The Indian Army successfully conducted “Exercise Teesta Prahar,” a large-scale military drill held at the Teesta Field Firing Range in North Bengal from January 21 to January 31, 2023. The exercise, announced through a post by @trishakticorps on social media platform X, involved a wide array of military formations including Infantry, Artillery, Armoured Corps, Mechanised Infantry, Special Forces, Aviation units, Engineers, and Signals. The drill was marked by seamless coordination and interoperability across these branches.
Designed to validate operational readiness, the exercise focused on joint operations, technology-driven warfare, rapid troop movement, and high-altitude combat capabilities. One of the key highlights was the Integrated Fire Power Exercise, where assets from the Indian Air Force and Airborne Special Forces operated in tandem within a fully networked environment—underscoring the Army’s modern warfare capabilities.
However, the Teesta Field Firing Range, a strategic site for such operations, has been at the center of environmental debate. In March 2023, the West Bengal government requested the Army to consider relocating the range, citing concerns over wildlife safety. The request followed incidents where four elephants were killed during live-fire drills—raising urgent questions about balancing defense preparedness with environmental protection.
Despite these challenges, “Exercise Teesta Prahar” reaffirmed the Indian Army’s resolve to remain combat-ready. It emphasized the critical need for continuous training and the integration of advanced technologies, even as the armed forces confront the dual imperatives of national security and ecological responsibility.
