“We have not inherited the Earth from our ancestors but have borrowed it from our children.
As part of their service, the Indian Army not only provides security and saf ety to their native citizens but also addresses socio-cultural and environmental issues. Keeping ecological concerns in mind, the Army has made tremendous efforts by taking environmental initiatives during the recent well-organized World Environment Day at North Command.
Under the able leadership of Army Commander of Northern Command, Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar commemorated World Environment Day on 05 June 2024. The first of its kind was to organize a week-long activity at Udhampur Military Station. The events were planned and conducted with a common theme: “We have not inherited the Earth from our ancestors but have borrowed it from our children.”
The series of events commenced with a “Pledge Ceremony” organised at all military stations and Residential Welfare Organisation (RWA) to reaffirm our commitment to preserve and protect our environment. A lecture cum demo was organised at the Dhruva Eco Friendly Waste Management System to focus on ZERO LANDFILL ARMY, which included awareness on compost pits and waste segregation for families and units. All persons were sensitised to the advantages of the 3R (Reduce, Reuse & Recycle) in order to utilize the inevitable waste being created.
Comprehensive Shramdaan & Swachhta Abiyaan were organised at all military stations. Appreciating the relevance of inclusion of the next generation, awareness campaigns were conducted for APS Udhampur students and NCC cadets. More than 1000 saplings were planted at all units / RWAs of Udhampur.
The events concluded with a centralized tree plantation drive at NCVD, Udhampur. This event marked the realization of the vision of Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, GOC-in-C, Northern Command to foster the culture of environmental sustainability.
We celebrate World Environment Day to convey the message that if our environment thrives, humanity thrives. As such, every year on June 5th, World Environment Day is celebrated globally as a platform dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging action for environmental protection. Since its inception by the United Nations in 1974, it has grown into the largest global celebration advocating for environmental protection. This day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard the environment for future generations, a concept stressed and focused on by almost everyone.
Kashmir, often dubbed the “Paradise on Earth,” is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Situated in the northern part of India, the region boasts majestic mountains, lush valleys, serene lakes, and diverse flora and fauna. The Himalayan range, including the famous Pir Panjal range, forms a breathtaking backdrop and harbors diverse wildlife. Iconic water bodies like Dal Lake and Wular Lake are crucial for the region’s biodiversity, supporting a wide array of aquatic life. Kashmir’s dense forests, rich with various tree species such as pine, deodar, and chinar, provide habitats for many rare and endangered species, including the Kashmiri stag (Hangul), snow leopards, and Himalayan brown bears. The Indian Army has played a huge role in protecting this environment in Kashmir by initiating various projects aimed at preserving and protecting its natural resources.
However, despite its natural beauty, Kashmir faces significant environmental challenges. Rapid urbanization, deforestation, pollution, and climate change are threatening the region’s ecological balance. These issues have led to the degradation of natural habitats, loss of biodiversity, and adverse impacts on the livelihoods of local communities.
In response to these challenges, various environmental initiatives have been undertaken in Kashmir, aiming to protect and restore the region’s unique environment while promoting sustainable development. Afforestation and reforestation programs have been launched by the government and non-governmental organizations to combat deforestation and soil erosion. These initiatives focus on planting native tree species to restore degraded forest areas and enhance biodiversity.
Wetland conservation efforts are also crucial, particularly for Dal Lake and Wular Lake. Measures include pollution control, dredging operations to remove silt and weeds, and promoting eco-friendly tourism practices to maintain the ecological balance. Wildlife protection is another critical area, with several protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries, such as Dachigam National Park, established to safeguard endangered species. Conservation programs aim to protect the habitat of species like the Hangul deer and promote community-based wildlife conservation. The Indian Army actively participates in the conservation of wetlands in Kashmir, particularly Dal Lake and Wular Lake. They conduct regular clean-up drives, remove debris, and implement measures to control pollution, such as restricting the use of harmful chemicals and promoting eco-friendly practices among locals and tourists.
Army plays a significant role in protecting wildlife in Kashmir. For instance, they collaborate with local authorities to enforce wildlife protection laws and prevent illegal poaching and trafficking of endangered species like the Hangul deer and snow leopards. Additionally, they undertake habitat restoration projects and establish wildlife corridors to ensure the safe movement of animals. They plant native tree species in deforested or degraded areas, establish nurseries to cultivate saplings, and conduct awareness campaigns to promote the importance of forest conservation among local communities. Army implements eco-friendly waste management practices in military installations and surrounding areas. They set up composting units, encourage waste segregation at source, and promote recycling and reuse initiatives to minimize the environmental impact of solid waste disposal.
With the Community engagement and education army play a vital role in this issue. Environmental awareness campaigns and educational programs are conducted to engage local communities in conservation efforts. Schools and colleges are incorporating environmental education into their curricula to foster a sense of responsibility among the younger generation.
During the whole programme, focus on preserving and celebrating World Environment Day serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of preserving our planet’s natural resources. As we celebrate this day, let us reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the environment, ensuring that the paradise of Kashmir remains pristine for generations to come.
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