Army’s animal contingent to debut at Republic Day parade, Pg15

Key Highlights:

• The Indian Army will showcase a unique animal contingent at the Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path.
• The contingent includes Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, raptors, and both Indian-breed and conventional military dogs.
• Bactrian camels were recently inducted for operations in the cold deserts of Ladakh.
• Zanskar ponies, inducted in 2020, are known for their endurance in high-altitude terrains like the Siachen Glacier.
• Army dogs play a vital role in counter-terrorism, detection, and search-and-rescue missions.
• The parade will highlight the integration of indigenous dog breeds, in line with Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Detailed Insights:

• The Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC) animal contingent highlights the crucial role animals play in securing India’s challenging frontiers.
• Bactrian camels can carry loads up to 250 kg in extreme cold and high altitudes above 15,000 feet along the Line of Actual Control.
• Zanskar ponies can carry 40-60 kg over long distances at altitudes exceeding 15,000 feet, even in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius.
• Raptors are employed for bird-strike control and surveillance, enhancing operational safety.
• Indigenous dog breeds like Mudhol Hound, Rampur Hound, Chippiparai, Kombai, and Rajapalayam are being integrated into specialized military roles.
• Army dogs are trained at the RVC Centre and College in Meerut and are vital in various operations.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Atmanirbhar Bharat: A vision to make India self-reliant through domestic production and reduced dependence on imports.
• Line of Actual Control (LAC): The demarcation that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory.
• Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC): A branch of the Indian Army responsible for breeding, training, and taking care of animals.