(a) the details of Eco Task Force Battalions presently engaged in the conservation of environment in Uttarakhand;
(b) whether the Government is implementing any scheme at present to enhance the capabilities and efficiency of the Eco-Task Force Battalions through better use of new technologies;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government proposes to form more such battalions in the future in collaboration with State agencies; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)
(a) to (c):Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)is implementingan Eco Development Forces scheme under which it supports six Eco Task Force (ETF) Battalions in four States, namely Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. In Uttarakhand,two ETF Battalionsare currently engaged in the work of environmental protection. These are 127 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army, TA) Ecological, Garhwal Rifles and 130 Infantry Battalion (TA) Ecological Kumaon.
ETF Battalions have adopted several effective measures to enhance the work quality by employing new technology like drip and sprinkler irrigation, root trainer technology, bio and vermin composting, mist chambers, green and poly houses, seed ball, etc. in their work.
(d) & (e):As per information received from Ministry of Defence, it considers the raising of ETF (TA)battalions if State Government, MoEFCC etc.make firm commitment to bear the entire expenditure in respect of the proposed ETF(TA) Battalions. Presently, the MoEFCC is not proposing to fund raising of additional ETF Battalions.
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