40 Years After Army Went To Siachen Glacier, How It Maintains Status Quo
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHAfgygxIVxo2HoDxHXZDHHyxVQybXWg3Gz2XZJf9jEvtzQp-7qKQdoVbBiWe3Rtm_hJnM-rQa12wHTKoz7sEoiHCjE5Rup9R4KrLhmNIgLkhYVV5YZpfAOvfSC1jbtakbBsc5L3MJiEEiT0Keh6c9a2XH356snqG_rhbtAw78xPKpasA64VJm8ytWSQ/s16000/Indian_Army_Siachen.jpg)
The Army has also been focusing on boosting the medical infrastructure
in Siachen
New Delhi: The induction of heavy-lift helicopters and logistic
drones, deployment of all-terrain vehicles and laying of an extensive
network of tracks are among a host of measures that have enhanced India's
combat prowess in Siachen, the world's highest battlefield, officials said
on Saturday.
As the Indian Army marks the 40th year of its presence on the
strategically-significant Siachen glacier, the officials said there have
been extensive improvements in the operational capabilities of the force due
to the enhancement of infrastructure in the region in the last few years.
The Siachen glacier at the height of around 20,000 feet in the Karakoram
mountain range is known as the highest militarised zone in the world where
soldiers have to battle frostbite and high winds.
#SiachenDay
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) April 13, 2024
'Four Decades of Valour at the Highest Battlefield on Earth’#OperationMeghdoot#IndianArmy pic.twitter.com/nnHBoIWSZt
"The Indian Army's control over the Siachen glacier has not only been a story
of unparalleled valour and determination but also an incredible journey of
technological advancements and logistical improvements that transformed it
from one of the most formidable terrains into a symbol of indomitable spirit
and innovation," said an official.
The initiatives, especially laid out in the last five years, have made
significant strides in improving the living conditions and operational
capabilities of the personnel deployed in Siachen, he said on the condition of
anonymity.
In January last year, Captain Shiva Chauhan from the Army's Corps of Engineers
was posted at a frontline post in the Siachen glacier, in the first such
operational deployment of a woman Army officer at a key battlefield.
The official cited above said there has been a noteworthy improvement in the
aspect of mobility in Siachen.
'Quartered in snow, silent to remain. When the bugle calls, they shall rise
and march again'
Fire and Fury Corps remembers the Bravehearts, who sacrificed their life in
the line of duty, on the occasion of 40th #Siachen Day
'Quartered in snow, silent to remain. When the bugle calls, they shall rise and march again'
— @firefurycorps_IA (@firefurycorps) April 13, 2024
Fire and Fury Corps remembers the Bravehearts, who sacrificed their life in the line of duty, on the occasion of 40th #Siachen Day
'Braveheart, therefore lives - celebrating 40 years of… pic.twitter.com/tDZJGM4fE3
"The development of an extensive network of tracks and the introduction of
all-terrain vehicles (ATV) have significantly improved mobility across the
glacier," he said.
Another official said innovations like the DRDO-developed ATV bridges have
enabled the Army to overcome natural obstacles, while high-quality "Dyneema"
ropes in aerial cableways ensure seamless supply lines to even the most-remote
outposts.
"The induction of heavy-lift helicopters and logistic drones has vastly
improved the supply of essentials to the personnel deployed in posts that are
cut off, especially in winters," he said.
"The availability of special clothing, mountaineering equipment and advanced
rations has enhanced the ability of the soldiers to withstand the harsh
conditions of the world's coldest battlefield," the official added.
He said gadgets, such as pocket weather trackers, with each soldier provides
timely weather updates and warn them about possible avalanches.
"Recent initiatives concerning the improvement of connectivity have ensured
that the personnel in forward posts in the northern and central glacier
regions have access to fresh ration and vegetables instead of tinned ration,
an aspect that could not have been imagined a few years ago," the official
said.
"Fresh ration and vegetables are now a reality for our forward posts, thanks
to new logistic initiatives," he added.
There has been a focus on improvement in mobile and data connectivity in the
region as well.
"The introduction of the VSAT technology has revolutionised communication on
the glacier, providing the troops with data and internet connectivity," the
second official said.
"This leap in technology has enhanced real-time situational awareness,
telemedicine capabilities and the well-being of our soldiers by keeping them
connected with their families," he said.
The VSAT or very small aperture terminal is a data-transmission technology.
The Army has also been focusing on boosting the medical infrastructure in
Siachen.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has established telemedicine
nodes that provide critical medical support not only to the troops but also to
the local populace and tourists in the Nubra valley.
"The medical facilities in Partapur and the base camp boast of some of the
best medical and surgical specialists, state-of-the-art HAPO chambers and
oxygen generation plants, besides life-support systems. This has ensured that
all endeavours are made to save every life in this challenging terrain," said
a third official.
The HAPO (High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema) chamber is a life-saving device that
provides emergency treatment in medical conditions relating to breathlessness
and accumulation of fluids in the lungs etc.
(With Agency Inputs)
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