Former Army, Ladakh Scouts and paramilitary personnel have been inducted into the newly formed Environment Protection Force, with powers to issue on-the-spot challans for environmental violations.
BY PC Bureau
Leh, July 4: In a first-of-its-kind initiative to strengthen environmental protection in the Union Territory, the Ladakh administration on Friday deployed 100 ex-servicemen as part of a newly created Environment Protection Force (EPF) to curb illegal off-roading, safeguard wildlife and protect the region’s fragile ecosystem.
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena flagged off the force, comprising former personnel from the Army, Ladakh Scouts and paramilitary forces, who will be stationed across ecologically sensitive areas of Ladakh.
The ex-servicemen have been authorised to issue on-the-spot challans for violations such as illegal off-roading, unauthorised camping in protected areas, littering, use of single-use plastics and activities that disturb wildlife or damage the region’s delicate ecology.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns over the environmental impact of increasing tourist footfall and adventure activities in Ladakh, which is home to several endangered species and one of the world’s most fragile high-altitude ecosystems.
According to the administration, the force has been created to strengthen enforcement of environmental and wildlife protection laws while promoting responsible tourism. Members of the EPF will also spread awareness about biodiversity conservation and sustainable environmental practices among visitors and local communities.
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Besides environmental conservation, the programme aims to provide meaningful post-retirement employment to ex-servicemen. Each member of the force will receive a monthly remuneration of ₹25,000 and will be deployed in or near their native areas, enabling effective monitoring through their familiarity with the local terrain.
Addressing the newly inducted personnel, Mr. Saxena said environmental conservation must remain central to Ladakh’s tourism-led development. “The Environment Protection Force brings together the discipline, integrity and commitment of our ex-servicemen to protect this fragile ecosystem,” he said, expressing confidence that they would become ambassadors for cleanliness, biodiversity conservation and responsible tourism.
The Lieutenant Governor also administered an oath to the members of the force, who pledged to protect Ladakh’s forests, wildlife and biodiversity and to refrain from using single-use plastic while encouraging sustainable practices within their communities.
