Uttarakhand goes the green way
30 Mar 2008
Uttarakhand government is giving prime importance to the protection of state’s dwindling environmental resources.
And, following the example of Himachal Pradesh and Delhi, the state government has funded four additional task forces for the purpose.
So, soldiers in Uttarakhand are on a mission to protect their motherland. But, instead of guns, they are carrying spades.
And that is all they need to keep their state green.
However, for the past 25 years, two infantry ecological battalions have already been posted at Garhwal and Kumaon.
But soon, there will be about 400 more men joining them on the job.
”If you recruit ex-servicemen belonging to Uttarakhand, they’ll be trained, physically fit and will be able to work better in their area,” said Additional Director General Territorial Army, V K Datta, describing the initiative.
The move is getting good response. ”We are happy that ex-servicemen will get a second career option and that they will join us in protecting the environment,” said soldier Balwant Singh.
The eco soldiers have already planted nearly 50 lakh trees and now they are ready for more.
The state government is also supporting the move. ”The eco task force has done a commendable job from sowing saplings and nurturing trees. I believe that it will be in the best interest of the State if we involve such dedicated people for forestation,” said B C Khanduri, Chief Minister Uttarakhand.
The whole project has proved once again that once a soldier, always a soldier. Whether he is on the front or on the field.
News Source: http://www.ndtv.com
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