The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps recently brought critical veterinary services to the remote high-altitude region of Tsomgo through a dedicated camp under Operation Sadbhavana. With yaks playing a vital role in the daily life and economy of the region, the intervention proved to be a significant boost to both animal welfare and the livelihood of local herders.
Tsomgo, perched at over 12,000 feet above sea level in Sikkim, is one of the most challenging terrains for human and animal life alike. Despite its natural beauty and cultural richness, it often suffers from limited access to essential services due to heavy snowfall, rugged terrain, and extreme weather. For the communities here, yaks are not just animals—they are companions, providers, and a cornerstone of survival.
In response to the pressing need for veterinary aid, the Indian Army launched the camp as part of its ongoing outreach under Operation Sadbhavana. This initiative focuses on winning the hearts and minds of people in border regions by addressing basic civic and welfare needs that are otherwise difficult to meet in such isolated areas.
During the camp, veterinary officers provided treatment for various ailments affecting the yaks, including respiratory infections, digestive disorders, and injuries from difficult terrain. The animals were also vaccinated against common high-altitude diseases, ensuring protection in the months to come. The Indian Army team also distributed mineral mixtures and nutritional supplements to support the animals’ health through the harsh summer-to-winter transition.
Local herders expressed deep gratitude to the Army for their consistent support and care. Many shared that the yaks had shown signs of illness in recent weeks but access to treatment remained impossible due to remoteness and lack of transportation. For them, the Army’s arrival not only saved their animals but brought much-needed reassurance that their way of life would be sustained.
Indian Army officials noted that veterinary care in border regions is not just a welfare activity but a strategic necessity. By supporting communities and livestock in tough terrains, the Army strengthens the connection between security forces and civilians, reinforcing trust and cooperation.
Operation Sadbhavana, launched in the late 1990s, has evolved to become a cornerstone of the Indian Army’s civic action programs in the northeastern and Himalayan states. Through educational outreach, infrastructure development, healthcare, and now veterinary care, the initiative continues to address long-standing gaps in remote regions.
Tsomgo’s camp follows several similar efforts across high-altitude areas where civilian infrastructure remains limited. Army veterinarians, trained in high-altitude animal care, play a vital role in not just treating yaks but educating herders about early disease detection and prevention techniques. Pamphlets in local dialects and interactive sessions helped herders understand better animal management practices.
The Indian Army’s outreach has also helped in gathering data on yak health trends, enabling more targeted interventions in the future. With climate change and increasing human-wildlife conflict affecting these regions, maintaining healthy livestock is becoming even more critical.
The camp at Tsomgo concluded with a renewed sense of solidarity between the Army and the local communities. Several herders noted that such gestures build long-term confidence in the Indian Army’s role beyond security—positioning it as a compassionate and reliable presence in the high Himalayas.
As Tsomgo prepares to face another difficult winter, the veterinary camp has given both yaks and their herders a fighting chance at staying healthy. Through Operation Sadbhavana, the Indian Army continues to prove that security includes sustaining lives—not just protecting borders.
