience forest dept helps the army a lot in plantation drives. Army’s preference by and large is for shady and fruit trees. My recommendation is that army should plant wide leafy green trees amongst pine trees which will enable control over forest fires. There should be little doubt that swords have been converted to ploughs and rifles to rakes without blunting the cutting edge of the sword. Hence potential of army must be usefully exploited for the protection of environment.
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