The first GSI survey of the Siachen

Source: The post is based on the article “The first GSI survey of the Siachen” published in The Hindu on 14th July 2023

What is the News?

In 1958, V. K. Raina, a top Indian geologist, led the first Geological Survey of India expedition to the Siachen glacier. 

This event is of historical and geostrategic significance as it puts to rest all myths to the effect that Pakistan was in control of the glacier since the beginning.

What is the Siachen glacier?

Siachen glacier is located in the Eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas.

At 78 km long, Siachen Glacier is the longest glacier in the Karakoram and second longest in the world’s non-polar areas. It is also the world’s highest battlefield.

The glacier lies just northeast of Point NJ9842 where the Line of Control between India and Pakistan ends.

The Siachen has been an important bone of contention between India and Pakistan since 1984 when the Indian Army launched Operation Meghdoot to take control of the entire Siachen glacier.

The glacier’s melting waters are the main source of the Nubra River in the Indian region of Ladakh which drains into the Shyok River. The Shyok in turn joins the Indus River which flows through Pakistan.

Siachen Glacier also boasts of the world’s highest helipad built by India at Point Sonam, 21,000 ft (6,400 m) above the sea level, to supply its troops. India also installed the world’s highest telephone booth on the glacier.