According to sources within the military, the Army is in the process of converting its Headquarters Uttar Bharat (HQ UB) area into a fully operational corps. This transition signifies a shift in focus, redirecting efforts from peacetime duties to operations along the Line of Actual Control.

The HQ UB based in Bareilly serves as a static formation responsible for overseeing peacetime locations and training establishments in Uttarakhand and western Uttar Pradesh, as well as the LAC spanning Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, known as the central theatre.

A corps is structured to include elements from all arms and services, equipped with sufficient reserves to conduct operations within its designated area. While typically organized to accommodate three divisions, the corps' structure can be adjusted based on existing operational needs. Each division comprises approximately 15,000 to 18,000 troops.

In response to increased tensions and confrontations with Chinese troops at disputed points along the LAC, the UB area has undergone significant enhancements. Previously, the UB area consisted of only one brigade and a few scouts’ battalions tasked with patrolling key border regions.

However, to bolster its combat capability and assert dominance along the border, the formation has been gradually strengthened. This included the addition of three independent brigades and an infantry division stationed in Uttarakhand. Presently, the formation is commonly referred to as the Combatised UB Area.

Officials have indicated that while a combatised area HQ possesses fighting elements, a conventional corps includes supplementary artillery brigades, engineering brigades, and logistical components.

The newly restructured corps will command all troops and equipment from various arms and services, including artillery, engineers, and aviation, to effectively execute operations in the central theatre.

According to officials, heightened troop presence in the area and evolving operational needs have prompted a shift in focus towards operational duties.

Officials disclosed that the decision had been under consideration for nearly a year. Transitioning the static formation into an operational corps, officials emphasized, would result in a shift in the organization's priorities.

Now, the emphasis would be on executing various operational duties, while sub-areas and training establishments would maintain their conventional peacetime functions. Until now, these units had not fallen under the UB Area's jurisdiction in its capacity as a peacetime formation.

Officials highlighted a shift in mindset and operations to prioritize the LAC. Converting the existing area headquarters into a corps headquarters was chosen over raising a new one due to manpower and resource considerations.

This move aims to enhance border infrastructure and combat logistics, with the corps headquarters serving as the central response unit for regional security threats.

Image source: Indian Express