Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 13: Army today said it was committed to fulfill all requirements of the troops and that hostile weather conditions notwithstanding, it was fully prepared in the Icy Heights of Siachen Glacier, located at the height of 18,500 feet from sea level, where snow avalanches also posed biggest threat.
As Army today completed 33 years of its deployment in strategically located Siachen Glacier, having Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan, top Army Commanders have committed themselves to meet all requirements of the troops and maintain operational preparedness under extreme tough weather conditions.
It was on this day 33 years back that Indian Army had been deployed at Siachen Glacier under `Operation Meghdoot’.
On the day, sources said, the Army officials spoke to Army Commanders deployed at world’s one of the most difficult battlefield and expressed their commitment to take care of the troops in the Icy Heights. They also had an overall review of the situation at the Glacier, where for the past several years now, India and Pakistan haven’t exchanged a single shot but both sides continued to suffer casualties in snow avalanches.
Official sources told the Excelsior that requirements of the troops in Siachen Glacier were high on agenda of the Defence Ministry and the Army Headquarters and they are regularly reviewed and action taken as per the requirements. Top Army officials spoke to the Commanders deployed in Siachen Glacier and took stock of the situation on the special day for Army as it was completing 33 years of its deployment in snowy mountains.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat and other top Ministers and Army Commanders have visited Siachen Glacier for on spot assessment of the situation and requirements of the Army. Only a day before, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju had also visited the Glacier and reviewed operational preparedness of the troops with top Army Commanders.
“This is a saga of unmatched bravery, heroism, courage and sacrifice on the world’s highest and coldest battlefield. The dauntless courage and willpower of Indian Army has ensured that the tricolor keeps flying at the Northernmost part of the nation with pride,” Defence spokesperson, Kashmir, Col Rajesh Kalia said.
Siachen sits astride two disputed boundaries with Pakistan and China. It lies in the Karakoram Range in the North West India. Siachen Glacier is 76.4 kilometers long and covers about 10,000 square kilometers uninhabited terrain.
“In 1974, Pakistan started permitting mountaineering expeditions into Siachen Glacier. By the spring of 1983, it was clear that India needed to maintain a close watch on Siachen. On April 13, 1984, a platoon of 4 Kumaon led by then Capt Sanjay Kulkarni (now Lt Gen (Retd)) planted the first Indian flag on Siachen Glacier at Bilafond La which began Operation Meghdoot. For the last 33 years, troops have been deployed on the world’s highest and coldest battlefield and are safeguarding the nation’ frontiers in extreme cold climate of minus 40 to 50 degrees Celsius,” sources pointed out.
They said during long and fluctuating Himalayan winter ambient surface temperature drops below minus 40 degrees Celsius.
“High altitude combined with low temperature and Glaciation, frequently results in blizzards with wind speeds in excess of 100 knots. It is very difficult to move and operate in blizzards as visibility drops to zero in addition to high velocity and chilly winds. The unpredictable and frequent avalanches are among the greatest threats which the soldiers face in the region,” sources said, adding that all possible items are being made available to the troops to face harsh weather conditions.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
