The United Service Institution of India was founded in 1870 by a soldier scholar, Colonel (later Major General) Sir Charles MacGregor. The story of its growth is the story of the growth of the Indian Armed Forces. It was founded for ‘furtherance of interest and knowledge in the art, science and literature of the Defence Services.’
CIVIL- MILITARY FUSION
A WAY AHEAD IN BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE ALONG NORTHERN BORDERS
1. Research Topic. The approved research topic is Civil- Military Fusion : A Way Ahead in Building Infrastructure Along Northern Borders.
Introduction
2. Impact of Infrastructure. Infrastructure determines the behavior of people and infrastructure along the borders changes the options available to the decision makers. In terms of economic development, infrastructure opens up new avenues to industry and tourism, and enhances entrepreneurship. It facilitates the availability of social benefits to the populace and allows free flow of goods, services and information. Thus, infrastructure is the very backbone of economy and is a key pre requisite for growth. Besides, infrastructure has a far-reaching impact in democratizing the distribution of fruits of growth. In terms of military actions, infrastructure or the lack of it has often been a decisive factor in many wars in the past and shall continue to be one in future. Military infrastructure requirements are though peculiar in nature but often can be co-terminus to the requirements of social and economic development.
3. A success story of such infrastructure is the construction of Atal (Rohtang) Tunnel recently whose impact is summarized below:-
(a) Atal tunnel of 9.02 Km length, built at a cost of Rs 3200 Cr has facilitated all weather connectivity to Lahaul and Spiti region in Himachal Pradesh.
(b) Since the inauguration of Atal tunnel in 2019, various tourist activities have seen an exponential rise of 622%, ushering a new era of growth and socio-economic development in the area. The number suggests that the tourist arrival has seen a jump from 1,32,983 in 2019 to 9,60,952 in the year 2021.
(c) In serious medical cases, air evacuation had to be carried out in the past which used to be difficult and expensive. The tunnel has allowed more people to access to better healthcare.
(d) The tunnel has reduced the induction time for the armed forces along the Manali route to Ladakh by four hours besides facilitating induction throughout the year up to the Lahaul Spiti valley.
4. Similarly, the impact of construction of ALG at Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh can be summarized as under:-
(a) Mechuka is at a distance of 790 km from Guwahati and currently, the travel time from Guwahati to Mechuka by road is 18 hours. This entails a minimum of one night halt and in inclement weather, even two night halts. The terrain is mountainous and often prone to landslides.
(b) In 2016, the ALG at Mechuka was completed for strategic requirements and this is now being upgraded with suitable infrastructure for civilian Dornier flights.
(c) This will allow move of locals and tourists to this remote region of the country from Guwahati in merely 2 hours or less. Medical emergencies can be handled faster, and the region can be more accessible to students and explorers alike.
5. The above two examples illustrate that infrastructure which is created to meet military requirements can also act as a strong booster to harness economic potential of the region besides accruing strategic military advantages. Thus , civil military fusion is an essential pre requisite for the development of infrastructure along the northern borders.
6. Economic Potential of the States Along Northern Borders. The states/ UT along the Northern Borders for the purposes of the research are the following:
(a) UT of Jammu & Kashmir.
(b) UT of Ladakh.
(c) Himachal Pradesh.
(d) Uttarakhand.
(e) Sikkim.
(f) Arunachal Pradesh.
7. Current Status of the Coordination in Infrastructure In States/UT along Northern Borders. Currently, several isolated infrastructure projects are being undertaken by several agencies, with their respective individual aims. There is a requirement of large scale coordinated infrastructure development in the states along the Northern Borders to suitable exploit the economic potential as well as boost the defense preparedness of the nation. A few examples where coordination can lead to better results are illustrated below:
(a) UT of Ladkah. The UT of Ladakh plans to construct 28 or more helipads at various locations to boost tourism and also allow emergency movement of locals. However, the same could have been better coordinated with the requirements of the Armed Forces, especially Indian Air Force. Similarly, a few roads are being built by the armed forces for the strategic move of forces which can be better planned, if the local authorities can share their requirements as well.
(b) Sikkim. Billeting capability in East and North Sikkim for the armed Forces is always a concern. In case suitable infrastructure is planned at locations, such as Changu Lake or Lachung in North Sikkim, which can be used for the armed forces in operational situation and can be allowed for use by the local administration to bolster tourist facilities during peace time, the same can meet both the requirements. However, this will require large scale civil military coordination.
(c) Arunachal Pradesh. Billeting infrastructure in the Tuting region is in short supply as compared to the requirements of Armed Forces. Similarly, various government departments and tourists face a shortage of accommodation. In case a dual use infrastructure is created, it will augment capacity in various departments.
5. Statement of Problem. As the title suggests, Civil- Military Fusion : A way ahead in building Infrastructure Along Northern Borders, entails review of existing infrastructure and development of the same by coordination between civil and military agencies for twin benefits of economic development and strategic reasons.
(a) A detailed study of current infrastructure of various types including physical infrastructure in terms of air, road and rail communications, cyber infrastructure, services such as water and electricity, habitat etc needs to be undertaken.
(b) Also, the economic impact of the lack of certain infrastructure needs to be ascertained to establish the requirement of such infrastructure. Simultaneously, a study needs to be carried out to ascertain the infrastructure needs of the armed forces/ security forces of the nation for various military options envisaged in the near, middle and long term future.
(c) On analysis of the above two felt needs, synchronization needs to be carried out and the infrastructure projects having dual impact and fulfillment need to ascertained with clear timelines. Area of civil military coordination will be highlighted.
6. Aim. Aim of this research is to identify suitable infrastructure proposals along northern borders where coordination between civil and military agencies will enable to harness the economic potential of the region and simultaneously achieve military advantage, thus achieving more value for money for the nation.
7. Scope. The research will be focusing on status of infrastructure in these region and the requirements of the armed forces. Further, the areas where both the requirements of economic prosperity, as well as strategic advantages, can be dovetailed will be identified along with recommendations. Best practices from other countries will be studied and incorporated, if found suitable.
8. Research Objectives.
(a) To identify critical infrastructure necessary in the border regions for the armed forces.
(b) To identify voids and gaps in such infrastructure in the current scenario.
(c) To shortlist those infrastructure which are critical for the armed forces as well as which will bring economic prosperity to these regions to accrue dual benefits so as to optimally utilize the exchequer resources. Other critical infrastructure for the armed forces can be funded purely from defence funds while such infrastructure which also bring substantial economic benefits may be funded from other suitable funds.
9. Research Instruments. I propose to use the following instruments for my research work.
(a) Review of infrastructure available and planned based on open source data.
(b) Interaction with armed forces at Command level and State/UT governments to identify suitable infrastructure and ascertain synergy.
(c)Visits to infrastructure development organizations to arrive at workable modalities for developing a blueprint for such infrastructure.
(d)Survey. A survey is proposed to be conducted at four levels with specific questionnaires targeting each level as under: -
(i) Level 1. Officers in the Policy and infrastructure planning in the Armed forces and other security agencies.
(ii) Level 2. Officers in the Policy and infrastructure planning in the State/UT.
(iii) Level 3. Infrastructure development organizations and agencies.
(iv) Level 4. Other experts in the field of infrastructure at the national level.
10. Layout of Research Work.
(a) Chapter I: Introduction. The aim of Chapter 1 is to develop an understanding of the topic. Defining statement of problem, formulating the aim and listing research objectives will also be carried out in this chapter.
(b) Chapter II: Infrastructure Review. Infrastructure Review will cover the current status of strategic infrastructure along the Northern Borders and will examine the sufficiency of the same for the Armed Forces and various options in war and peace. The voids will then be identified and be filtered. While infrastructure purely of military concern will be recommended for construction as hither to fore, infrastructure elements which can contribute significantly to the economic growth of the border regions will be set aside for further evaluation. Such infrastructure elements will be then examined with the requirements of the state or UT requirements and commonality established for final execution. The end result is to list such projects or execution for the benefits of armed forces as well as to spur growth in these remote regions.
(c) Chapter III: Research Methodology. In this chapter, the methodology of research, data collection plan, tools proposed for data analysis etc. will be covered.
(d) Chapter IV: Suitable Infrastructure Proposals for Defence Preparedness and Economic Growth. This chapter will identify suitable infrastructure proposals Along Northern Borders that will enable to Harness the Economic Potential of the Region and Simultaneously Achieve Military Advantage, thus achieving more value for money for the nation.
(e) Chapter V: Survey and Data Analysis. Chapter V will present issues related to formulation of questionnaires and identification of levels to address target population. Data Analysis will be carried out and summary of finding based on Data Analysis will be given out at the end of this chapter.
(f) Chapter VI: Findings and Recommendations. The final chapter will give a recommended model for identifying suitable infrastructure proposals Along Northern Borders for both harnessing the economic potential of the region and simultaneously achieving military advantage.
11. Conclusion. The infrastructure in the border areas of the nation plays a vital role in the movement , deployment and sustenance of the armed forces as well as it is an enabler to promote economic development. Certain border areas, especially the northern borders have a vast economic potentials which has not been harnessed optimally due to lack of suitable infrastructure. Hence, if an integrated approach to infrastructure development by civil and military agencies is taken, it can enhance the security posture of the nation while at the same time providing the requisite impetus to the prosperity, growth and economic boost to these areas. To do so, this research can play a key role in identifying such critical infrastructure, agencies involved and chalking a path ahead to implement the same.
References
2. Para 7 (a) - https://jkplanning.gov.in/development-works.html