Shimla Based Eco Task Force Launches Two Day Environmental Reforestation Drive Across Himachal Hills

Shimla :  Reinforcing regional ecological preservation efforts, the 133 Eco Task Force (Territorial Army) organized a intensive two-day plantation drive across designated forest belts in and around the Shimla district.

The environmental campaign focused on restoring depleted forest cover, stabilizing soil on landslide-prone slopes, and promoting biodiversity across vulnerable hill ecosystems. Personnel from the specialized battalion, alongside officers from the Himachal Pradesh State Forest Department, local volunteers, and youth groups, actively participated in planting thousands of native saplings over the forty-eight-hour period.

The species selected for the initiative included broad-leaved and indigenous varieties such as Deodar, Oak, Wild Cherry, and Rhododendron. Environmental specialists emphasized that planting indigenous flora is crucial for preserving local water tables, improving soil retention during monsoon rains, and offering natural habitats for local wildlife species affected by urban expansion.

Speaking during the inauguration of the drive, commanding officials highlighted the importance of continuous eco-restoration in the fragile Himalayan terrain. Beyond sapling planting, the task force implemented protective fencing and arranged long-term maintenance protocols in coordination with local community members to guarantee high survival rates for the young trees.

Educational outreach was an integral component of the event, with interactive awareness sessions conducted for participating school students and residents. Topics covered included sustainable forest management, plastic waste reduction along trekking trails, and community-led watershed management.

Civic leaders praised the Eco Task Force for its enduring dedication to safeguarding Himachal Pradesh's natural resources. Authorities confirmed that follow-up monitoring drives will be conducted periodically to track the saplings' growth and ensure the long-term success of the newly afforested zones.