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Siachen Glacier

17 Jul 2023 Siachen Glacier

Posted at 10:29h in Daily current-affairs by
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This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Siachen Glacier”. The topic “Siachen Glacier” has relevance in the Geography section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

About Siachen Glacier?

For Mains:

GS 2: Geography

Survey of Siachen Glacier?

Significance for India?

Pakistan’s Claims and Actions?

Why in the news?

June-August 2023 marks the sapphire jubilee of a very important event in the history of the exploration of the Siachen glacier.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

Siachen Glacier:

  • The Siachen Glacier is located in the Eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas, just northeast of Point NJ9842 where the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan ends.
  • It stretches from northwest to southeast and originates at the base of the Indira Col West, descending to an altitude of 3,570 meters.
  • The entire Siachen Glacier, including major passes, has been under the administration of India since 1984 (Operation Meghdoot).
  • It is the second-longest glacier in the world’s non-polar areas after the Fedchenko Glacier in Tajikistan.
  • The Siachen Glacier lies immediately south of the great drainage divide that separates the Eurasian Plate from the Indian subcontinent.
  • The Nubra River originates from the Siachen Glacier.
  • It is known as the world’s highest battlefield due to the military presence and conflicts between India and Pakistan in the region.

 

Survey of Siachen Glacier:

  • The first GSI survey of the Siachen Glacier was conducted in June 1958 by Assistant Geologist V. K. Raina from the Geological Survey of India (GSI).
  • The survey was part of the International Geophysical Year activities and aimed to study the Himalayan glacier systems.
  • The GSI team spent nearly three months at the base of the glacier, conducting various studies and establishing survey points.

 

Significance for India:

  • The survey holds significance for India as it marks the official Indian exploration of the Siachen Glacier, which later became a disputed area between India and Pakistan.
  • The GSI survey provides historical evidence of India’s early knowledge and scientific engagement with the glacier, countering any claims of Pakistani control since the beginning.
  • It highlights India’s presence and understanding of the area before the conflict arose.

 

Pakistan’s Claims and Actions:

  • During the GSI survey in 1958, Pakistan did not raise any objections to the presence of Indian forces on the Siachen Glacier.
  • In 1983, Pakistan unilaterally extended the Line of Control (LOC) from NJ 9842 to the Karakoram Pass, challenging the existing status quo.
  • This extension of the LOC by Pakistan raised concerns in India regarding the region’s security.In response, Indian forces proactively occupied the strategically important Saltoro Heights in April 1984.
  • The occupation of Saltoro Heights aimed to secure India’s position and prevent potential threats to its territory.
  • Pakistan’s claims and actions related to the Siachen Glacier are based on differing interpretations of historical agreements, such as the Karachi ceasefire agreement of 1949 and the Simla Agreement of 1972.

Source:https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/the-first-gsi-survey-of-the-siachen/article67077315.ece

Q.1 Which of the following statements about the Siachen Glacier is correct?

(a) The Siachen Glacier is located in the Western Himalayas.

(b) The Siachen Glacier is the longest glacier in the world.

(c) The Siachen Glacier has been under the administration of Pakistan since 1984.

(d) The Siachen Glacier is known as the “Third Pole” due to its extensive glaciation.

ANSWER: D

Q.2 Which of the following statements about the Siachen Glacier is NOT correct?

(a) The Siachen Glacier is located in the Karakoram range of the Himalayas.

(b) The Siachen Glacier is the highest battlefield in the world.

(c) The Siachen Glacier has been under the administration of India since 1984.

(d) The Siachen Glacier is primarily known for its wildlife diversity.

ANSWER: D

 

Q.3 Discuss the geopolitical significance and challenges associated with the Siachen Glacier for India?What is the Siachen Glacier Dispute?

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