EDF (Eco-Development Forces) Scheme

The Eco-Development Forces (EDF) Scheme is a unique environmental and developmental initiative of the Government of India, implemented through the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Established in 1980, the scheme aims to combine ecological restoration with employment generation, particularly in areas affected by environmental degradation, while also utilising the organisational discipline and manpower of the Indian armed forces.
The EDF scheme represents an innovative model of civil–military cooperation for ecological conservation, with the dual purpose of environmental protection and livelihood support for local communities.

Background and Origin

During the late 1970s, India faced growing ecological challenges such as deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity, particularly in fragile ecosystems like the Himalayas, Aravalli Hills, and the Western Ghats. Recognising the need for large-scale, coordinated ecological restoration efforts, the government conceptualised the EDF scheme in 1980, during the Sixth Five-Year Plan period.
The basic idea was to engage demobilised defence personnel and ecological battalions of the Territorial Army in undertaking environmental protection and afforestation works in degraded regions, particularly in ecologically sensitive and strategic border areas.

Objectives of the EDF Scheme

The EDF scheme was designed with the following key objectives:

1. Ecological Restoration:
   • To restore degraded ecosystems through afforestation, soil conservation, and watershed management.
   • To enhance the carrying capacity of natural habitats and promote ecological stability.
2. Environmental Protection:
   • To protect critical and fragile ecosystems, such as forests, deserts, coastal zones, and mountainous regions.
3. Employment Generation:
   • To provide gainful employment to ex-servicemen and local communities in eco-development activities.
4. Community Participation:
   • To involve local communities in environmental conservation, thereby creating environmental awareness and sustainable resource use.
5. Civil–Military Cooperation:
   • To utilise the discipline, efficiency, and technical capacity of the armed forces for civilian ecological projects.

Organisational Structure

The Eco-Development Forces function under a dual control mechanism:

Components:

• Eco-Task Forces (ETFs): The EDF operates through units known as Eco-Task Forces, which are raised under the Territorial Army Act, 1948.
  • Each ETF comprises both defence personnel and civilian labourers, mainly ex-servicemen and local workers.
  • Commanded by army officers, these battalions implement eco-restoration works under technical guidance from the State Forest Department.

Major Activities

The Eco-Development Forces undertake a wide range of ecological and developmental activities, including:

1. Afforestation and Reforestation:
   • Large-scale plantation drives in degraded forest lands, hill slopes, and river catchment areas.
2. Soil and Water Conservation:
   • Construction of check dams, contour trenches, gully plugs, and bunds to reduce erosion and improve water retention.
3. Watershed and Catchment Management:
   • Rehabilitation of watersheds associated with rivers, reservoirs, and lakes to ensure sustainable water resources.
4. Desert and Arid Land Restoration:
   • Stabilisation of sand dunes and afforestation in arid zones such as Rajasthan to combat desertification.
5. Eco-Restoration of Degraded Ecosystems:
   • Restoration of mined areas, degraded forests, and wastelands.
6. Conservation of Biodiversity:
   • Protection and rehabilitation of habitats for wildlife and native flora.
7. Environmental Awareness and Community Support:
   • Educating local populations about forest conservation and sustainable livelihood practices.

Important Eco-Task Force Units and Locations

Several Eco-Task Forces have been raised in different parts of the country, targeting ecologically fragile regions. Some notable examples include:

Achievements and Impact

The Eco-Development Forces Scheme has had a notable impact on ecological restoration and community development in various parts of India:

1. Reforestation Success:
   • Millions of trees have been planted across degraded landscapes, leading to improved forest cover and soil stability.
2. Water Conservation:
   • Construction of numerous small dams, ponds, and trenches has enhanced groundwater recharge and reduced runoff.
3. Desert and Mountain Stabilisation:
   • Successful control of sand dune movement and slope stabilisation in fragile hilly terrains.
4. Employment and Social Benefits:
   • Provides meaningful employment to ex-servicemen and rural populations, promoting social stability in border regions.
5. Community Participation:
   • Strengthened collaboration between the army, civil administration, and local communities in ecological projects.
6. Environmental Awareness:
   • EDF projects have generated greater environmental consciousness among local populations.
7. Strategic and Security Role:
   • In sensitive border and insurgency-affected regions, EDF projects contribute indirectly to security and social harmony by engaging youth in productive activities.

Funding and Implementation Mechanism

• Funding Source: 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) of the Government of India under the MoEFCC.
• Financial Support: Covers operational costs of Eco-Task Forces, including wages, plantation expenses, and material procurement.
• Implementation Partners:
  • Territorial Army (operational control).
  • State Forest Departments (technical guidance and site selection).
  • Local communities and NGOs (participation and maintenance).

Challenges

1. Dependence on Defence Personnel: Limited number of battalions restricts expansion to other ecologically degraded areas.
2. Coordination Issues: Inter-ministerial coordination between MoEFCC, MoD, and state governments can be complex.
3. Funding Delays: Periodic financial constraints affect continuity and maintenance of plantations.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation: Inadequate long-term monitoring of project outcomes.
5. Community Involvement: Need for stronger local participation to ensure sustainability beyond project completion.

Evaluation and Recognition

Independent evaluations by the Planning Commission and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) have commended the EDF scheme for its cost-effective and disciplined implementation of ecological restoration projects. The model has also been recognised internationally for its innovative approach to combining military discipline with environmental conservation.