Ecological Task Force of Army - Garhwal Rifles

Story of Formation of ETF

In the early 1980s, the Shivalik Ranges faced significant ecological challenges, particularly around the Mussorie area, famously known as the Queen of Hills. This region was nearing ecological collapse due to rampant and unregulated limestone mining, which exacerbated deforestation at an alarming rate.

Dr. Norman Borlaug of the Wheat and Maize Centre in Mexico, concerned by the degradation, recommended to India's then Prime Minister, the late Mrs. Indira Gandhi, that the Indian Army be enlisted to urgently restore the ecological balance. The regular army being unavailable for such tasks, it was decided to form a specialized Territorial Army unit for this purpose, incorporating ex-servicemen from the area.

Thus, the 127 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) GARHWAL RIFLES was established on December 1, 1982, with dual goals: to aid the resettlement of ex-servicemen and to regenerate the region's ecology. This initiative marked the beginning of the Ecological Task Force (ETF) Battalions.

Concept 

The ETF Battalions were created to carry out specific ecological projects, bringing a military-like work ethic and dedication to environmental restoration efforts by employing ex-servicemen. These battalions use the technical skills of the respective State Forest Departments for afforestation and other environmental initiatives.

Achievements 

To date, the ETF Battalions have planted around 68.8 million saplings and have rehabilitated over 72,741 hectares of land, achieving a survival rate of 75 to 80 percent. These battalions have received national and state awards for their substantial contributions to ecological restoration.

Plantation of Walnut and Chilgoza

A distinctive strategy conceived by Late General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of the Army Staff, involves engaging all resident families in the Malari region of Uttarakhand in planting Walnut and Chilgoza saplings. This initiative, aimed at curbing economic migration due to limited employment and agricultural opportunities, grants the families ownership of the saplings and the fruits they bear.

The project kicked off in Malari on May 19, 2017, with great local participation, planting 4,000 saplings in its first phase. An additional 100,000 saplings are expected to be planted over the next three years. 

The 127 and 130 Infantry Battalions (TA) Eco, responsible for this project, have prepared nurseries and sown over 100,000 Walnut seedlings from the Central Institute for Temperate Horticulture in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.

Present Status 

Currently, there are nine Ecological Infantry Battalions (TA), comprising 22 operational companies, engaged in reforestation projects in challenging and degraded landscapes across Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Assam, and Maharashtra. 

A new battalion was formed in 2017 in Maharashtra to address the ecological needs of the drought-prone Marathwada region. Additionally, a Composite Ecological Task Force is being set up for the National Mission for Clean Ganga, with deployment planned in Kanpur, Varanasi, and Allahabad upon completion. 

Funding for these battalions comes from either the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) or the respective state governments.

And it Continues..

By virtue of their task and role, the Ecological Territorial Army units are contributing immensely by ecological activities towards disaster mitigation and also be part of Nation building efforts of the Indian Army.

Jai Hind!