Ex-servicemen on war path against shifting of eco task force battalions from Pithoragarh
Ex-servicemen on war path against shifting of eco task force battalions from Pithoragarh
B. D. Kasniyal
Pithoragarh, March 5,
The ex-servicemen in Pithoragarh is on war path in protest against proposed shifting of two battalions of 130 eco task force, deputed in the district from last 30 years. They are demanding the cancellation of the proposed move. These eco task force battalions are engaged in restoring the ecology of the region by planting and protecting trees.
“We are on protest from last 18 days, demanding cancellation of shifting of two central government battalion of 130 eco task force as the remaining two battalion will be economically unviable for employees is those are owned by state government and already owes a sum of Rs 85 crore to the employees,” said Mayukh Bhatt, president of Ex -servicemen association on the district.
The 130 eco task force, a part of territorial army was established by former Army chief Gen B.C Joshi in 1993, when he visited the district to inaugurate Army Public school which also got government approval. “Gen. Joshi, wanted to give employment to ex- army persons of this remote district as he was aware of the condition of ex-ser men from district since they were unemployed after retirement from army at a young age,” said Mayukh Bhatt.
According to agitating ex-servicemen, Himalayan region along this remote district is highly sensitive towards degrading ecology and needs continue protection. “Whereas we needed more eco task battalions, but sadly, the existing battalions are being shifted without seeing the ecological needs of Pithoragarh border region,” he said.
According to Bhatt, over 500 families have been benefiting out of eco task force employment in the district, without which there is no other employment in the district and surrounding areas for ex-servicemen who retire at an early age. “If the eco task force will be shifted from here, not only the retiring army men will not get employment after retirement, but also the local markets will be deprived of Rs 2 crore, the task force employees spend per month in local markets,” said the president of Bhutpurva Sainik Sangathan in the district that is spearheading the agitation.
