Indian Army Presents Eco-Friendly Jacket from Siachen Recycled Waste; Collaborates on Indus River Clean-Up Initiative
In a move highlighting environmental awareness, the Indian Army has recently gifted a jacket made from recycled waste collected at the Siachen Glacier to Tashi Gyalson, the Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council in Leh. This gesture, made last week, emphasizes the Army's dedication to sustainable practices and the innovative reuse of waste in high-altitude areas.
The jacket, constructed from non-biodegradable materials sourced from the challenging Siachen environment, is part of the Army's broader "green initiative." This initiative aims to address battlefield waste through creative solutions, contributing to the ecological balance in one of the planet's most delicate and sensitive regions.
During a recent meeting, Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding of the Army’s 14 Corps, was informed by CEC Gyalson about a significant clean-up effort targeting the Indus River and its tributaries. This campaign, initiated on June 19 following the discovery of arsenic contamination in the river, involves collaboration between the Indian Army, ITBP, paramilitary forces, Border Roads Organisation, and local stakeholders in Leh.
Gyalson highlighted the necessity of building partnerships to support self-help groups and promote alternative livelihoods for Ladakhi communities, particularly those impacted by environmental issues. The discussions also covered the innovative use of poultry waste, including feathers from slaughterhouses, as raw materials for eco-friendly, marketable products.
These collaborative efforts represent a shift in military and environmental cooperation in Ladakh, combining sustainability with community-driven development and ecological restoration across the region.
