At about 20,000-odd feet altitude, with winter night time temperatures in the minus 20 to minus 40 degrees centigrade range, rarified and oxygen depleted air where taking a few steps can be a challenge and where the mind plays tricks… And yet to maintain hawk-like vigil 24x7, the Indian Army has done it all—for the last 40 years. Atop the Siachen Glacier.
Yet, gone are the days of dry and unpalatable tinned and canned food for the Indian Army’s soldiers posted at the forwards posts in the northern and central glaciers. A meal now comprises fresh food and vegetables with a range to choose from.
In the last 40 years, the Army has transformed the Siachen from a dry barren isolated swathe to a place buzzing with soldierly activity, with the efforts in the last five years being particularly outstanding.
“It has been quite an incredible journey of technological advancements and logistical improvements that have transformed the glacier from one of the most formidable terrains into a symbol of indomitable spirit and innovation,” an Army official said.
“The recent initiatives have made significant strides in improving the living conditions and operational capabilities of personnel deployed in Siachen, ensuring their operational readiness while also focusing on sustainability and environmental conservation.”
Since March 2019 onwards, the heavy-lift Chinook has been regularly ferrying heavy military equipment to the higher reaches while drones have changed the supply ecosystem substantially.
“Availability of special clothing, mountaineering equipment, and advanced rations has enhanced the ability of soldiers to withstand the harsh conditions of the world's coldest battlefield. Gadgets such as Pocket Weather Trackers with each soldier, provides timely updates on weather and warn them about possible avalanches,” the official added.
The soldiers’ psychological and mental wellbeing has also taken a leap with data and internet connectivity, which has enhanced real-time situational awareness and telemedicine capabilities.
Movement across the glacier has become much faster and easier with the development of "an extensive network of tracks and the introduction of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)".
"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 official said.
It is not that the development at Siachen has been mindless. Proper care has been taken to maintain the green balance and sustainability with focus on solar power plants, wind, and fuel cell-based generators, and reducing carbon footprint significantly.
To cite an instance, a private firm facilitates plastic waste all the way from the northernmost point of the Siachen Glacier to Tamil Nadu, where it is recycled to prepare jackets.
It actually was a race to the top with the Pakistani Army—about who reaches the commanding heights of the 70-km-long Siachen first. While intelligence indicated that the Pakistanis were planning to occupy the high passes of the Gyong La, Sia La, and the Bilafond La on the ridge on April 17, the Indian decided to pre-empt it and launched Operation Meghdoot.
Four days before the Pakistanis were planning to do so, the Indian Army did it. On April 13, 1984, the highest ridges of Siachen were India’s. The Pakistanis had to be content with only the western Saltoro ridge.
As the Indian deployment of about 300 soldiers changed into permanent positions, the Pakistanis made several attempts to dislodge the Indian but all were unsuccessful.
