Indian Army Takes Lead in Environmental Conservation and National Integration.  

SHIMLA/NEW DELHI: General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), shared the Indian Army's focus on environmental sustainability and jointness during the Annual Press Conference.

He announced the creation of the Gomti Task Force. This task force is dedicated to cleaning and restoring the Gomti River.

"The Indian Army is committed to environmental protection," said General Dwivedi. "Our efforts go beyond defence duties."

The COAS also spoke about the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative. As part of this drive, the Army has planted over 50 lakh saplings nationwide. "This contributes significantly to afforestation and ecological balance," he added.

Army’s Commitment to Jointness and Integration

General Dwivedi emphasized the Army’s focus on integration with other services and agencies. He announced the rollout of Jointness 3.0. The first two phases have already been completed.

"The Army is integrating with the Navy, Air Force, and other agencies," he stated. This includes Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), State Police, and intelligence agencies.

"A unified approach is crucial to handle modern security challenges," said the COAS.

Himalayan States Pin Hopes on the Army

From Tso Lakes in  Ladakh to Libsang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh,  from Sissu-Jispa valley  to Tista valley in Sikkim, the thousands tones of plastic and refuse dumped by lakhs of tourists end up in water streams and rivers in the valley’s every year.

Residents and activists from the Himalayan states praised the Gomti River initiative.

However, they urged the Army to address plastic waste and sewage in border areas.

NGOs have expressed concern. "Border areas are turning into plastic dumps," he said. "Even some Army camps contribute to this waste problem."

Another activist and poet from Save Lahaul-SpitiSociety, called for urgent action. "The Army has the expertise to lead cleanup efforts in remote border regions," he stated. "We are ready to work with them."

The Integrated Mountain Initiative with has been spearheading the anti plastic campaign in the Himalayan states has also urged Army to join hands with locals to keep the borders green and sustainable for local communities, pining the primary polluters under EPRs mandate.

SDC FOUNDATION Dehradun has launched a plastic bank campaign in Dehradun and seeks to bring enter Uttarakhand including Char Dham under its ambit.  

COAS Responds to Local Concerns

General Dwivedi acknowledged these concerns. "Environmental sustainability is a shared responsibility," he said.

"The Army is open to partnerships with local communities and organizations."

Himalayan activists believe such collaborations could transform border regions.

They hope for a cleaner and greener future under the Army's leadership.