(Part 1 of the 6 part story series talking about the efforts the Indian Army is making towards sustainable environmental conservation)
The Indian Army has always been at the forefront of innovation and conservation. Equipped with some of the best resources and manpower in the country, the army has never shied away from taking initiatives towards the overall sustainable development of the nation. The Walnut plantation drive in the border areas of Uttarakhand, Malari (Chamoli district of the Garhwal region) and Dharchula (Kumaon region) is one such initiative.
An idea to boost the green cover eventually turned into a full-fledged initiative to generate employment in the region and thus prevent the migration of the populace from these regions to the plains.
This unique concept was thought upon by the COAS and implemented on the ground by two Ecological Task Force (to be called ETF in the subsequent series), the 127 Infantry Battalion (TA) Ecological, GARH RIF and 130 Infantry Battalion (TA) Ecological, Kumaon under the directions of the ADG TA.
The Plan and the Way Ahead
Phase I
The initial phase of the plantation (Ph-I) was mostly about experimentation for the feasibility and involved the planting of high-quality Walnut & Chilgoza (Pine nuts) saplings in the Malari region of Chamoli Garhwal in 2017 which is near the Indio-Tibetan Border. The number of saplings planted in Ph-I was as under:-
- Walnut: 2060
- Chilgoza: 2100
Out of the above, only walnut saplings survived and chilgoza plantation was not successful. Also, 75% of the walnut saplings survived the harsh winters, snow, and other adverse conditions.
Phase II
Basis the observations from Phase-1, for Phase-II of the plantation drive, it was decided that 50,000 walnut saplings each shall be planted in Malari & Dharchula in 2019. The saplings were planted at once in the Malari region by 127 Infantry Battalion (TA) Ecological, GARH RIF along with the locals. The land in the villages was identified and prepared for the planned plantation. The locals were included and involved by the Unit.
This plantation was handed over to the villagers for nurturing these saplings.
A part of the second Phase of plantation took place on 24 Oct 2019 at Malari and was inaugurated by COAS, General Bipin Rawat, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, VSM, SM, ADC.
Another part of Phase-II was organized in Dharchula in Kumaon by 130 Infantry Battalion (TA) Ecological, KUMAON on 15 Nov 2019 in which 50,000 walnut saplings were planted again in the villages of the region.
Both the ETF Units developed their nurseries to cater to this large requirement of high-quality walnut saplings.
Why This Approach
The border area villages so earmarked in Malari and Dharchula are the eyes and ears of the Indian Army. These villages though, lack resources and employment avenues. The cultivated land also does not provide adequately for sustainable livelihood. Hence, people migrate to lower regions abandoning their land, which from the territorial security point of view is not in favor.
It was therefore decided to make these villages self-sustainable by providing means of livelihood through a plantation. Walnut plantation is one of the means and is in high demand among the dry fruit varieties and the team found can generate good revenue.
The cost of a good quality walnut sapling if purchased from the market is approx Rs 112/- per sapling however since these saplings were raised in Unit nurseries, the cost per plant came down to Rs 10/- per sapling which was borne by the Units from their project funds and plantation included in the project.
The Entailed Benefits
- It will generate a source of income for the villagers.
- Prevent the mass exodus of people.
- Motivate people to develop this idea further.
- Strengthen civil-military relations.
- Motivate other States to work on similar lines.
- Promote social forestry.
- Socio-economic development.
Conclusion
Plantation for livelihood is a unique concept that has been appreciated at all levels in civil and military set up. The ETF Units working in the field of ecology have mastered the technique of plantation by the virtue of their experience and are suitably placed to take on such unique projects. Such projects will not only open avenues for livelihood but also promote the motto of 200 hands to 20,000 hands.