Eco Task Force

The Eco Task Force (ETF) is a unique environmental protection and ecological restoration initiative of the Indian Army, operating under the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). It represents a distinctive model of combining military discipline with environmental conservation, focusing on activities such as afforestation, soil and water conservation, and restoration of degraded ecosystems across India.

Background and Establishment

The concept of the Eco Task Force emerged in the early 1980s, when large-scale deforestation and environmental degradation became major concerns in India. The government recognised the need for an organised, disciplined, and result-oriented force to address ecological challenges in difficult terrains.
As a result, the Eco Task Force Scheme was formally introduced in 1982 under the aegis of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (now MoEFCC), in partnership with the Territorial Army (TA), a voluntary reserve component of the Indian Army.
The first Eco Task Force battalion (120 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) ECO Garhwal Rifles) was raised in 1982 in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, to undertake reforestation work in the degraded hills of the Doon Valley. Its success inspired the creation of several other battalions across the country.

Objectives of the Eco Task Force

The primary aim of the Eco Task Force is to rehabilitate degraded ecosystems through scientific and systematic methods, while also creating environmental awareness among local communities.
Key objectives include:

• Undertaking afforestation and reforestation in deforested and ecologically fragile areas.
• Promoting soil and water conservation measures to prevent erosion and land degradation.
• Restoring the ecological balance in areas affected by mining, shifting cultivation, and industrial activities.
• Assisting civil authorities in environmental protection and disaster mitigation efforts.
• Encouraging community participation and developing sustainable livelihood options linked to conservation.

Structure and Organisation

Each Eco Task Force battalion functions as part of the Territorial Army and is composed of:

• Regular Army officers and junior commissioned officers (JCOs) who provide leadership and discipline.
• Enrolled ex-servicemen and local civilians who execute field operations under supervision.

The battalions are funded jointly by the MoEFCC and the concerned State Forest Department, while administrative and operational control rests with the Ministry of Defence.
Typically, each battalion comprises several companies deployed in specific ecological zones, such as hilly slopes, mining areas, or wastelands. Their projects are implemented in collaboration with local forest officials and environmental experts.

Major Activities and Functions

The Eco Task Force undertakes a wide range of ecological and developmental activities, including:

1. Afforestation and Reforestation:
   • Planting indigenous species in degraded forest areas, barren lands, and along rivers.
   • Development of nurseries for raising seedlings and saplings.
2. Watershed Management:
   • Construction of check dams, contour trenches, and water-harvesting structures to conserve soil and water.
   • Restoration of catchment areas to prevent siltation of rivers and reservoirs.
3. Mine Reclamation and Land Restoration:
   • Rehabilitating lands degraded by mining or industrial activity.
   • Stabilisation of waste dumps through vegetation and bio-engineering methods.
4. Assistance in Disaster Management:
   • Supporting civil administration during natural disasters such as landslides, floods, and forest fires.
5. Environmental Awareness and Community Involvement:
   • Educating and training local villagers on sustainable land use, forest management, and biodiversity conservation.
   • Generating employment for local youth through eco-development projects.

Notable Achievements

The Eco Task Force has made remarkable contributions to India’s environmental restoration efforts over the past four decades.

• Reforestation in the Doon Valley: The first ETF battalion restored large tracts of barren hills in Mussoorie, converting them into thriving green belts.
• Aravalli Range Restoration (Rajasthan): Battalions deployed in Alwar and Jaipur successfully rejuvenated the Aravalli hills through massive tree planting and soil conservation works.
• Mining Area Rehabilitation (Assam and Meghalaya): ETF units have been instrumental in reclaiming coal-mined areas by stabilising slopes and planting fast-growing species.
• Water Conservation in Chambal and Bundelkhand Regions: Construction of check dams and water reservoirs has improved groundwater recharge and agricultural productivity.
• Wasteland Development in Nagaland and Jammu & Kashmir: Eco Task Forces have played a vital role in converting wastelands into green landscapes, improving both ecology and local livelihoods.

In recognition of their work, several battalions have received national awards, including the Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award and the Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar.

Eco Task Force Battalions in India

As of now, multiple Eco Task Force battalions are operational across India under different regiments of the Territorial Army. Some notable units include:

• 120 Infantry Battalion (TA) ECO Garhwal Rifles – Uttarakhand
• 130 Infantry Battalion (TA) ECO Kumaon Regiment – Uttar Pradesh
• 135 Infantry Battalion (TA) ECO Grenadiers – Rajasthan
• 137 Infantry Battalion (TA) ECO Sikh Light Infantry – Jammu & Kashmir
• 141 Infantry Battalion (TA) ECO Assam Regiment – Assam and North-East region
• 150 Infantry Battalion (TA) ECO Jat Regiment – Haryana

Each battalion works on region-specific ecological challenges under the guidance of respective state forest departments.

Role in Sustainable Development

The Eco Task Force contributes directly to India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• SDG 13: Climate Action – through carbon sequestration and reforestation.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – by restoring degraded ecosystems and conserving biodiversity.
• SDG 6: Clean Water – through watershed and soil conservation measures.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by providing eco-based employment opportunities to local communities.

By combining environmental goals with community welfare, the ETF exemplifies a military-civil cooperation model that promotes sustainable development and ecological resilience.

Challenges

While the Eco Task Force has achieved considerable success, certain challenges persist:

• Funding constraints and delays in budget approvals can affect long-term projects.
• Coordination issues between multiple departments sometimes delay implementation.
• Harsh working conditions in remote and ecologically fragile zones hinder operational efficiency.
• Sustainability of plantations requires continued maintenance beyond the initial project period.

Despite these challenges, the disciplined structure of the ETF ensures consistent progress in conservation efforts.

Significance

The Eco Task Force is globally recognised as a unique model of environmental conservation through military participation. It blends military precision with ecological awareness, demonstrating how armed forces can play a constructive role beyond national defence.
Its efforts have contributed significantly to combating deforestation, desertification, and climate change, while fostering environmental stewardship among citizens.