General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), visited the under-construction Thal Sena Bhawan in Delhi Cantonment to oversee its progress. He also inaugurated a new, state-of-the-art barrack for troops in the same area.
Thal Sena Bhawan: A Green Initiative
The Thal Sena Bhawan project, which started on March 15, 2023, aims to modernize infrastructure for the Indian Army. Scheduled for completion by June 2025, this project follows the highest engineering standards. General Pande reviewed the progress and was briefed on the various green initiatives and engineering practices being implemented. These include transplanting 476 fully grown trees, planting 5,790 new trees, and using eco-friendly construction materials such as Fly Ash Bricks and Recycle Wood. The building aims to be a Net Zero Building, featuring a compost plant, sewage treatment plant, solar panels, and electric vehicle charging facilities.
Inauguration of a New Barrack
During his visit, the army chief inaugurated a modern living barrack for troops. The barrack, built using Light Gauge Steel Frame technology, houses 400 beds and was completed in a record time of one year. It boasts modern amenities like a central cooling system, CCTV, and a biometric attendance system, ensuring comfort and security for the troops.
Commitment to Sustainability and Welfare
He expressed satisfaction with the progress of both projects and commended the dedication of everyone involved. These initiatives highlight the Indian Army’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure, prioritizing sustainability, and improving the quality of life for its personnel. The Thal Sena Bhawan and the new barrack are significant steps toward enhancing the welfare and living standards of army personnel, showcasing the Army’s resolve to lead by example in both innovation and care for the environment.
Spear Corps Launches Land Restoration Campaign
The Spear Corps of the Indian Army has launched a campaign focusing on land restoration and drought resilience under the slogan, “Our Land, Our Future, We are Generation Restoration.” The events took place in Agartala from May 28 to June 1, 2024.
On May 28, a children’s painting competition themed “Painting a Green Future” saw 33 young participants expressing their ideas on saving the planet. A special cleanliness event around the cantonment, including the ‘Amrit Sarovar’ lake, also attracted significant participation.
As part of their community outreach, the Indian Army has been actively conducting cleanliness drives. Continuing the campaign, an awareness drive on May 30 included a screening of the movie “Learn to Care” for military personnel and their families. This was followed by lectures and demonstrations on waste segregation, recycling, and reuse on May 31 and June 1.
In celebration of World Environment Day on June 5, more than 250 saplings were planted by soldiers, women, and children. An official statement highlighted that Spear Corps warriors will persist in such efforts to raise awareness and contribute positively to society and the nation.
About World Environment Day
World Environment Day commemorates the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. This year’s theme focuses on “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.” Observed globally, the day encourages sustainable practices and positive environmental actions. Activities include local clean-ups, tree planting, educational events, and policy advocacy, all aimed at fostering a deeper connection to the environment and promoting collective responsibility for its preservation.