Uttarakhand CM Dhami Appreciates 130 Infantry Battalion (TA) Eco Kumaon for Green Initiatives

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has awarded a Letter of Appreciation to the 130 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) Ecological Kumaon, recognising the unit’s sustained work on environmental protection across the Kumaon region. The honour acknowledges the battalion’s contribution to afforestation, water conservation, public awareness and a wider set of ecological initiatives carried out in remote and environmentally sensitive areas.

The recognition specifically highlights the work of the 130 Eco Task Force (ETF), which has been active in forested and fragile landscapes in Kumaon. In his letter, the Chief Minister credited the unit with making significant contributions in tree plantation, wildlife conservation, eco-development, pasture development, soil and water conservation, and plastic-free campaigns. The battalion was also commended for its efforts to build environmental awareness among local communities.

According to the appreciation, the 130 Eco Task Force has played an active role in improving green cover in the region while helping protect Kumaon’s delicate ecosystems. Its work has supported biodiversity conservation and the restoration of natural resources, alongside efforts to involve local residents more closely in environmental protection.

Public participation has been a central feature of the battalion’s approach. The unit has organised awareness drives and school-based initiatives aimed at encouraging younger generations to understand the importance of protecting forests, wildlife and other natural resources. These programmes have sought to connect conservation work with community engagement rather than treating ecological protection as a standalone activity.

The battalion has also undertaken cleanliness campaigns and worked on the rejuvenation of water sources. In remote parts of Kumaon, where the sustainable use and protection of natural resources directly affect daily life, such efforts have linked environmental conservation with practical community needs.

Dhami’s letter went beyond ecological work and also noted the unit’s contribution to social welfare and nation-building. The 130 ETF, he said, has provided prompt assistance during disasters and has supported communities during difficult situations, extending its role beyond conservation tasks.

The Chief Minister praised the commitment, discipline and hard work of the officers, JCOs and soldiers of the 130 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) Ecological Kumaon. He observed that their sustained efforts have created a visible and lasting positive impact on nature conservation in the Kumaon region.

In describing the battalion’s work, the Letter of Appreciation called it an inspiring example of how environmental protection, public participation and national service can be brought together. The unit’s initiatives, the letter noted, have worked towards strengthening greenery, biodiversity and ecological resilience while also empowering local communities.

Dhami expressed confidence that the 130 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) Ecological Kumaon would continue its environmental campaigns with the same enthusiasm and dedication, and contribute further to making Uttarakhand clean, green and prosperous. He also conveyed his heartfelt best wishes to the battalion for its future endeavours and reiterated his appreciation for its outstanding work.

The recognition also draws attention to the growing importance of the Territorial Army’s ecological formations. In the case of the 130 Eco Task Force, military discipline and organisational capacity have been applied to long-term environmental stewardship in difficult terrain. Its work in Kumaon illustrates how soldiers can support conservation, assist local communities and contribute to broader nation-building efforts while helping protect the country’s natural heritage.