A unit of the Sikh Regiment of the Territorial Army marches during Territorial Army Day. (File photo)
New Delhi: India celebrated the 76th foundation day of the Territorial Army. Raised on October 9, 1949, by the first Indian governor general, C Rajagopalachari, the TA plays a unique role in India’s military structure. It comprises various units, including infantry and engineering, which are linked to regular Army regiments. Some battalions, known as “Home and Hearth” units, embody the “Sons of Soil” concept, drawing on local knowledge and connections.
Beyond its military functions, the TA has a strong environmental focus. Ten dedicated Territorial Army Ecological Battalions work tirelessly on conservation projects, including reforestation in challenging terrains, wetland restoration, and supporting the “Clean Ganga” initiative to rejuvenate India’s most sacred river.
The TA’s versatility extends to other sectors too. So, on this occasion, let’s learn a bit more about the Territorial Army.
History and Background
The Territorial Army of India stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to fostering a unique blend of civilian expertise and military prowess. Founded on the concept of the “Citizen Soldiers’ Army”, the organization has, over the past seven and a half decades, evolved into an indispensable component of India's defence structure and a catalyst for national development.
At its core, the TA provides a great opportunity for able-bodied Indian citizens to serve their nation in uniform, particularly those who may have exceeded the age limit for enrolment in the regular Army. This ingenious approach not only augments the organizational requirements of the Indian armed forces but also strengthens the bond between civilians and the military, fostering a sense of national pride and unity.
The TA’s contributions to India’s security and development have not gone unnoticed. Numerous individuals within its ranks have been honoured with gallantry and distinguished service awards, a testament to their unwavering commitment and exceptional service. Fully integrated with the Indian Army, the TA has consistently demonstrated its dedication to nation-building efforts, proving itself to be a versatile and invaluable asset.
Territorial Army’s Roles
The operational commitments of the TA are diverse and multifaceted, aligning closely with India’s nation-building objectives. Beyond their primary security-related duties, TA units play a crucial role in perception management, working tirelessly to win the hearts and minds of local populations.
Some units are deployed in collaboration with the Border Roads Organization and the Ministry of Railways, where they play a major role in safeguarding the construction of road and rail infrastructure in remote and sensitive areas. This dual role of security provision and infrastructure development showcases the TA’s adaptability and its importance in India’s overall development strategy.
Moreover, the TA has been instrumental in promoting national integration. By enrolling local populations under the “Sons of Soil” concept, these units serve as a bridge between diverse communities, contributing significantly to the tapestry of India’s unity in diversity.
Territorial Army and Ecological Conservation
One of the TA’s most laudable initiatives has been its commitment to environmental conservation and restoration. The TA’s first Ecological Task Force (ETF) was raised in 1982 to address the severe degradation of the Mussoorie hills in Uttarakhand, caused by intensive limestone quarrying and deforestation. Since then, the TA has expanded its ecological efforts, deploying its ecological battalions across the length and breadth of India.
The scale of the TA’s environmental impact is truly impressive. Collectively, these units have planted approximately 9.35 crore saplings across 93,443 hectares of land throughout the country.
Their efforts extend beyond afforestation, encompassing the construction of 26 lakes, the rejuvenation of two existing wetlands, and the creation of 700 water bodies and rainwater-harvesting projects. These initiatives align perfectly with India's national efforts to achieve ecological restoration and conservation goals, making a substantial contribution towards meeting the national carbon sink targets and protecting biodiversity.
In the 2023-24 period alone, the ETFs planted 33 lakh tree saplings, significantly advancing the nation’s greening efforts. A specialized TA ecological battalion, known as the “Ganga Task Force”, has been deployed along the banks of the Ganga. This battalion is working in conjunction with the Ministry of Jal Shakti as part of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).
The TA’s ecological units have not shied away from embracing modern technology in their conservation efforts. They have implemented smart micro-irrigation systems based on sensors and automated controllers, utilized drones for seed ball broadcasting in inaccessible areas and geo-tagging, explored vertical hydroponics for troop nutrition, employed solar-powered groundwater extraction pumps, and even used recycled plastic tiles. This blend of traditional conservation methods and cutting-edge technology demonstrates the TA’s forward-thinking approach to environmental stewardship.
Unique Role and World Record
The Indian Army holds the unique distinction of being the only military force globally to have undertaken eco-restoration tasks through its ETF units. This commitment to environmental conservation reached new heights during the TA’s Platinum Jubilee year. On September 22, 2024, the 128 ETF Battalion, located in Jaisalmer, achieved three remarkable World Records in a special plantation drive:
1. Most tree saplings planted by a team in one hour
2. Most tree saplings planted by a team of women in one hour
3. Most people planting tree saplings simultaneously at a single venue
These records, verified by the World Book of Records, London, underscore the TA’s dedication to environmental causes and its ability to mobilise large-scale community participation in conservation efforts.
Territorial Army and Gender Equality
The TA’s commitment to inclusivity and gender equality is evident in its progressive policies towards women’s participation. Since 2019, the TA has been commissioning women officers, initially in oil sector units and railway engineer regiments. Building on this experience, the scope of employment for women officers has been expanded. This has allowed them to serve and train under the same conditions as their male counterparts in a wider range of units and appointments, including challenging field conditions and important staff roles. Furthermore, plans are underway to include women in other ranks within TA units, with a proposal to constitute women-only platoons in its “Home & Hearth” battalions.
The plans are currently under consideration by competent authorities.
Territorial Army and Innovation
Innovation is another area where the TA is making significant strides. The establishment of the Territorial Army Innovation Cell (TAIC) and lab under the TA Directorate harnesses the expertise of domain-specialized personnel within the organization. The TAIC serves as a platform dedicated to niche technology development, enhancement, and absorption into the Indian Army.
It has already developed and successfully fielded various high-impact solutions to address critical needs of field formations, acting as a force multiplier in the field of innovation for the Indian Army and contributing towards nation building.
Territorial Army and Adventures
The recent expedition from Siachen Glacier to Indira Point – India’s northernmost point to southernmost point, traversing approximately 5,500 kilometres through land, air, and sea, symbolizes the TA’s spirit of adventure and its pan-India presence. This expedition not only showcased the physical prowess and determination of TA personnel but also served to raise public awareness about national integration, environmental consciousness, and the role of the Indian Army.
Territorial Army – A National Asset
The Territorial Army has proven itself to be an invaluable asset in India’s nation-building journey. From its origins as a citizen’s army to its current role as a multifaceted force contributing to national security, environmental conservation, and technological innovation, the TA embodies the spirit of service and dedication.
As the TA celebrates its Platinum Jubilee, marking 75 years since its establishment, it continues to evolve and adapt to changing times, thereby demonstrating its relevance and adaptability. The force remains a shining example of how civilian expertise can be harnessed to support and enhance the nation’s military capabilities, all while fostering a stronger, more integrated, and environmentally conscious India.
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