Governor lauds Army for restoring Kufri pond

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today lauded the Territorial Army’s vital role in environmental conservation and said the 133 Eco Dogra Infantry Battalion has played a pivotal role in environment conservation since its establishment in 2006.

Speaking during the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Territorial Army at Kufri, in Shimla, today the Governor said the Army excels in disaster management, environmental protection and other activities, besides defending the nation’s borders.

He also praised the Army for undertaking the restoration work of the Kufri pond and dedicated the rejuvenated ‘Kufar’ (water pond) in local parlance, after which Kufri was named. The Governor said Kufri is a famous tourist destination and visited by a number of tourists from all around the globe.

Emphasising on ‘Jal hi

Jeevan hai’, the Governor said he came to know that the Kufri pond was adopted by the Eco battalion that restored its pristine beauty, besides taking measures for its source cleanliness and restoring it to life.

“The Eco warriors of the unit have planted over 75,000 trees under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Abhiyan’ from July 15 to September 17. The battalion has also undertaken afforestation drives throughout the state. Besides, the battalion has also contributed in organising workshops and awareness campaigns on environmental protection, mitigating disasters and other initiatives,” he said.

Earlier, Commanding Officer Col Mohan Singh welcomed the Governor. Dhian Chand, a leading businessman and local resident of Kufri, apprised the Governor of the historical significance of the ‘Kufar’ (pond). Local panchayat pradhan Inder Singh proposed a vote of thanks.

Officials from the Army and district administration, along with other dignitaries, were present on the occasion.