Siachen Glacier History

Siachen Glacier History:

What is the issue?

While India and Pakistan have been unable to resolve the Siachen dispute, the new enemy is global warming.

Where is Siachen?

• It is located in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalaya Mountains, just northeast of the point NJ9842 where the Line of Control between India and Pakistan ends.
• It forms part of the Leh district of the Ladakh division in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Siachen glacier height in feet:

The Siachen Glacier ranges in height from approximately 18,000 to 20,000 feet (5,400 to 6,100 meters) above sea level. It is located in the Karakoram mountains of Ladakh. 

At 76 km (47 mi) long, it is the longest glacier in the Karakoram and second-longest in the world's non-polar areas. It falls from an altitude of 5,753 m (18,875 ft) above sea level at its head at Indira Col on the India–China border down to 3,620 m (11,875 ft) at its terminus.

What is the history of Siachen?

• In 1984, India launched Operation Meghdoot to capture the 76.4 km-long glacier on the Saltoro ridge.
• The operation continues till date, making it the longest continuing one of its kind in the world.
• But there has been no shooting following the 2003 ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) and the Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) across the Siachen.
• Siachen is a legacy of Partition.
• While the LoC was delineated and accepted by India and Pakistan up to point NJ9842, the glacier was left unmarked.
• India claims the area based on the Jammu and Kashmir Instrument of Accession (1947) and the Karachi Agreement of 1949, which define the ceasefire line beyond NJ9842 as “running Northwards to the glaciers”.

Why the issue has not been resolved yet?

• Siachen is expected to be sorted out by both sides before addressing the Kashmir question.
• But it may not be that simple for historical, operational and practical reasons.
• India has shown willingness for demilitarisation on the condition of first authenticating the 110-km AGPL, which is the current position on the glacier.
• But Pakistan refuses, which means that once India vacates the posts, Pakistan may try to occupy them.
• India currently has the advantage of height as it commands higher ground, holding the highest posts at heights of 21,000 ft.
• Any demilitarisation without proper delineation and acceptance of the current positions would be disastrous.
• Retaking once-occupied peaks is near impossible.

What are the recent problems?

• The biggest enemy on the glacier has always been the weather.
• The Indian Army has learnt to adapt.
• However, the series of recent untimely avalanches on the glacier and the resultant spikes in casualties show that the challenge of changing weather patterns is new.
• Studies have been initiated to access the rate of glacier melt, and the Army is re-assessing the vulnerable posts in an attempt to shift some of them.
• These need to be accelerated and technology infused to save the soldier.

 

The Siachen Glacier holds significant strategic, environmental, and economic values. Strategically, it controls a key boundary point between India and Pakistan, and also serves as a buffer against potential Chinese influence. Environmentally, it's a vital source of freshwater for both India and Pakistan, impacting the quality and flow of rivers like the Indus. Economically, the region's military presence and operations have incurred substantial costs, including personnel and equipment procurement. 

Strategic Value:

Boundary Control:

The Siachen Glacier forms a critical boundary point between India and Pakistan, with the Saltoro Ridge acting as a barrier to direct communication between Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and China. 

Buffer Against Chinese Influence:

Holding Siachen allows India to monitor the region and prevent potential Chinese encroachment through areas like Aksai Chin and Shaksgam Valley. 

Geopolitical Significance:

The glacier's location makes it a crucial strategic asset for India, preventing a potential encirclement by Pakistan and China. 

Environmental Value:

Water Source:

The Siachen Glacier is a vital source of meltwater, which feeds the Nubra and Shyok rivers, ultimately supplying the Indus River, a major water source for both India and Pakistan. 

Hydrological Importance:

Glacial meltwater regulates river flow, ensuring a consistent water supply, especially during drier months. 

Climate Change Impact:

The Siachen Glacier's retreat due to climate change is a major concern for both countries, potentially leading to water scarcity and other environmental challenges. 

Economic Value:

Military Costs:

Maintaining a military presence on the Siachen Glacier, particularly given the harsh conditions, involves substantial financial expenditures for personnel, equipment, and infrastructure. 

Logistical Challenges:

The extreme terrain and climate pose logistical challenges for military operations, requiring specialized equipment and resources. 

Economic Impact of Retreat:

The potential loss of glacial water resources could have significant economic consequences for both India and Pakistan, affecting agriculture, industry, and other sectors.