The recent initiatives by the government has focused on boosting infrastructure development programmes in the border areas to better integrate them with the rest of the country.
The programmes have brought new economic opportunities that the populace of these areas haven’t enjoyed so far. The benefits of a booming national economy had mostly passed them by. Along with infrastructure development, there was a need to create sports, recreational, and health facilities. Keeping in view this background, the Taksing Garrison battalion in Eastern Arunachal Pradesh undertook infrastructure development projects worth Rs 1.6 crore to create state-of-the-art sports and medical facilities under ‘Operation Sadbhavana’ for the benefit of local residents.
The projects include a small football ground, futsal, volleyball court, covered badminton arena, and an indoor gymnasium as part of the sports complex. The existing Primary Health Centre (PHC) has also been upgraded to a modern six-bedded facility by equipping it with advanced medical equipment and adding a labour room to cater to medical emergency requirements.
The Army has been executing welfare projects under Operation Sadbhavana for the locals in multiple areas for decades. These projects have immensely benefited the locals and enhanced the image of the Army. Major projects like schools have been undertaken and are today the most sought-after institutions for the local children.
For the Taksing Battalion, executing this mega project in a time-bound manner at border area locations like Taksing village, Asaphila, with limited connectivity during extreme weather conditions of continuous snowfall and subsequent rains, was a considerable challenge.
At the inaugural function, the local populace of Taksing and nearby villages also came in huge numbers to use the upgraded Primary Health Center. In order to provide continuity of medical services, the Army medical officers will be available at the PHC at least twice a week, said sources based in Arunachal Pradesh.
Initiatives like those at Taksing have not only contributed directly towards the Government of India’s flagship Vibrant Village program but have also successfully gained the trust of locals of the strategically important region located on the fringes of the disputed Asaphila area. The Army has realised that gaining trust requires sharing the people’s hardship and taking measures to alleviate their problems. It involves focusing on the youth as they grow up and develop aspirations. Sports and games help shape character qualities and team spirit that, in turn, enhance commitment to national and cultural values while retaining a connection with their roots.
Team BharatShakti
