Column on Life in Olive Greens

 

LIFE IN OLIVE GREENS: A JOURNEY THROUGH SIACHEN GLACIER

 

 

 

The Indian Army's Existence at Siachen

Exploring the life of the Indian Army stationed at Siachen Glacier, we find that the glacier serves as a geographical border between Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Additionally, it acts as a barrier separating Pakistan from China in the region. The strategic Saltoro Ridge on the Siachen Glacier prevents a direct link between Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and China, hindering the establishment of military connections in the area. Siachen also serves as a vantage point for India, enabling them to closely monitor the Gilgit and Baltistan regions of Pakistan. Let us now delve into the challenges faced by army personnel defending this position against Pakistan.

Geographical Details

• The Siachen Glacier, positioned in the eastern Karakoram range of the Himalayas, is crossed by the Line of Control that separates India and Pakistan.

• Stretching over 76 km (47 mi), it is the second-longest glacier in the world's non-polar regions and the longest in the Karakoram range.

• Winter snowfall in the area exceeds 1000 cm (35 ft) on average, and temperatures can plummet to −50 °C (−58 °F).

Territorial Dispute with Pakistan

• Both India and Pakistan lay claim to the entire Siachen region.

• In the 1970s and 1980s, US and Pakistani maps consistently depicted a dotted line known as the Line of Control extending to the Karakoram Pass. India considered this to be a cartographic mistake and a breach of the Shimla Agreement.

• In 1984, India initiated Operation Meghdoot, a military operation that granted India control over the entire Siachen Glacier, including its tributaries.

• Since then, the Indian Army has been safeguarding this position.

Life at Siachen

• Prior to deployment at Siachen, soldiers undergo rigorous training at the Siachen Battle School near the base camp to acclimatise themselves to the challenging conditions.

• They receive instruction in rock-climbing, ice wall traversal, and crevasse navigation. Stringent medical check-ups are conducted, with individuals with high blood pressure or suspected cardiac ailments being excluded.

• The adversary at Siachen is not merely an opposing force armed with rifles and guns across the Actual Ground Position Line; in fact, no exchange of fire has occurred between Indian and Pakistani forces in over a decade.

• The primary challenges stem from the forces of nature, the unique atmosphere, snow-covered mountains, and the isolation of the surroundings, which take a toll on one's mental and physical well-being.

• Most casualties in Siachen occur due to severe weather conditions rather than enemy bullets.

• Temperatures during winter plummet to -50 to -60 degrees. Frostbite is a constant threat, where even touching steel or firearm components with bare hands can lead to frostbite or amputation.

• Moreover, at an elevation of 5400 meters, soldiers experience loss of appetite, hearing loss, memory impairment, sleep deprivation, and speech difficulties.

• The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has established a specialized hospital to address the health issues resulting from high altitude.

 

• Oxygen, essential for survival, is scarce in Siachen, with only about 10% of the oxygen found at lower altitudes.

• Kerosene serves as a vital fuel for cooking, lighting shelters, burning wood for warmth, and melting snow for drinking water. However, it must be used judiciously to last until the next supply arrives.

• When soldiers venture outside, they secure themselves to one another to prevent drifting due to sudden weather changes.

• Each post has a nursing attendant, and every company is equipped with a doctor. The presence of a doctor provides a significant psychological boost to the troops, assuring them of medical support.

• In Siachen, where everyone wears the same attire, consumes the same food, and shares communal shelters, the distinction between an officer and a soldier becomes minimal.

• Typically, ten to eleven soldiers, including the commanding officer, share a single fiberglass shelter, fostering camaraderie and maintaining morale.

• Soldiers are granted one call home per week. Most remote posts have satellite phones, and calls are facilitated by operators.

• Soldiers serving in the Saltoro range are honoured with the Siachen Glacier Ribbon, symbolizing their conquest of the cold and unforgiving terrain.

 

The Siachen War Memorial, situated at the Siachen Base Camp, stands as a poignant tribute to all the martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Meghdoot, upholding the honour and glory of our motherland. Inscribed on the top of the memorial is the phrase, "Quartered in snow, silent remain, when the bugle calls, they shall rise and march again," encapsulating the bravery of the soldiers.

 

JAI HIND (Victory to India)