The Himalayan Forest Research Institute (HFRI) in Shimla conducted a two-day training workshop on June 23-24, 2026, for personnel of the 133 Eco Task Force (DOGRA) based in Kufri and the 129 Eco Task Force (JAK LI) from Samba, Jammu & Kashmir. The workshop aimed to equip newly recruited officers and soldiers with practical skills in seed collection, nursery management, plantation techniques for forest species, forest fire mitigation, and the use of geo-tagging and KML files.
Training Details and Participants
Organized under the supervision of Manisha Thapliyal, Director of HFRI, the training was led by Dr. Sandeep Sharma along with other scientists and faculty members. The workshop was attended exclusively by newly recruited personnel from both Eco Task Force units. Upon completion, participants were awarded certificates recognizing their newly acquired competencies.
Impact on Afforestation and Conservation
The Commanding Officers of 133 ETF and 129 ETF expressed gratitude to the Director and faculty of HFRI for imparting valuable knowledge and practical skills. They stated that the training would greatly enhance the effectiveness of afforestation, forest protection, and environmental conservation activities undertaken by the units. The skills learned, including geo-tagging and KML file usage, are expected to improve monitoring and management of forest resources.
Broader Context of Eco Task Force Efforts
The Eco Task Force units are part of the Indian Army's initiatives to support environmental conservation. This training aligns with national afforestation goals and aims to strengthen the capacity of these units in combating deforestation and forest degradation. The focus on forest fire mitigation is particularly timely given increasing incidents of wildfires in Himalayan regions.
