World Environment Day was commemorated by holding week-long events by Telangana and Andhra Sub Area (TASA) and Training Centers in Secunderabad and Hyderabad. Under the initiative of the Indian Army “Olive Greens….Defending Environment”, the units under TASA undertook activities to spread awareness campaigns and organized community events during the week commencing on 29 May 2023 and culminating with live streaming of World Environment Day celebrations from Delhi on 05 Jun 2023.
The campaign received major traction as more than 15000 soldiers and their families joined hands to propel the initiative. The Training Centres under HQ TASA organised waste management and tree plantation drives, cycle rallies, plastic collection including cleaning of lakes, etc. The aim of undertaking an event of this magnitude was to spread awareness and also to be a stakeholder in safeguarding the environment and protecting the planet. In one such initiative organized by Artillery Centre, Hyderabad, over 2000 troops worked tirelessly to clear Hussain Sagar Lake of plastic waste.
This event was lauded by NGOs and other support groups in Hyderabad. The units of Secunderabad took the campaign to the citizens. Rank and file of 1 EME Centre, Secunderabad gathered in large numbers to spread awareness amongst the citizens through a cycle rally while more than 1000 troops and families of AOC Centre and HQ TASA undertook a pledge to adopt sustainable practices. General Officer Commanding, HQ TASA, Maj Gen Rakesh Manocha, SM, VSM, complimented all ranks and their families for their active participation and contribution to this noble cause.