In a recent display of environmental stewardship, the Indian Army presented a jacket made from recycled materials gathered from the Siachen Glacier to Tashi Gyalson, the Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh. This gesture highlights the Army’s deepening commitment to sustainable practices and innovative waste management in challenging high-altitude environments.
The jacket is constructed from non-biodegradable waste collected from the rugged terrain of Siachen. This initiative is part of the Army’s broader “green initiative,” which aims to address battlefield waste while promoting environmental responsibility. Such efforts are crucial for maintaining ecological balance in one of the world’s most delicate ecosystems.
During the meeting where the jacket was presented, Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding of the Army’s 14 Corps, received insights from CEC Gyalson regarding a significant clean-up operation targeting the Indus River and its tributaries. This campaign, launched on June 19 following the discovery of arsenic contamination, is a collaborative effort that includes the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), paramilitary forces, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and local stakeholders in Leh.
Gyalson underscored the necessity of building partnerships to support self-help groups and to promote alternative livelihoods, particularly for those in Ladakhi communities impacted by environmental challenges. The discussion also delved into the innovative use of poultry waste, such as feathers from local slaughterhouses, as a potential source for creating eco-friendly marketable products.
These concerted efforts illustrate a transformative approach to military-environmental collaboration in Ladakh, intertwining sustainability with community development and ecological restoration in the region. The initiatives reflect an understanding that protecting the environment and supporting local livelihoods can coexist, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future.
