Dehradun/Pithoragarh: The protest against the proposed relocation of the 130 Eco Battalion has erupted into a full-blown public movement, with simmering anger now directly targeting Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
On Day 37, the agitation by ex-servicemen has not only intensified but also drawn widespread support from locals, NGOs, students, and grassroots institutions.
What began as a sit-in by former soldiers has now transformed into a powerful Jan Andolan raising serious questions about the “double engine” government’s sensitivity to ecological and strategic concerns in a fragile Himalayan state.
Protesters argue that Uttarakhand, falling under seismic Zones V and VI, cannot afford to lose a critical ecological force like the Eco Battalion, which plays a vital role in environmental protection, disaster response, and maintaining fragile mountain ecosystems.
The protest site witnessed a massive turnout, including ex-servicemen from 3 Kumaon Regiment, local MLA Mayukh Mahar, student unions, and the Gram Pradhan Sangathan of Bin block.
Their unified presence signals that the issue has gone beyond military concerns—it is now being seen as a fight for regional identity, safety, and ecological survival.
Voices from the ground have grown sharper, accusing the government of being in a “deep slumber” while ignoring legitimate demands for over a month.
Organizers have warned of escalating the agitation further, with plans for a massive public rally already underway—one that could turn into a major political flashpoint.
MLA Mayukh Mahar lashed out at the continued neglect, calling it an insult to both ex-servicemen and the people of the district.
Student leader Indra Batiyal framed it as a youth-driven movement, urging young people to take to the streets. Gram Pradhan Sangathan president Bharat Ram called for mobilization from every village, hinting at a larger Jan Kranti if the decision is not reversed.
Veterans, including Subedar Major (Retd.) Govind Singh, reaffirmed their resolve to take the Andolan to its logical conclusion.
Dozens of ex-servicemen, including Naib Subedar (Retd.) Hayat Singh, Laxman Singh, Bhuvan Pandey, Girish Bhatt, Mahesh Pandey, Trilok Singh, Bhupal Singh, Rajendra Bhatt, Jagat Singh, Kishan Singh, and Sher Singh, were present at the protest.
The ex-servicemen’s organization has made its stand unequivocally clear: the agitation has entered a निर्णायक phase, and it will only intensify until the relocation order of the 130 Eco Battalion is revoked.
The big question now is whether the Centre and the state leadership will respond to this growing unrest—or risk further alienating a region already battling ecological vulnerability and disaster risks.
#EcoBattalion #UttarakhandProtest #ExServicemen #EnvironmentalCrisis #DoubleEngineGovernment
