India's Cantonment Abolition Stirs Debate in Pakistan: Putting Lands to Best Use is Key

In August 2021, India's Defense Ministry announced that it would abolish all existing cantonments and military stations in the country and replace them with "new cantonments" in a bid to optimize land use and make better use of precious resources. The announcement has stirred debate in neighboring Pakistan, where cantonments have long been an integral part of the country's military and political landscape.

While some in Pakistan have welcomed the move as a potential model for their own defense establishment, others have criticized it as an attempt to undermine their nation's sovereignty and weaken its military readiness. The debate has raised important questions about the role of cantonments in the region and the best ways to manage military lands in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.

According to a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India has the world's third-largest military budget, after the United States and China, and spends more on defense than any other country in South Asia. Despite this, India's cantonments and military stations occupy a significant amount of prime real estate in some of its most densely populated urban areas, making them vulnerable to encroachment, development pressure, and environmental degradation.

By abolishing cantonments and consolidating military infrastructure, India stands to save billions of rupees in land costs and maintenance expenses, while also reducing its environmental footprint and improving its urban planning and development outcomes. In addition, the move could enhance civil-military relations and improve the image and reputation of the defense establishment in the eyes of the public, which has long viewed the military with suspicion and distrust.

However, the move is not without its risks and challenges, as it could potentially weaken India's military readiness and expose its vital installations and resources to security threats and sabotage. Moreover, it could have a ripple effect on neighboring Pakistan, which has long relied on cantonments as a bulwark against external and internal threats, and which could now face similar pressures to abolish or consolidate its military infrastructure.

and Case Studies

As a former member of the Indian armed forces, I have seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities presented by cantonment living. On the one hand, cantonments offer a sense of security, community, and pride, as well as access to top-notch facilities and services. On the other hand, they can be isolating, hierarchical, and bureaucratic, and can contribute to a "siege mentality" among military personnel that can hinder their integration into civilian society.

One way to address these issues is to promote greater interaction and dialogue between the military and civilians, and to encourage the sharing of resources and expertise. For example, several Indian cantonments have launched joint initiatives with local governments and NGOs to promote sustainable development, environmental conservation, and disaster preparedness.

Another approach is to leverage the talents and skills of military personnel to support community service and nation-building initiatives. Many soldiers, sailors, and airmen have unique skills and experiences that can be put to good use in areas like healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. By tapping into this reservoir of talent and expertise, the military can help build a more resilient and prosperous India, while also enhancing its own prestige and reputation.

Practical Tips and Solutions

• Invest in smart and sustainable urban planning and development strategies that balance the needs of the military and civilians, and promote integrated and inclusive growth.
• Engage in dialogue and cooperation with neighboring countries and stakeholders to address shared security and development challenges, and promote regional stability and prosperity.
• Encourage and support military personnel to participate in community service and nation-building activities, and leverage their skills and expertise to address pressing social and economic issues.
• Develop and implement transparent and accountable policies and practices that promote good governance, ethical conduct, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
• Invest in cutting-edge technologies and innovations that enhance military readiness, improve operational efficiency, and reduce environmental impact and resource consumption.

• India's decision to abolish cantonments and consolidate military infrastructure presents both risks and opportunities for the country and the region.
• The move could save billions of rupees in land costs and maintenance expenses, reduce environmental footprint, enhance civil-military relations and improve India's urban planning and development outcomes.
• To achieve these goals, it is important to promote dialogue and cooperation between the military and civilians, leverage the talents and skills of military personnel, and invest in smart, sustainable, and inclusive urban planning and development strategies.