On Wednesday, January 1, the Territorial Army established a new task force aimed at rejuvenating and protecting the Gomti River. The initiative is part of the broader effort to ensure environmental preservation and sustainable development.
Formation of the Ganga Task Force (GTF)
The new task force, named the Ganga Task Force (GTF) battalion, is primarily composed of ex-servicemen. Its mission includes several key responsibilities to safeguard the Gomti River:
- Pollution monitoring
- Patrolling of riverbanks and ghats
- Conducting public awareness campaigns
- Stabilizing riverbanks
Raising Ceremony
The formal ceremony marking the establishment of the GTF took place at the Lucknow Cantonment. The event featured a symbolic flag handover by Brigadier Chinmay Madhwal, the Commander of the Territorial Army group headquarters, to Colonel Aravind Prasad S, the Commanding Officer of the GTF.
Participation and Insights
The ceremony was attended by both military and civilian representatives, including Professor Dr. Venkatesh Dutta from Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University. Professor Dutta provided historical context on the Gomti River and emphasized the challenges it faces. He also expressed confidence in the task force’s ability to make a significant impact on the river’s rejuvenation.
Support from National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
The establishment of the GTF aligns with the goals of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The Ministry of Defence issued orders for the creation of the task force in September 2024.
Significance of the Initiative
This initiative not only aims to restore the Gomti River but also highlights the Indian Army’s continued role in nation-building and environmental sustainability.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary objective of the Ganga Task Force (GTF)?
- A) To build infrastructure around the Gomti River
- B) To rejuvenate and protect the Gomti River
- C) To monitor river pollution globally
- D) To construct new ghats along the river
- Who handed over the flag to Colonel Aravind Prasad S during the ceremony?
- A) Professor Dr. Venkatesh Dutta
- B) Brigadier Chinmay Madhwal
- C) Minister of Defence
- D) Colonel Aravind Prasad S
- Which organization is responsible for the creation of the GTF?
- A) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- B) National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
- C) Ministry of Water Resources
- D) Ministry of Defence
- What role will the GTF play in relation to the Gomti River?
- A) Patrolling riverbanks and ghats
- B) Monitoring river pollution
- C) Raising awareness among the public
- D) All of the above
- Who participated in the formal ceremony held at Lucknow Cantonment?
- A) Military personnel only
- B) Civilian representatives only
- C) Both military and civilian representatives
- D) Only members of the GTF