Eco-Development
Forces
Ecological Task Forces (ETFs) Scheme was initiated by the
Ministry of Defence in 1982 with a view to securing involvement of
ex-servicemen in afforestation and eco-development in remote and difficult
areas to undertake restoration of degraded ecosystems through afforestation,
soil conservation and water resource management techniques. The scheme also
serves as a mechanism to rehabilitate the ex-servicemen for productive work and
to create employment for retired army personnel mainly in the rural areas. The
Scheme has been in operation for last four Five Year Plans. Therefore, the
basic requirements with regard to procedural and financial aspects stand
fulfilled.
At present there are 4 (Four) Eco-Task Force Battalions
raised with the Regular and Territorial Army Personnel. These are as follows:-
|
S.No. |
TA Bn.
Id No. |
Year of
Raising |
Location |
|
1. |
127 Inf
Bns |
1981 |
Shivalik
Hills |
|
2. |
128 Inf
Bns |
1981 |
Rajasthan
Canal (Bajju) |
|
3. |
130 Inf
Bns |
1988 |
State of
J&K |
|
4. |
130 Inf
Bn |
1994 |
Pithoragarh
(Uttranchal) |
The progress of the Eco- Task Force (ETF) Battalions is
being closely reviewed jointly by Ministry of Defence and Ministry of
Environment and Forests. Proposal for establishment of new ETF Battalions in
Assam, Jharkhand and Karnataka are being examined.
A
sum of Rs. 10.00 Crores under Rest of India is proposed under the scheme for
the year 2006-07. This Scheme is operated by the Ministry of Defence, NAEB only
facilitates the Scheme.