Headquarters 24 Mountain Brigade has undertaken a modest project of creating an ecological park in the sylvan surrounding of the beautiful landscape of Umroi cantonment, about 25 kms from Shillong. The project, besides being a step towards improving the quality of garrison life, is aimed at harvesting rain water and generating employment for the local youth. The foundation stone was laid by Lt Gen DB Shekatkar, GOC 4 Corps in April this year. The project nearing completion is expected to store water from the catchment areas and various streams cascading down the surrounding hills.

Explaining about the park, Brig HS Sirohi, Brigade Commander, Umroi Cantt said that a low-lying stream stretching about two kilometers had been converted into a lake with a storage capacity of approximately 54,000 cubic metres. The additional features include soil conservation, ecological balance, fruit orchards and pisciculture. Plantation of trees such as oranges, lemon, guava, peaches etc in a phased manner has already begun.

"Army does not want to make money out of this project but seeks to give the local enterprising youth a chance to make use of the facility". Brig Sirohi said.

"Although the project might not create opportunity for a large number of job seekers, the concept was to give an idea to the local unemployed that instead of taking up arms they could use their skills in such projects", he further added.

Among the other significant activities undertaken by the Brigade is the beautificiation and upgradation of the Eastern Command Aquatics Centre in the Umiam lake barapani on the Guwahati-Shillong highway for the pleasure of Defence personnel in the region. The ecological park once accomplished will truly be a reflection of the indomitable spirit of the jawans and the officers of the cantonment and their efforts to preserve the existing flora and fauna besides harnessing the nature’s bounty for a noble and utilitarian purpose.