Ladakh: 100 ex-servicemen deployed in Environment Protection Force to safeguard ecology
Leh, July 4
In a first-of-its-kind initiative towards environmental protection and safeguarding Ladakh's fragile ecosystem, 100 ex-servicemen were on Saturday deployed into the Ladakh Environment Protection Force by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena.
According to a press release, the EPF personnel, comprising ex-servicemen from the Army, paramilitary forces, and Ladakh Scouts, will be deployed across ecologically sensitive areas of the Union Territory to keep a strict check on rising incidents of illegal off-roading, threatening the wildlife and harming the delicate ecology of Ladakh.
These ex-servicemen have been authorised to issue on-the-spot challans for any such violation within their designated areas.
The initiative has been launched in response to the growing incidents of illegal off-roading, unauthorised camping inside protected areas, disturbance to wildlife and pollution in Ladakh's ecologically sensitive landscapes. The deployment of ex-servicemen is aimed at strengthening the enforcement mechanism against violations of environmental and wildlife laws.
The Environment Protection Force has been specifically entrusted with preventing violations inside protected wildlife areas like stalking and causing disturbance to wildlife, littering, using single-use plastic, throwing plastic waste in the open and other environmentally harmful activities.
Besides strengthening environmental enforcement, the initiative also serves as a meaningful rehabilitation measure for ex-servicemen by providing them with an opportunity to continue serving society after retirement. Each member of the Environment Protection Force will receive a fixed monthly remuneration of Rs 25,000 while being deployed in and around their native or designated areas, enabling effective monitoring through their familiarity with the local terrain.
According to the release, LG Saxena observed that Ladakh possesses one of the world's most fragile high-altitude ecosystems and is home to several endangered wildlife species that require the highest level of protection. He stated that increasing tourism must go hand in hand with environmental responsibility and that the Environment Protection Force would play a pivotal role in maintaining a balance between human activities and ecological conservation, while guiding people to promote responsible tourism in Ladakh.
"The Environment Protection Force brings together the discipline, integrity and commitment of our ex-servicemen to protect this fragile ecosystem. I am confident that they will not only prevent violations of environmental and wildlife laws but also become ambassadors of cleanliness, biodiversity conservation and responsible tourism across Ladakh," LG Saxena said.
The LG also administered an oath to the members of the Environment Protection Force, reaffirming their commitment to faithfully discharge their duties in protecting Ladakh's environment, forests, wildlife and biodiversity.
Every member of the EPF also pledged not to use single-use plastic in their personal lives and to actively encourage their families, friends and local communities to adopt environmentally sustainable alternatives, the release said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who visited Ladakh last year, I can confirm the plastic waste problem is real. I saw tourists throwing water bottles into the Indus. This force should also focus on educating tourists. But I worry about the local residents - will this create problems for them too? Genuine question from a concerned visitor.
Great initiative but I hope this isn't just a photo op. We need sustained effort - not just a one-time deployment. Also, 100 people for the entire Ladakh region seems insufficient. Let's see if they expand it later. And I really hope these ex-servicemen get proper training in environmental laws and not just act as security guards. The pledge against single-use plastic is a nice touch though. 👏
Arey wah! This is what we call 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Environment'! 😄 Our jawans have always protected our borders, now they'll protect our glaciers and snow leopards too. But one concern - who will monitor the monitors? There should be a transparent system to ensure these challans aren't misused. Overall, a step in the right direction.
I appreciate the environmental intent, but I'm skeptical about giving ex-military personnel policing powers. They're trained for combat, not conservation. This could lead to heavy-handed enforcement. Also, ₹25,000 in Ladakh's high-cost economy is barely survival wage. The government should invest more in local community-based conservation programs instead.
K Kavya N Such a proud moment We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.