PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Pithoragarh
A massive tree plantation drive was undertaken by personnel of 130 Infantry Battalion (TA) Eco Kumaon, 12 Kumaon, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), NCC cadets and students of General B.C. Joshi Army Public School on Wednesday under the Yakshvati River Rejuvenation Campaign. The drive is a part of World Environment Week events ‘Inspired by Nature, for the Climate, for Our Future’, is the theme of World Environment Day- 2026.
In the drive the Rai Bagad area of the Yakshvati River was cleaned by removal of plastic, polythene, and other waste materials scattered along the river banks and streams. Participants were also made aware of the importance of water conservation and cleanliness.
The Yakshvati River is a vital lifeline for the city of Pithoragarh, providing drinking water to local citizens and military installations for years. The river is facing threat due to increasing pollution and human interference.
Similarly a massive tree plantation drive was conducted in the Devkatiya area, led by the 130 Infantry Battalion (TA) Eco Kumaon, in collaboration with the 348 Medium Regiment and the 14th Battalion of Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). In the drive, 1,000 saplings of various species were planted.
The assistant Commanding Officer, 130 Infantry Battalion (TA) Eco Kumaon Lieutenant Colonel VS Danu said the force is playing a leading role in environmental protection and afforestation efforts in the mountainous regions of Uttarakhand. He said that the battalion regularly conducts tree planting, water source conservation, soil conservation and environmental awareness programmes.
