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The induction of <keyword id="21291143" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heavy-lift-helicopters" source="keywords">heavy-lift helicopters</keyword> and <keyword id="21291142" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="logistic-drones" source="keywords">logistic drones</keyword>, deployment of all-terrain vehicles and laying of an extensive network of tracks are among a host of measures that have enhanced India's <keyword id="20889609" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="combat-prowess" source="keywords">combat prowess</keyword> in Siachen, the world's highest battlefield, officials said on Saturday. As the <keyword id="19908736" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Army" source="keywords">Indian Army</keyword> marks the 40th year of its presence on the strategically-significant <keyword id="20282432" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Siachen-glacier" source="keywords">Siachen glacier</keyword>, the officials said there have been extensive improvements in the operational capabilities of the force due to the enhancement of infrastructure in the region in the last few years. The Siachen glacier at the height of around 20,000 feet in the Karakoram mountain range is known as the highest militarised zone in the world where soldiers have to battle frostbite and high winds. Under its "<keyword id="21291144" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Operation-Meghdoot" source="keywords">Operation Meghdoot</keyword>", the Indian Army established its full control over the glacier on April 13, 1984. "The Indian Army's control over the Siachen glacier has not only been a story of unparalleled valour and determination but also an incredible journey of technological advancements and logistical improvements that transformed it from one of the most formidable terrains into a symbol of indomitable spirit and innovation," said an official. The initiatives, especially laid out in the last five years, have made significant strides in improving the living conditions and operational capabilities of the personnel deployed in Siachen, he said on the condition of anonymity. In January last year, Captain Shiva Chauhan from the Army's Corps of Engineers was posted at a frontline post in the Siachen glacier, in the first such operational deployment of a woman Army officer at a key battlefield. The official cited above said there has been a noteworthy improvement in the aspect of mobility in Siachen. "The development of an extensive network of tracks and the introduction of all-terrain vehicles (ATV) have significantly improved mobility across the glacier," he said. Another official said 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 induction of heavy-lift helicopters and logistic drones has vastly improved the supply of essentials to the personnel deployed in posts that are cut off, especially in winters," he said. "The availability of special clothing, mountaineering equipment and advanced rations has enhanced the ability of the soldiers to withstand the harsh conditions of the world's coldest battlefield," the official added. He said gadgets, such as pocket weather trackers, with each soldier provides timely weather updates and warn them about possible avalanches. "Recent initiatives concerning the improvement of connectivity have ensured that the personnel in forward posts in the northern and central glacier regions have access to fresh ration and vegetables instead of tinned ration, an aspect that could not have been imagined a few years ago," the official said. "Fresh ration and vegetables are now a reality for our forward posts, thanks to new logistic initiatives," he added. There has been a focus on improvement in mobile and data connectivity in the region as well. "The introduction of the VSAT technology has revolutionised communication on the glacier, providing the troops with data and internet connectivity," the second official said. "This leap in technology has enhanced real-time situational awareness, telemedicine capabilities and the well-being of our soldiers by keeping them connected with their families," he said. The VSAT or very small aperture terminal is a data-transmission technology. The Army has also been focusing on boosting the medical infrastructure in Siachen. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has established telemedicine nodes that provide critical medical support not only to the troops but also to the local populace and tourists in the Nubra valley. "The medical facilities in Partapur and the base camp boast of some of the best medical and surgical specialists, state-of-the-art HAPO chambers and oxygen generation plants, besides life-support systems. This has ensured that all endeavours are made to save every life in this challenging terrain," said a third official. The HAPO (High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema) chamber is a life-saving device that provides emergency treatment in medical conditions relating to breathlessness and accumulation of fluids in the lungs etc. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/telecom-companies-may-hike-tariffs-by-up-to-17-after-the-general-elections-as-per-analysts/articleshow/109240274.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/telecom-companies-may-hike-tariffs-by-up-to-17-after-the-general-elections-as-per-analysts/articleshow/109240274.cms" target="_blank">Telecom companies may hike tariffs by up to 17% after the general elections, predict analysts</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/ather-rizta-vs-tvs-iqube-which-family-scooter-should-you-buy/articleshow/109233645.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/ather-rizta-vs-tvs-iqube-which-family-scooter-should-you-buy/articleshow/109233645.cms" target="_blank">Ather Rizta vs TVS iQube – Which family scooter should you buy?</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/playstation-5-is-now-available-at-a-discount-of-10000-for-a-limited-period/articleshow/109183034.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/playstation-5-is-now-available-at-a-discount-of-10000-for-a-limited-period/articleshow/109183034.cms" target="_blank">PlayStation 5 is now available at a discount of ₹10,000 for a limited period</a>

Indian Army marks 4 decades of presence in Siachen glacier

<ul><li>The temperatures at Siachen can go as low as -15C, making snow goggles and boots a necessity. </li><li>The CAG audit found out a deficiency of 24-100% and 41-100% in Extreme Cold Clothing and Equipment (ECC&amp;E) at two depots. </li><li>“There was also inadequate special ration for these soldiers, affecting their calorie intake by 82%,” the report said. </li></ul>Indian soldiers at high altitudes like Ladakh and the glacier of Siachen are battling the weather more than enemies. Their arsenal is weak too, says a Comptroller and Auditor General report. The supplies of necessities like snow goggles and boots are so low that they are forced to use old and recycled ones. The report tabled in Lok Sabha said that the requirements were delayed up to four years. Siachen is always covered with snow at a very low temperature of -15C. It is impossible for humans to survive without the right kind of protection. Boots, goggles and clothes Between November 2015 and September 2016, a shortage of multipurpose boots, which can protect feet in temperatures of -55 degrees Celsius, forced personnel to opt for recycled boots, CAG report said. The report also showed a shortage of 750 snow goggles on account of “poor supplies” from the Ordnance Factory, Dehradun. The CAG audit found out a deficiency of 24-100% and 41-100% in Extreme Cold Clothing and Equipment (ECC&amp;E) at two depots, where the Northern Command Army Headquarters Reserve of such items is stocked. Food in short supply and sub-standard products Apart from basic amenities, lack of food is also affecting these soldiers. “This defeats the very purpose of constituting the empowered committee besides undermining the objectives of annual provisioning reviews. There was also inadequate special ration for these soldiers, affecting their calorie intake by 82%,” the report said. The report said that face masks procured for the troops as “substandard”. It also pointed to possible irregularities in the procurement of 31,779 “sub-standard sleeping bags” at an extra cost of ₹7.74 crore. A pilot project was also organized to improve housing conditions at a higher altitude for the troops. But it failed, according to CAG. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/indian-defence-budget-allocation-news-and-updates/articleshow/73830979.cms">India’s defence budget 2020 increased 9% but not enough to meet the defence needs</a>

Indian soldiers in frozen Siachen and Ladakh forced to walk with old shoes and worn-out clothes, says CAG

<ul><li>Indian soldiers deployed at <keyword id="153008" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Siachen-glacier">Siachen glacier</keyword> are likely to get home-grown waterless body hygiene products that will allow them to bathe. </li><li>Soldiers guarding <keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword>’s disputed border with <keyword id="1334" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="China">China</keyword> are deprived of bathing for as long as three months. </li><li>Soldiers serving at the glacier find it difficult to find water for personal use due to extreme weather conditions. </li></ul>Life is inhospitable at the Siachen Glacier located at an altitude of some 13,000 to 22,000 feet in the northern reaches of the Himalayas. And for the soldiers posted there, the sub-zero temperatures and the treacherous terrain are the biggest mortal threats, with ordinary amenities like bathing something of a ‘luxury.’ Now waterless bathing products developed by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi are being dispatched to the soldiers. These products can reportedly be used even in extreme weather conditions of under 60 degrees centigrade, <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/soldiers-in-siachen-won-t-have-to-wait-90-days-for-a-bath-anymore/story-mAfeR54TquULnVQL6M8OKJ.html">reported</a> the Hindustan Times. Water Scarcity remains one of the major challenges for soldiers who are located at checkpoints as high as 21,700 feet. Every soldier has to live without bathing for about three months of their stay. Other options like melting the ice aren’t feasible because it requires a lot of fuel. The products have already been tested and ordered by a Kolkata-based Eastern Command that keeps a check on India’s disputed border with China. At any given point of time, India deploys nearly 3,000 soldiers to serve at the Siachen glacier. In their three month stay at the glacier, they have to trek for nearly a month to watch out for enemy movement covering a stretch of 128 kms at some of the most distant points. Most of the checkpoints on the glacier are above 16,000 feet above sea level. While the Eastern Command has already ordered thousands of products, other troops in high-altitude areas including Siachen are likely to get these products sooner. With the latest waterless hygiene products, the soldiers will be able to bathe twice a week. In order to get a full body wash around 20 ml gel is sufficient, according to the report. See more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/markets/economy/the-indian-air-force-has-the-highest-share-of-women-officers-compared-to-its-navy-and-the-army/articleshow/67070527.cms">The Indian Air Force has the highest share of women officers than its navy and army</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/latest/indian-chinese-soldiers-break-into-bhangra-twitter-has-a-field-day/articleshow/67072517.cms">Indian, Chinese soldiers break into ‘Bhangra’ —Twitter has a field day</a>

Why bathing may no longer be a ‘luxury’ for Indian soldiers deployed at the Siachen glacier - the world’s highest battlefield

In what could be called nothing but a miracle at the hands of the supreme power, an Indian solider has been pulled out alive after he was buried in the snow following the <keyword id="1002690" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Siachen-Avalanche">Siachen avalanche</keyword>. 
 <keyword id="3238415" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lance-Naik-Hanamanthappa-Koppad">Lance Naik Hanamanthappa Koppad</keyword> was buried under 25 feet of snow for six days. Even as his situation remains critical, the rescue teams are trying hard to save his life. 
 
Koppad belongs to the Dharwad District of Karnataka, and it’s unbelievable that his pulse was running even after he was buried in snow, at a temperature of -45 degrees, for six days. 
 
"We are trying our best to evacuate him as soon as possible to RnR hospital," an official concerned told ET. 
 The avalanche that struck a post at 19000 feet in Northern <keyword id="42770" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Siachen">Siachen</keyword> was thought to have killed 10 soldiers of the <keyword id="6354416" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-Army">Indian Army</keyword>, out of which Koppad has been found alive, and four bodies have been pulled out from under the snow.

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Indian Army marks 4 decades of presence in Siachen glacier

PTI

Indian soldiers in frozen Siachen and Ladakh forced to walk with old shoes and worn-out clothes, says CAG

Navdeep Yadav

Why bathing may no longer be a ‘luxury’ for Indian soldiers deployed at the Siachen glacier - the world’s highest battlefield

BI India Bureau

Siachen soldier found alive after being buried in snow for six days

BI India Bureau

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