Assam government lauds Indian Army's 134 Ecological Task Force

Assam's Minister of Environment and Forest, Jayanta Mallabaruah, has commended the Indian Army’s 134 Ecological Task Force (ETF) for its environmental conservation initiatives. During a visit to the force's headquarters in the Sonitpur district, the Minister recognized the battalion's work in afforestation, eco-restoration, and soil-water conservation.

The ETF, a Territorial Army Infantry Battalion based in Tezpur, specializes in environmental protection. Its primary mission includes combating deforestation, restoring degraded landscapes, and revitalizing wildlife and elephant corridors in Northeastern India. Recent efforts include a plantation drive in the Chattai Hills and sapling planting in the Nameri Tiger Reserve and Sonitpur-Biswanath areas.

The force collaborates with local communities, schools, and NGOs, such as the Balinara Foundation, to transform wastelands into biodiverse green belts. These projects aim to enhance soil health and long-term ecological sustainability through community-led conservation.