In an effort to include civilian members alongside military personnel in various expeditions to promote civil-military integration, the Eastern Command (one of the six geographical army commands, in charge of safeguarding Northeast and Eastern India) conducted The Eastern Command Trans Theater Adventure Activity (ECTTAA-2022).

Flagging-off:

The flag-off ceremony for the Eastern Command Trans Theatre Adventure (ECTTAA-2022) was held at Manan Kendra on 25th August 2022, by the Indian Army's Eastern Command Headquarters. The ECTTAA-2022 was flagged off by Governor Shri Ganga Prasad, Chief Minister of Sikkim Shri Prem Singh Tamang, General Officer Commanding, 33 Corps, and Lieutenant General Tarun Kumar Aich, who handed over the 'Ice Axe' baton to the expedition team leaders.

One of the first series of adventure activities was completed by joint teams comprised of civil and military members, beginning with Mt. Jongsong Peak in the west and ending with Jachep La in the east, all along the Northern Borders in the Eastern Command area of responsibility. Over the course of 78 days, four mountaineering expeditions, seven trekking expeditions, six cycling expeditions, and three rafting expeditions were planned by 19 teams. These activities took place in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh under the auspices of Eastern Command's four Corps Headquarters, namely 4 Corps, 33 Corps, 17 Corps, and 3 Corps.  The program's primary objective was to improve civil-military ties; by reducing interference and maximizing civil support for military operations during wartime and to become a central part of a military campaign in counter-insurgencies as well as to promote tourism alongside both the states.

Objective and Aims.

o   It was a special effort by the Indian Army to include civilian members alongside military personnel in various expeditions to promote civil-military integration.

o   Highlighting the importance of civil-military cooperation, would also help highlight the landscape, flora, fauna, culture, and traditions of the remote untouched border areas, thereby increasing tourism in these areas.

o   The participation of approximately 15 female members in these activities was also given prime importance to boost Nari Shakti.

o   The Adventure Activities play an important and decisive role in national integration by providing civilian counterparts with an understanding of military life, particularly in border areas. These adventure activities would also raise awareness of the organization among people in remote areas.

Flagging-in the ECTTAA

In the presence of Major General M S Bains, GOC, 2 Mountain Division, Brigadier T M Sinha, CDR, 181 Mountain Brigade, His Eminence, abbot of Golden Pagoda, Vimalatissa Bhante, and MLA Namsai, Chau Zingnu Namchoom, among others, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein flagged-in the Eastern Command Trans Theatre Adventure Activity (ECTTAA) -  on 7th December 2022 at Golden Pagoda ( Kongmukham), Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh.

The flag-in ceremony of the ECTTAA-22 had a vibrant display of cultural performances put together by the several indigenous tribes of Arunachal Pradesh and Army personnel. The state’s Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein praised the Eastern Command’s bold initiative to conduct such adventure activities in difficult terrains along the forward reaches of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh with the goal of connecting defense personnel with the local people. He stated that the relationship between defense personnel and the people of Arunachal Pradesh has always been friendly and that such activities will only strengthen that bond. He thanked the Indian Army and all paramilitary forces for their commitment to protecting and safeguarding our borders at all costs and at all times. He went on to say that Arunachal Pradesh has a lot of potential for adventure tourism. With the upcoming opening of air connectivity, rail routes, and frontier roads, Arunachal will quickly become one of the most popular tourist destinations. He also asked the ECTTAA-22 participants to serve as tourism ambassadors for our state, carrying the good news from Arunachal Pradesh back home.

The successful execution of the 4-month long adventure program will also open up new avenues for adventure tourism in the state of Arunachal as well as in Sikkim while preserving the environment surrounding it. It is evident from the statements given by Deputy Chief Minister Arunachal Pradesh Chowna Mein that the Govt. is serious about taking the tourism landscape to newer heights. To this effect, public participation and community upliftment measures are being widely applauded and supported by the Govt.

In relation to advancing the tourism landscape of the region, Government of India is also extending support to convert the holy site of Parshuram Kund and Golden Pagoda into major pilgrimage sites. The rail route from Rupai to Parshuram Kund will begin soon; pending approval from the Defense Ministry. In addition to it, a trekking path to Glow Lake in Kamlang Sanctuary is being developed to attract tourists.