Context:
For the first time, the Indian Army’s animal contingent under the Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC) will participate in the Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path, highlighting the strategic role of animals in high-altitude warfare, counter-terrorism, and frontier security. The move also aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by promoting indigenous breeds.
Key Highlights:
Composition of the Animal Contingent
• Bactrian Camels
• Zanskar Ponies
• Raptors (birds of prey)
• Indian-breed and conventional military dogs
Operational Significance
• Bactrian Camels:
-
Recently inducted for operations in the cold deserts of Ladakh.
-
Capable of carrying up to 250 kg at altitudes above 15,000 feet along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
• Zanskar Ponies (Inducted in 2020):
-
Adapted to extreme terrains like Siachen Glacier.
-
Carry 40–60 kg loads in temperatures as low as –40°C.
• Raptors:
-
Used for bird-strike control near airfields.
-
Assist in surveillance and operational safety.
• Army Dogs:
-
Vital in counter-terrorism, explosive detection, search-and-rescue, and tracking operations.
-
Trained at the RVC Centre & College, Meerut.
Promotion of Indigenous Breeds
• Integration of Indian breeds such as:
-
Mudhol Hound
-
Rampur Hound
-
Chippiparai
-
Kombai
-
Rajapalayam
• Reflects emphasis on self-reliance in defence capabilities.
Institutional Role
• The Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC) is responsible for breeding, training, and veterinary care of Army animals.
Relevant Prelims Points:
• Line of Actual Control (LAC):
-
De facto border between India and China.
-
Extends across Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Siachen Glacier:
-
Located in the eastern Karakoram range.
-
World’s highest battlefield (~20,000 feet).
• Bactrian Camel:
-
Two-humped camel species.
-
Adapted to cold desert ecosystems.
• Zanskar Pony:
-
Indigenous to Ladakh region.
-
Known for endurance and sure-footedness in mountainous terrain.
Relevant Mains Points:
• Internal Security Dimension (GS 3):
-
Enhances operational readiness along LAC.
-
Supports logistics in high-altitude conflict zones.
-
Crucial for counter-terrorism and disaster response.
• Science & Technology Linkages (GS 3):
-
Complementary use of biological capabilities with modern surveillance systems.
-
Role of animal-assisted technologies (e.g., raptors for bird-strike prevention).
• Strategic Significance:
-
High-altitude preparedness amid India-China tensions.
-
Symbolic assertion of readiness on national platform (Republic Day).
• Atmanirbhar Bharat & Indigenous Knowledge:
-
Utilization of native breeds suited to Indian terrain.
-
Cost-effective and sustainable defence logistics.
• Keywords for Enrichment:
-
High-Altitude Warfare
-
Cold Desert Logistics
-
Hybrid Operational Capabilities
-
Civil-Military Symbolism
• Way Forward:
-
Expand breeding and research programmes for indigenous breeds.
-
Strengthen veterinary infrastructure in forward areas.
-
Integrate animal logistics with advanced drone and satellite systems.
-
Ensure welfare standards aligned with military operational requirements.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
• GS 3 – Internal Security: Border management, high-altitude defence preparedness.
• GS 3 – Science & Technology: Adaptive use of biological resources in defence.
• GS 3 – Economy (Indirect Link): Indigenous resource utilization under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Essay: Tradition and technology in national security. -