Indian Army Enhances Battle Readiness with Advanced Firing. Ranges in North-East

In a strategic move to bolster its preparedness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, the Indian Army is expanding and upgrading its firing ranges in forward areas, particularly in the north-eastern region. This expansion aims to ensure that Indian forces remain battle-ready in these sensitive and high-altitude zones, a critical necessity given the ongoing tensions along the border.

 Expansion of Firing Ranges in Forward Areas

The Indian Army's Quartermaster General (QMG) branch is spearheading the effort to acquire and develop additional firing ranges in forward areas. These ranges are crucial for the Army to conduct regular training exercises, ensuring that troops are well-prepared for any potential conflict. The new facilities will be situated in high-altitude regions, including Arunachal Pradesh, close to the LAC.

Last year, the Arunachal Pradesh government allocated land to the Army at Mandala and Kamrala, near Yangtse in Tawang. These areas are strategically significant, as they were the site of the December 2022 face-off between Indian forces and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Located at an elevation of 10,000 feet, these new ranges will provide the Army with the necessary terrain and conditions to simulate real-world combat scenarios.

Strategic Shifts and Modernization

In addition to the expansion in the north-east, the Army is also making strategic shifts in other regions. For instance, the firing range at Ayodhya will be relocated due to its proximity to the flight path of a new airport. The decision underscores the Army's commitment to maintaining operational safety and adapting to the country's infrastructural developments.

Currently, the Indian Army operates 24 notified firing ranges across the country, with six located in the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh regions. These areas have been focal points of military activity due to their proximity to both China and Pakistan. However, some ranges have been decommissioned or relocated due to developmental needs or safety concerns, such as the Netarhat field firing range, which has been inactive since 1993.

 Green Initiatives and Sustainability Efforts

As part of its broader modernization efforts, the Indian Army is also embracing green technologies and sustainable practices. The QMG branch is pushing for the adoption of green fuels and green building norms, aligning with the government's initiative to make India carbon neutral. This includes the introduction of electric and green hydrogen-operated buses at the Army Headquarters and the planned establishment of a green hydrogen plant in partnership with NTPC. This plant will power the military garrison at Chushul, a critical location along the LAC in Ladakh, and fuel green hydrogen buses in Leh.

The Army is also transitioning to Ethanol 20 and BS VI fuels, ensuring that its vehicles are capable of operating in the rugged and often harsh terrains of the border regions. A senior Army officer highlighted that the data and experience gained from using green fuels would be instrumental in advancing research and development for military trucks and combat vehicles.

In addition to these efforts, the Army has committed to making all 306 military stations across the country landfill-free within the next five years, drawing inspiration from award-winning municipal practices in Indore. This initiative is part of a broader effort to align military practices with the best industry standards and promote environmental sustainability.

 Solar Energy Projects and Green Building Standards

The Indian Army has also made significant strides in harnessing solar energy to power its operations. A total of 68 solar projects have been established, including one at the Siachen Base Camp, the world's highest battlefield. These projects not only reduce the Army's reliance on conventional energy sources but also contribute to its sustainability goals.

Moreover, the upcoming Thal Sena Bhawan, the new Army headquarters building, is being constructed with green norms and has been awarded the GRIHA 4+ rating, which is a testament to its adherence to sustainable building practices.

 Conclusion

The Indian Army's efforts to expand its firing ranges and embrace sustainable practices reflect a dual focus on enhancing battle readiness and contributing to national environmental goals. As tensions along the LAC persist, these developments underscore the Army's commitment to maintaining a robust defense posture while also advancing its modernization agenda.