The Army has also been working on strengthening the medical infrastructure in Siachen.
New Delhi:
A series of measures including inducting heavy helicopters and logistics drones, deploying all-terrain vehicles and laying an extensive track network have enhanced India’s combat capabilities in Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield, officials said on Saturday.
On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Indian Army’s presence on the strategically important Siachen glacier, officials said the combat capabilities of the Indian Army have improved significantly due to the strengthening of infrastructure in the region over the past few years.
The Siachen Glacier, about 20,000 feet above sea level in the Karakoram Mountains, is known as the world’s highest military zone, where soldiers must battle frostbite and strong winds.
On April 13, 1984, the Indian Army took complete control of the glacier under Operation Meghdoot.
“Four Decades of Valor on Earth’s Highest Battlefield”#Meghdoot action#IndianArmypic.twitter.com/nnHBoIWSZt
— ADG PI – Indian Army (@adgpi) April 13, 2024
“The Indian Army’s control of the Siachen Glacier is not only a story of unparalleled courage and determination, but also an incredible journey of technological advancement and logistical improvements that transformed it from one of the most formidable terrains to one of indomitable spirit and a symbol of innovation,” an official said.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, he said these initiatives, especially those introduced in the past five years, have made significant progress in improving the living conditions and mobility of personnel deployed in Siachen.
In January last year, Captain Shiva Chauhan of the Army Corps of Engineers was assigned to a forward post on the Siachen Glacier, the first such combat deployment of a female Army officer on a critical battlefield.
The official said there has been a significant improvement in liquidity in Siachen.
‘Trapped in the snow, silent. When the trumpet sounds, they will rise again and march.”
On this 40th anniversary, the Legion of Fire and Fury honors the brave hearts who died in the line of duty #siachen sky
“Brave Hearts, So Live – Celebrating 40 Years… pic.twitter.com/tDZJGM4fE3
— @firefurycorps_IA (@firefurycorps) April 13, 2024
“The development of an extensive track network and the introduction of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) have significantly improved mobility on the glacier,” he said.
Another official said innovative technologies like ATV bridges developed by DRDO enable the Army to overcome natural obstacles while high-quality ‘Dyneema’ ropes in aerial ropeways ensure seamless supply lines even to the remotest outposts .
“The introduction of heavy-lift helicopters and logistics drones has greatly improved the supply of essential supplies to personnel deployed at cut-off posts, especially during winter,” he said.
“The availability of specialized clothing, mountaineering gear and advanced rations enhances the soldiers’ ability to withstand harsh conditions on the world’s coldest battlefields,” the official added.
Gadgets such as pocket weather trackers on each soldier can provide timely updates on weather conditions and warn them of possible avalanches, he said.
“Recent initiatives to improve connectivity have ensured that outposts in the northern and central Glacier regions have access to fresh rations and vegetables instead of canned rations, something that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago,” officials said.
“Thanks to new logistical initiatives, fresh rations and vegetables are now a reality at our outposts,” he added.
Mobile and data connectivity have also improved in the area.
“The introduction of VSAT technology has revolutionized communications on the glacier, providing data and internet connectivity to the troops,” the second official said.
“Leaps in technology enhance the well-being of our Soldiers by enhancing real-time situational awareness, telemedicine capabilities and allowing them to stay connected to their families,” he said.
VSAT or Very Small Aperture Terminal is a data transmission technology.
The Army has also been working on strengthening the medical infrastructure in Siachen.
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has established a telemedicine node to provide critical medical support not only to the troops but also to the local people and tourists in the Nubra Valley.
“The medical facilities at Pattapur and Base Camp have some of the best medical and surgical experts, state-of-the-art HAPO chambers and oxygen generation equipment, and life support systems. This ensures that all efforts are made to save every patient in this challenging terrain lives,” a third official said.
The HAPO (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) chamber is a life-saving device that provides emergency treatment in medical conditions related to breathing difficulties and fluid accumulation in the lungs.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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